How do you get started producing?

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-- How do you get started producing?

Posted by kush paintings on Jul-04-2005 18:41:

How do you get started producing?

I would like to start dabbling with producing, but I have no idea where to even begin. I don't want to go out and buy a ton of software and instruments and then find out I really don't like it. So, my question is how should I begin. What software should I start with, preferably an easy to use program? Also, if you have any helpful hints on how you started your first songs I would love to hear that too. Thank you.

Posted by linkmage on Jul-04-2005 19:00:

how old are you?

Posted by kush paintings on Jul-04-2005 19:21:

Posted by dannyc on Jul-04-2005 19:27:

before you buy any hardware or software ask yourself one question. why am i doing this? if like most of us here you wanna do it because you love music and feel you could express yourself through creating your own music to give to others then it doesnt really matter what software program you start with because you'll be dedicated enough to stick with it.

if on the other hand your doing it for other reasons like financial gain then forget about it.

p.s. i started with reason and feel it was a wise choice.
best of luck hope this helps.

Posted by Alekos on Jul-04-2005 19:34:

PC user-
Fruityloops
Reason 3
Cubase
Sonar
Mac user-
Logic 7
Reason 3
Ableton Live

Posted by kush paintings on Jul-04-2005 19:37:

Tahnk you for the help so far. I don't think it would be wise to get into producing EDM for money, but maybe I'm wrong. Anyways, thank you for the software suggestions. The thing is I feel a little overwhelmed when I open some of these up. I don't really know where to begin. I fthere is anybody with a lot of patience out there, I would be very gratefull.

Posted by Project 7 on Jul-04-2005 19:52:

Demos are the answer....

My advice would be to start out simple, i started with mtv generator in 99 and in 2000 moved onto Ejay, 2003 FL, 2004 Cubase...

Posted by kush paintings on Jul-04-2005 23:25:

That's exactly what I'm looking for. Thank you very much for the post.

Posted by fabio_trevez on Jul-04-2005 23:46:

just don't get hooked on software. Music production is more about to express feelings so others can feel it too, specially trance music which is like story-telling.
the first step is learn about how to structure a track, then an overview of the producction process from the very fist ideas to writting and so on to mastering, after that you can worry about what kind of software you need.

Posted by kush paintings on Jul-05-2005 00:41:

Where could I find said overview?

Posted by DJ Kenosis on Jul-05-2005 01:34:

first, start here to get a general overview:
http://www.tranceaddict.com/forums/...threadid=211241

Trance utilizes synths for leads, countermelodies, etc.
Go here: http://www.tranceaddict.com/forums/...threadid=233907

Pro 53 is used by a lot of people (not quite so much for me: I'm a Vanguard whore). Go here for a good Pro 53 tutorial http://www.angelfire.com/electronic...rial_index.html

...or maybe you want to use Superwave P8
http://www.tranceaddict.com/forums/...=%22supersaw%22

That should get you started.

Posted by Digital Aura on Jul-05-2005 02:50:

There's some good advice here for once!

1/ You'll probably need a proper soundcard which I dont think was mentioned. An Audigy is fine but I'd recommend an Audiophile 24/96...they're pretty cheap now and the drivers are rock solid. Good sounding card too.

2/ Then, download a demo or two of a music production software bundle like Project5 or FruityLoops or Reason.

3/ You can live without a midi controller (a piano keyboard that hooks into your soundcard to input the music that you play) but I don't recommend it. You can grab a decent cheap midi controller like the EMU Xboard 25 or an Edirol board for a good price. Check Ebay..sometimes theres a good deal on slightly used or new. (Look for some decent --not cheap-- monitor speakers too, as soon you'll notice that your stuff isnt stacking up to the competition without something practical in regards to speakers to mix your stuff in. But speakers can wait till later!)

4/ go here to download some synths (assuming you're not using REASON) --->http://www.kvraudio.com
Look in there for the freeware synths like SuperwaveP8, freealpha, Triangle, and others mentioned above.

5/ Read up on analog synthesis. GOOGLE that. It's pretty important to have some basic fundamentals under your belt. Also try to do some reading on sound, waveforms, harmonics, etc. Its all good stuff to know...but don't get worried about all of it...it'll come but it takes at least a year or so to even begin to get most of it.

That's really it. Just experiment with this set up and you'll soon find your way...you'll begin to grow and develop your own preferences and your studio will grow with you. "Hey..I need another screen or I need better speakers, etc"

G'luck! A word of caution... these guys in here will be ready to bust your balls, but stick around. There's some good advice and music to be had by these fellas!

Posted by Aquarian on Jul-05-2005 04:26:

quote:
Originally posted by kush paintings
Tahnk you for the help so far. I don't think it would be wise to get into producing EDM for money, but maybe I'm wrong. Anyways, thank you for the software suggestions. The thing is I feel a little overwhelmed when I open some of these up. I don't really know where to begin. I fthere is anybody with a lot of patience out there, I would be very gratefull.

Reminds me of the first time I opened a program.

"What the hell do all these do?"

But after a few days of twisting every knob I could find, I started to learn my way.

Posted by Takkra on Jul-05-2005 17:09:

I would recommend starting with Fruityloops.. just like I did..
I think its the most synoptic producing program around. every button does what it says and nothing else, not much technical words, only simple; On Off Play Paste Cut Pianoroll style buttons.
In the beginning I didn't know what all buttons did.. but you will find out by just turning and pressing them and you w�ll go all OMG this is the best thing ever @ the first song you make, while the song actually completely sucks, just like mine did.. but if you have a good idea that's pretty much 75% of a good track Experiment and do a little bit of reading, or experiment ALOT if you don't like reading.

Good luck w/ producing