I'm not very experienced in production, I've only made a couple hip hop songs and a couple cheesy sounding techno songs with fruity loops, but I was wonderin...

If I am sitting in class or laying in bed sometimes I can make some awesome sounding songs in my head... But I usually forget them by the time I get to my computer. Other times I do get to a computer, and either can't get the song to come out at all or it sounds like garbage.

So what is the hardest part of professional production, thinking up the song, or translating onto your computer? Is what I have a talent? or is it something anyone is able to do but only a few are able to make the song?

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Squeekz - Tranceholism (1 hour set)
Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/rjm1qw

How much musical training do you have? Play any instruments?

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cryophonik.com | facebook | soundcloud

Sonar Platinum | Ableton Live 9 | Logic Pro X | Access Virus TI2 Keyboard | Kurzweil PC3X | Nord Lead 4R | NI Maschine

I would say that yes coming up with the song is the hardest part of being a musician. [Maby this is why trance is so easy, because it contains no musical quality? :P] Actually getting it down in a program is fairly easy, for me at least. This part depends on your skill with what ever programs you use. Whether you can or cannot use the program you have, has no significance as to whether or not you can come up with a nice musical piece.

I think the concept of "its something you just have" is an invalid idea for people who either, want to make themselves look better, or people who suck but don't want to actually be held liable for their sucking. Anyone who is sane has the ability to learn how to make music. There is no outstanding trait or mannerism that gives someone an advantage, that others do not have. Period.

Bruce Lee wasn't a good fighter because he had some magical trait about him, he was good because he practiced.

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i'm the alchemist without the cyst without a doubt out of the mist
dig out the grout expose the pest to take it out without the rest

they will attest my patients restorations from the best

i'm from the west i'm not an acmeist only the alchemist

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik How much musical training do you have? Play any instruments?

I have an understanding of the basic elements of music, I took piano lessons and played percussion for band in middle school, started playin around with programs like ableton and fruity loops for the last few years, started DJ'ing with Traktor within the last year.

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Squeekz - Tranceholism (1 hour set)
Download link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/rjm1qw

quote:

Originally posted by DjSqueekz If I am sitting in class or laying in bed sometimes I can make some awesome sounding songs in my head... But I usually forget them by the time I get to my computer. Other times I do get to a computer, and either can't get the song to come out at all or it sounds like garbage.

I disagree with above poster....this is the easy part, and how people generally underestimate production. This is how all the DJ's who want to produce feel, "Man, I have the most amazing compositions in my head, all it takes is someone technical to translate them into actual tracks". Well guess what, that translation is where the actual skill is involved, most people can dream beautiful dreams.

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All rhythm evolves around a kick...

except for some exceptions where a producer is extremely talented and has access to the right help, i would generally say it takes 10 years to become a professional(caliber). This is just a generalization that seems to apply to most and it is supported by a few studies i unfortunately can't locate right now. Your question is a little redundant in that as soon as you open the program , you are producing. This is why I assume you mean to produce for a living and i think you should accept that the time it takes to reach that level of competency is rather large and I would forget about becoming an instant star. Having said that , most "stars" that become known really soon always have an unhealthy attitude in regards to "odds" which allows them to take risks most sane people wouldn't take. So there you go. Odds are you won't make it but that doesn't mean you can't try.

don't read all these comments, just quit

The hardest part is by far getting your ideas translated musically. There are 8 million different ways to do things, even for the same idea in your head. So you can see as how it can be a tremendous mind fuck.

Also when you do reach a high caliber level of production you have to keep reinventing your style and sound or people lose interest. So it's all about learning basic methods of operation and then compounding those into advanced ones.

And what the dude above said about people who become stars quick, they basically have no life, an obsession with success and a huge passion for the music. There is no short changing the time needed to get there, it's just some people put in their thousands of hours in a year instead of ten. Hope that makes sense.

One of the hardest parts is being objective enough with your own work, to be aware of the actual quality behind what you`ve made.

Its easy to pick on other peoples tracks, but not so easy to pick on your own , as your opinion will be extremely biased for your own music.

So basically being aware of the things that needs to be done in order to fully complete your track, is a skill that takes years and years to obtain, and to do that you have to just keep making music.

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http://soundcloud.com/subtara

quote:

Originally posted by DjSqueekz I have an understanding of the basic elements of music, I took piano lessons and played percussion for band in middle school,...

Then, you're probably already several steps ahead of most new EDM producers. Getting ideas from your head into your computer is much easier once you understand the basic elements of music and know your way around a keyboard/piano roll. Having the ability to hear an existing piece of music and quickly figure out the melody and chord progressions (in other words, developing your ear training skills) is another important skill that will help you get ideas from your head into your DAW. Learning the fundamentals of music theory (keys, scales/modes) will accelerate that process.

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cryophonik.com | facebook | soundcloud

Sonar Platinum | Ableton Live 9 | Logic Pro X | Access Virus TI2 Keyboard | Kurzweil PC3X | Nord Lead 4R | NI Maschine

it's not that easy to translate what is in your head to work into a track. For example in "your head" you can have a two bar hook or lead...but in reality you need to make a full track with good progression. My problem is not coming up with the main leads its just the progression to fill up the track and keep it interesting. this is where all the skill and comes into play. Mixing techniques are a huge part of progression...I dont mean just getting elements to sound right but creative mixing..as in making a track sound "fresh and new". So all in all, I think you should have a go at it and practice...and if you are like me and end up 8 years later with no releases but still have the motivation to keep on gong then you can do it. Its all about making music you love and feeling good about it.

So go for it. you never know till you try. It's a HUGE learing curve but hey what isn't.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmzA-YUjR30

maybe steven tyler has the answer you are looking for