MUSIC PRODUCTION TIPS & TRICKS
We asked some of South Korea’s most accomplished music producers if they could give us a tip that they think is most useful for production. If you are starting out at producing or you have been doing it for years, you might find a few of these quite valuable. Expect us to keep this going in the future and release more tips! (Click the dropdown boxes to reveal the tips.)
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[wc_accordion_section title=”Bajan / Vodge Diper”]
If I could only give one piece of advice, it would be how to get one or two synths, one or two compressors, one or two EQs, and one or two reverbs and learn them really well. Read the manuals, watch videos online, find everything you can. There are so many tools these days that it’s easy to become a Jack of all and master of none.
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[wc_accordion_section title=”J-Path”]
You come into realisation after producing music for a while that having a dedicated discipline to make music everyday to train your ears is very helpful. Dedicate your time to train your ears on frequency ranges, dynamic ranges, and harmonic contents. After all, you are making music with your ears first!
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[wc_accordion_section title=”David of DOOS”]
Preventing digital clipping: make sure you are not running your faders, as well as your insert effects, “too hot”, i.e. – going over 0 dB into the red. To solve this issue, use a plugin simiar to that of Ableton’s utility effect and set its volume to -12 dB. Make sure to insert it first in your effects chain before all your vst pugins to also prevent your effects from clipping. This will result in greater headroom and a better overall recording.
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[wc_accordion_section title=”Ecky Thump”]
In the modern era of sample packs and producer loops, one of the most underrated yet most influential production tools that is often ignored is EQ’ing. Be ruthless with it, cutting out as many frequencies as you can to create more space and clarity in the mix!
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[wc_accordion_section title=”Mykian”]
There are obvious advantages of learning some basic music theory and it will open you to much more when it comes to your depth in composing.
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[wc_accordion_section title=”Steve Wu”]
Try to work with [as many] other producers you can enjoy to work with. I’m sure they are better than you at some points!
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[wc_accordion_section title=”Helix Squared”]
The more new music you listen to, the more ideas run through your mind. As for working with a track, layer the drums for a fuller feel.
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[wc_accordion_section title=”(G)ASKA”]
Less is more. Don’t be afraid to delete instruments, samples or effects that don’t fit. Limiting your options forces you to get creative and experiment.
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[wc_accordion_section title=”Ferry Ha”]
Putting a compressor on your channels doesn’t make your sound powerful. Make strong tunes using your VST instruments or plug-ins!
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[wc_accordion_section title=”Aaron Cho”]
The kick and clap should be in tune with each other. When they seem slightly off, adjust using detune.
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[wc_accordion_section title=”Flash Finger”]
Use sidechain compression on most of your instruments (like Nicky Romero’s ‘Kickstart’). Check the kick’s key first, as it will help stabilize and keep the bottom end powerful (refer to Nicky Romero’s kick).
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