The mixing process can be confusing at first. People always ask me, “When should I EQ? When and how do I compress?” It’s like cooking chicken. Yep, it’s like chicken. When you cook chicken, first, you clean the chicken. Then you flavor it. Let me simplify the process for you.
Travis Dempsey
The Music Industry: Understanding its Dynamics and Key Players
The music industry is a vast and intricate ecosystem that encompasses a diverse array of stakeholders, technologies, and revenue streams. Understanding how it works requires an exploration of its various components and the interactions between them. Key Players in the Music Industry Artists and Musicians At the heart of the music industry are the artists … Read more
Overview of Music Copyrights
When songwriters first encounter the concept of copyright, their immediate reaction is often to think, “I need to protect my work so no one steals my music.” However, I’d stress that copyright infringement is more of a “rich-man’s game,” similar to commercial real estate. Instead, I encourage you to focus on understanding copyright for the future purpose of licensing your music to other artists or for use in TV and film through sync and master use licensing. (More on that in another post on this blog.) For now, let’s break down music copyright and the “two sides.”
Learn Music Production Online: The Importance of Foundational Knowledge
When songwriters, producers, or engineers first start out, they often dive headfirst into YouTube tutorials. While these videos can be helpful, they usually offer a mechanical approach to advanced audio processes like compression, vocal recording, or mixing. Typically, these tutorials provide a step-by-step guide: load this, set this parameter, turn that knob, and so forth. This method can only take you so far.
Understanding Signal Flow: From Needle to Dancefloor
For beginners, the array of buttons, knobs, pads, and software settings on DJ equipment can be overwhelming. At AMP Music Lab, our DJ training program has helped over a thousand DJs get started and overcome the learning curve since 2015.
Evolution of Sequencing: TR-808 Patterns, Songs, and Modern DAW Workflows
This article delves into the foundational concepts of patterns and songs introduced by the iconic Roland TR-808 drum machine, tracing their evolution and significant influence on contemporary Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). We explore how FL Studio, a leading DAW, incorporates the paradigm of patterns and songs, highlighting the enduring impact of classic sequencers on the design and functionality of modern music production tools.
Milestones in Recording Technology
The history of recording arts is marked by significant milestones in technology that have revolutionized the way we capture, manipulate, and reproduce sound. These breakthroughs have not only transformed the recording process itself but have also paved the way for entirely new possibilities in music production.
Understanding Professional Recording Studios: The Foundation for Using DAW Software
To effectively use music-making software like GarageBand, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, Studio One, Audacity, and Adobe Audition, it’s crucial to understand how a professional recording studio operates. Your DAW software is essentially a digital version of a professional studio. Here’s an overview of the three main spaces in a professional studio:
Exploring Mic Placement Techniques for Optimal Recording
Some recording artists who want to record and mix their original music think that simply getting a mic and setting it up is sufficient. While it’s true that artists should learn how to record and mix vocals and build a home studio, there are several key factors to consider before hitting record.
Exploring Mixing Approaches: Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up
When I first started mixing, I was always using a top-down approach, even though I didn’t know it had a name. That’s probably what you’re doing too. However, I’ve found that mixing bottom-up is incredibly beneficial and can change your perspective on balance and blend. Personally, I use a hybrid approach, but understanding the bottom-up method will revolutionize your mixing process. In this post, I’ll explain what these approaches are and why they’re important.