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.
AMP Music Lab
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.
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.
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.”
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
Navigating the Mixing Process: A Comprehensive Overview
Basic Mixing Techniques
If you don’t have a basic mixing technique, then you’re flying in the dark. While using your ears is crucial, why fly in the dark when you can turn on the headlights and radar? I understand that learning how to mix can feel like a guessing game until you define what a mix is and its objectives, then establish a workflow to achieve the desired result. Here’s a general scope of mixing. (Check out my music production school to learn how to mix.) Alright, let’s go:
Unlocking the Secrets of Music Theory for Music Production
When I first started in music production, I was making beats on an MPC 2000. I could create some cool 4-measure loops, but they quickly became repetitive and boring when played over and over again. It wasn’t until I learned music theory that my tracks started to sound more musically interesting and dynamic. Understanding music theory opened up a whole new world of possibilities for my music.
Discovering the Piano: Exploring the 12 Notes of the Octave
When I first started writing songs on the piano, I’d get vertigo every time I looked at the keys. It all seemed so confusing and like a completely different language. But once you understand the notes of the octave, it really isn’t as confusing as I had first thought. In this article, I’ll break down the octave for those getting piano vertigo like I did when I first started.
Preparing Audio Tracks for Mastering
Mastering is the final step in the music production process where audio tracks are polished and optimized for distribution across various platforms. Proper preparation of audio tracks is crucial to ensure the mastering engineer can work efficiently and effectively. Here are key considerations when preparing audio tracks for mastering
How Professional Music is Created and You Achieve It
In our Professional Music Production Pipeline, a song undergoes a transformative journey through five key stages before it’s ready for commercial release. This structured process is crucial in creating high-quality music, whether you’re an industry professional or a bedroom artist. Let’s break down how it all works and how our AMP Music Production Training Program can equip you with the skills needed to master each stage.