As we say goodbye to 2024, we look back to some of the best content on the RepostExchange ‘In The Studio’ blog series as created by the RepostExchange community. We’ve selected the best advice for music production, from the studio to the mix, these artists have shared their top tips, challenges, favourite tools, and how RepostExchange has impacted their music careers!

Top Tips for Producing Music

• Start with Inspiration: Toby Gad recommends not starting a song until a lyric or hook feels song-worthy, ensuring it becomes memorable from the beginning.
• Simplicity in Elements: DJ Manjit advises sticking to a few impactful elements in your track to avoid clutter and make the mix cleaner.
• Capture the Moment: CH!MES recommends completing a song in one session to capture the emotional energy and mood of the moment.
• Listen at Low Volume: OGI Feel the Beat uses low-volume monitoring as a final test to ensure balance across all instruments.
• Structured Workflow: Martha Dark highlights the importance of a systematic workflow, using tools like Maschine MK3 to refine loops and create distinctive arrangements.
• Use Personalised Ambience: CH!MES suggests adding personal recordings as background ambience for a unique touch.

Overcoming Challenges

Writer’s Block:

• DJ Sinjin leans on pre-production focus and sometimes gets feedback from family to determine if a track feels "done".
• CH!MES fights through by continuing to create, even if the idea isn't perfect, as finishing ideas opens space for better ones later.

• Time Management:
• Liquidfive finds balance by viewing music as a hobby, reducing stress when things don't work as planned.
• Martha Dark tackles balancing a full-time job with music production through effective session planning.
• OGI Feel the Beat manages a busy schedule by layering production under a master bus, speeding up workflow.

Best Tools for Production

Favorite DAWs:

• Ableton Live: Loved for its versatility and suitability for electronic music, used by DJ Manjit and Liquidfive.
• Logic Pro: Preferred by Martha Dark and Toby Gad for its comprehensive production capabilities.
• Acid Pro: Preferred by OGI Feel the Beat and Dreaming While Awake for its intuitive and efficient workflow.

Software Plugins:

• Serum: A favourite for sound design due to its versatility.
• iZotope Ozone: Common for mastering, used by many of our members.
• RC-20 Retro Color: Martha Dark uses it to add texture and character to tracks.
• Unique Tools: DJ Manjit highlights VSX headphones for mix testing in various environments.

Advice They Wish They Knew Earlier

• Collaboration Is Key: Toby Gad learned the importance of teamwork, which he credits as drastically improving his production results.
• Patience and Self-Belief: Liquidfive stressed the importance of patience and trusting the creative process.
• Focus on Quality: Dreaming While Awake reflects on the value of slowing down to produce higher-quality music.
• Streamlined Workflow: Martha Dark emphasises the importance of refining workflow and arrangement early in your production journey.

RepostExchange’s Impact

• Networking and Feedback: DJ Sinjin and Martha Dark said they value RepostExchange for connecting with like-minded artists and gaining constructive feedback.
• Audience Growth: CH!MES and Liquidfive credit RepostExchange with helping them reach new listeners and test out new genres.
• Inspiration: Dreaming While Awake and Martha Dark use the platform to discover new music, enhancing their creative processes.