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Alan Mendoza's Musical Journey

Introduction to Alan Mendoza

• Alan Mendoza introduces himself and mentions his project "Apo," which he used for music production.

• He shares a backstory about his friend from a previous collaborative group called "Royalty" that disbanded, leading to feelings of sadness.

Transition into Music Production

• After his friend's experience, Alan decides to help him and begins exploring music production seriously.

• He has been actively working in music production for approximately three and a half years, starting during the pandemic.

Influences and Inspirations

• Alan identifies three key producers who influenced his work: an unnamed Argentine producer, Jessan, and another artist known for reggaeton.

• His musical taste evolved during adolescence, particularly influenced by the Argentine trap movement and artists like Duki.

Development of Personal Style

• While initially drawn to rap and hip-hop culture, he found inspiration in the emergence of trap artists in Argentina.

• His current influences lean more towards reggaeton but acknowledge the foundational impact of trap on his style.

Creative Process in Music Production

• Alan describes his workflow as starting with listening to various music genres to gather inspiration for beats.

• He emphasizes creating loops first before deciding on specific genres like trap or reggaeton through experimentation.

Collaboration Approach

• When collaborating with other artists, he listens to their existing work to understand their sound better.

• This approach helps him propose ideas that make artists feel comfortable while working together.

Importance of Artist Comfort

• Alan believes that ensuring artists feel at ease is crucial for successful collaboration; this includes attention to detail throughout the process.

• He highlights the significance of delivering quality work post-recording, including mixing and mastering, which reflects care for both parties' projects.

Collaboration and Creative Process in Music Production

Working with Ideas and Proposals

• The process begins with gathering a large folder of ideas, where collaborators discuss each idea one by one to decide on modifications or discarding them.

• Collaboration involves input from all parties, especially in production and creative areas, allowing for shared decision-making on sound elements.

• While the speaker has significant influence over production decisions, the artist ultimately guides the song's composition direction.

Balancing Contributions

• The speaker emphasizes a 50/50 collaboration model but acknowledges exceptions where they take more creative control, as seen in a specific song titled "Verte."

• In "Verte," the speaker proposed themes and genres while allowing their collaborator to contribute verses based on that foundation.

• Despite occasional deviations from the 50/50 rule, maintaining respect for each other's contributions is crucial in collaborative efforts.

Innovation in Music Genres

• The speaker aims to fuse modern sounds with traditional genres like reggaeton to create unique musical experiences.

• They believe that true innovation is challenging since most concepts are already explored; success lies in execution rather than originality.

Tools and Software Preferences

• FL Studio is highlighted as the primary software used due to its user-friendly interface and extensive online resources for learning.

• Sound selection is prioritized over sound design; having high-quality sounds reduces the need for heavy modification during production.

Key Plugins for Production

• Two essential plugins mentioned are RC 20 (for color effects) and Portal (for granular synthesis), which enhance melody creation.

• Arcade by Output is favored for its vast library of sounds across various genres, enabling versatile music creation without needing multiple plugins.

• The versatility of Arcade allows users to modify samples into unique sounds tailored to their compositions.

Mixing and Mastering Insights

• A good mix is deemed critical; mastering cannot fix poor mixing quality. Proper attention must be given at every stage of production.

Mastering Music: The Importance of Quality Mixing

The Role of Mastering in Music Production

• Mastering does not magically fix poor mixes; it merely polishes them to achieve a commercial sound. A bad mix will lead to disappointing mastering results.

• A good mix is essential for effective mastering, emphasizing the need for quality in the initial stages of music production.

Collaborative Project Dynamics

• The speaker discusses their collaborative project, highlighting regular studio sessions aimed at producing new material weekly to refine their sound and skills.

• After accumulating several songs, decisions are made regarding which tracks to release or propose to other artists based on collective input and strategic discussions.

Navigating Artist Relationships

• Communication with other artists is crucial; trust and understanding influence decisions about sharing work. Not all collaborations are straightforward due to potential jealousy or differing artistic visions.

• Artists may have preferences for working with specific producers who understand their vision, complicating collaboration dynamics.

Decision-Making Processes in Collaboration

• Discussions between collaborators involve debating strategies for promoting their work, ensuring that both parties contribute ideas and feedback effectively.

• Seeking external opinions from trusted friends in the music industry can help refine decisions and avoid echo chambers of personal bias.

Balancing Friendship and Professionalism

• Long-standing friendships can facilitate open communication about creative differences, but maintaining professionalism is vital as they aim for successful outcomes together.

• Constructive criticism is necessary when one party loses focus; it's important to address issues directly while fostering a supportive environment.

Challenges in Mixing Songs

• Mixing presents challenges due to varying complexities among songs; some tracks may have numerous instruments or vocal layers that complicate the mixing process.

• The quality of recordings significantly impacts mixing outcomes; subpar recordings limit what can be achieved during the mixing phase.

Challenges and Insights in Music Production

Overcoming Obstacles in Quality

• The speaker discusses the challenge of working with songs that may not have the best recording quality, which can hinder production efforts.

• Emphasizes the complexity of creating instrumentals, noting that various elements contribute to the overall quality of a track.

Essential Tools for Production

• Highlights the importance of using reliable equipment, specifically mentioning the Scarlet interface as a preferred choice among producers.

• Recommends the Audio-Technica AT2020 microphone as an excellent option for beginners due to its impressive quality relative to price.

Role and Identity as a Producer

• The speaker identifies as an audio engineer who prefers to work behind the scenes rather than being in front of the camera or public eye.

• Expresses pride in producing music that reflects personal creative decisions and influences.

Passion for Trap Music

• Shares enthusiasm for producing trap music, citing it as both a personal favorite genre and one that inspires creativity during production.

• Discusses potential conflicts with other projects but remains optimistic about future opportunities within different genres.

Unique Production Techniques

• Describes a method of capturing melodies by recording his voice, which he then samples and incorporates into his productions.

• Illustrates how this technique allows him to create unique sounds that enhance his musical projects.

Favorite Tools and Influences

• Mentions using specific digital tools like Pro Q3 for production, emphasizing their versatility across different settings.

• Talks about influential artists and projects, including an Argentine artist's EP that has significantly impacted his listening habits.