Does your music sound AMATEURISH? Pro Composers tell you why.

What Makes Music Sound Amateurish?

In this section, the speaker talks about a tweet he posted asking professional music makers what makes new composers' music sound amateurish. He explains that he received many responses and mentions that his work involves making music for production libraries.

Tweet and Responses

• The speaker posted a tweet asking professional music makers what makes new composers' music sound amateurish.

• The speaker received many responses to his tweet, both positive and negative.

• The speaker explains that his work involves making music for production libraries and receiving music from others who want to make a living off their work.

• The speaker believes that sounding amateur is a prerequisite for sounding professional, as most people learn by continually putting themselves in a place where they are forced to deal with aspects of creativity they are not yet good at.

Muddy Mixes

In this section, the speaker discusses muddy mixes and how instrument choice can affect them.

Causes of Muddy Mixes

• Muddy mixes are caused by a buildup in the low mids (200 Hz to 500 Hz), which is an instrument choice issue as much as it is a mixing issue.

• Most instruments meant to be played out loud have full range, so when added together in a mix, there's only so much space. This often results in low mid frequencies getting piled onto one another and losing clarity stereo separation.

Tips for Clearer Mixes

• When mixing, think of your mix as an upside-down pyramid with low frequencies at the bottom. There's only room for a small amount of instrumentation in the low frequencies, usually the deep bass and kick.

• For low mids, you can put a little more in there but it often means making choices on what goes where. The best mixes come together because the instruments chosen work well together, not because of fancy EQ techniques.

The Importance of Dynamics in Music Production

This section discusses the importance of dynamics in music production and how it can make a difference between amateur and professional music.

The Role of Width in Music Production

• Wider tracks make it easier to get the base sitting right and allow for more movement in upper frequencies.

• Bass is typically monophonic, while upper frequencies can have thousands of notes played super fast.

• More space up top allows for more movement.

Understanding Dynamics

• Lack of dynamics separates amateur from professional music.

• Recreating an orchestral performance requires knowledge of software tools to make instruments sound realistic.

• Different CC controls such as mod wheel, expression, and vibrato are used to bring instruments to life.

Polishing Your Tracks

• Simply owning an expensive sample library won't make you sound good. You need to know how to use it effectively.

• Manipulating dynamics is one way to develop music emotionally.

• Take extra time to polish your tracks before sending them off for critique or feedback.

Tips for Mixing Tracks

• Mixing tracks has become easier with modern technology, but it still requires skill and knowledge.

• There are many free tutorials available on mixing, EQ, compression, limiting, etc.

• Put in the time and effort to learn these skills so that you can deliver a final product that sounds polished.

Learning about Music Production

In this section, the speaker talks about his process of learning about a genre before producing music in that space. He emphasizes the importance of researching and learning from the best creators in that genre.

Researching a Genre

• Before producing music in a new genre, research the best music and YouTubers in that genre.

• Learn how to make that style of music by understanding the recording techniques and getting into the headspace of creators who make that particular music.

• Unlearn what you know and be open to watching someone do something completely wrong but create something beautiful out of it.

Finding Your Own Style

• Learning something foreign can spark creativity within you.

• Lack of originality is predictable when starting to write music. Copying your favorite artists can help you find your own unique style.

Making Music That Sounds Like Someone Else

In this section, the speaker talks about creating music that sounds like someone else without losing your own originality. He shares tips on how to change up your music without changing too much.

Creating Music That Sounds Like Someone Else

• Sometimes we are asked to create music that sounds like someone else. However, our originality shines through in our recordings.

• To sound like someone else without copying them exactly, try switching up instruments or melodies between sections.

• Transitions are important for guiding listeners from one section to another.

Live Musicians vs Electronic Music

In this section, the speaker discusses whether live musicians or electronic instruments are better for creating professional-sounding music.

Live Musicians vs Electronic Music

• Hiring live musicians can make your music sound less amateurish.

• However, it is possible to create polished and professional-sounding music using only electronic instruments.

• Live musicians can add to the quality of the product, but they are not always necessary.

The Value of Work and Knowing Your Worth

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of valuing both the work of peers and oneself. They also touch on the tension between these two values.

Valuing Peers' Work

• It is important to value the work of peers and pay them what they are worth.

• However, as an artist or performer, it is equally important to know your own worth.

Knowing Your Own Worth

• There is a tension between valuing peers' work and knowing your own worth.

• If you are making something that people need and want, there is a good chance that you can ask for compensation that meets that value.

• It may take time to get to a place where you demand more money for your work, but it is important to do so in order to value yourself properly.

Using Reverb Creatively

In this section, the speaker talks about using reverb creatively in music production.

Creative Use of Reverb

• There are ways to use reverb creatively in music production.

• Running all instruments through the same reverbs can make them feel cohesive in the same space.

• When dealing with amateur recordings, it's important to make sure samples fit together by either brightening or dulling sounds depending on their original tone.