Many people believe that only experienced recording artists know how to produce electronic music (EDM). Yet, there are so many software tools and music workstations that will help you to create your own tracks.
1. Choose Your EDM Genre and Your DAW
The first thing you will need to do is to decide what kind of music you’d like to create. Pick from popular electronic music genres such as Hip-hop, House, Drum and Bass, and Lo-fi. You can even crossover between genres if you feel inspired.
Secondly, your digital audio workstation (DAW) will be at the core of your success. Most software packages come with built-in vocal hooks and loops. Popular DAW programmes include FL Studio, Logic Pro, and ProTools, among others.
A basic programme will include features like a mixer section and an instrument browser where you can choose your synths and drum kits.
2. Grab Your Studio Gear and Load Your Instruments
If it is not already clear, you’ll need a decent laptop to make sure that your programmes and studio gear can run seamlessly. You will need to connect your laptop to professional headphones, monitors, a studio microphone, and an audio interface.
Once you have all the hardware and software tools rigged up, you can start producing a track on your DAW interface. Every good EDM track should combine a bass instrument, vocal hook, synth lead, drum kit, and a few keys.
3. Add Chords and A Bassline To Create A Simple Melody
The initial drumbeat can be simple so that you can focus more on adding the other elements to the rhythm to create an elegant loop. You can play around with a few simple chord progressions, then adjust the notes manually to make them match the track’s melody.
The bassline lies below the main melody and should give the loop that you have created with the chords some substance.
4. Use Pre-Recorded Vocal Hooks and Arrange The Structure
Now you can start to organise more instruments and sounds within the song’s timeline to create a more elaborate melody. Decide how the music will support the vocal hook while recording the various instruments.
If you are just starting out producing your own tracks, it is best to use pre-recorded vocal hooks. You can use a software tool such as Apple Loops to download vocal samples for your tracks. The entire structure of your song should include a chorus, a hook, and a drop.
5. Mix And Master Your EDM Track
Recording artists can treat this stage as the final part of their journey. The mixing process is where you join the instruments, vocals, sounds, and rhythm to produce something unique. Take your time to combine every element to create a masterpiece.
The final arrangement of your track should follow a complete structure. Your track needs to start with an intro, followed by a verse, build, chorus, and ending with an outro. A sound engineer can help you to refine the track and to pick up minor issues in the mix.
There are many videos online that will show you how to produce electronic music. You can also create music like a professional to inspire others.