This seven step formula is the process of making beats. Beat making is not rocket science. By understanding the basic principles and concepts of music production, you should be able to move through the whole process with ease and simplicity. Just like baking, music has its own formula for the development of a song.
All music software programs have a sound editor that helps you in your music arrangement of sounds. Whether you are using samples or recording your own sound, you will be using a sound editor to compose all your songs. Get a basic understanding of how your music software works before applying this formula.
Here is a seven step formula for making music:
Step1: Choose material for your song. If you are using samples, compile all the sounds that you would like in your song arrangement. You'll need kick drums, percussion, bass lines, melodic leads, vocals, pads, and sound effects.
Step2: Song structure. Understanding what each instruments role is in your song will give you a better understanding what each instrument is supposed to do.
Step3: Get your music down. This is the process of recording your song without editing. Get a rough draft of what your song might sound like. Start with your drum sequencing first to get the rhythm of the song going. Then, record other instruments in a freestyle manner just to get an idea of what the final sound will be like.
Step4: Tracking the parts. Assign all your recorded sounds to track lanes in your sound editor starting with the drums as the foundation. It's important to arrange all the instrumental sounds in logical order based on how the structure of the song will progress.
Step5: Editing your music. This is when you'll be fine-tuning your song. Cut and paste or delete patterns in your arrangement using your sound editor. Make any adjustments that are needed.
Step6: Finalizing your song. Finally, after editing your song, add EQing and EFX's while monitoring your stereo master meters on your mixer. You are now ready to record your mix.
Step7: Analyze your mix. Listen to your song as many times as you can in different audio sound systems. Pinpoint any oddities and go back to correct them. Make copies to hand out and get feed back from friends.
This seven step formula is the foundation of making beats. Should you ever get stuck, follow this formula for a quick and easy reminder. Take the time to understand how your music software works and master this seven step formula. This will be your road map to musical success.
