What do you need to make Electronic music at home

So you think you are ready to start making electronic music, but not sure where to begin? Lets see if we can get those beats started!

Before you hit that play button, let’s get your head in the game:

1. Write Down Your Mission: Why do you want to make music? Is it to spread love, ignite dance floors, or simply express yourself? Jot it down and keep it close. Your mission will guide your artistic journey.
2. Choose Your Music Style: EDM is a vast universe. Explore different genres, but don’t stress about picking one. Remember, successful producers can dabble in various styles.
3. Set Goals: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Headlining festivals? Producing for your favourite artists? Be specific and dream big. Do these tips sound cringey? Well if you are just staring at a blank canvas, it can really help to write down what you want to do first, to give focus.

2. Pick Your Tools

Your digital arsenal awaits:

• Digital Audio Workstation (DAW): Choose one that resonates with you. Popular options include Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro.
• Virtual Instruments (VSTs): Synths, drum machines, and effects plugins are your musical paintbrushes. Explore and experiment.
• Samples and Loops: Spice up your tracks with killer drum loops, vocal snippets, and atmospheric sounds.
• Modular Synthesis: hold your horses, probably you want to try a more straightforward synth first or check out this tool if modular is your thing

3. Learn the Basics

• Arrangement: Understand song structure—intro, verse, drop, breakdown, and outro.
• Sound Design: Tweak those knobs! Craft unique sounds using oscillators, filters, and envelopes.
• Mixing: Balance your elements—EQ, compression, and spatial effects.

4. Create Your First EDM Idea: Future Bass Edition

Let’s dive into a full idea for a future bass track:

1. Start with Chords: Lay down dreamy chords using a soft synth. Think lush and emotional.
2. Add Melodies: Craft catchy lead melodies. Experiment with arpeggios and slides.
3. Drums: Layer punchy kicks, snappy snares, and hi-hats. Make those speakers bounce.
4. Bassline: The heart of future bass. Create a warm, wobbly bassline that hugs your soul.
5. Effects: Sprinkle magic with risers, impacts, and sweeps.
6. Arrangement: Arrange your sections—build tension, drop the beat, and soar.

5. Fast Track to Success

• Consistency: Produce regularly. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is an EDM empire.
• Feedback: Share your work with fellow producers. Learn and grow.
• Promote Yourself: Social media, SoundCloud, and local gigs—spread the word.

6. Remember the Joy

Amid all the technicalities, remember why you started. Music is joy, expression, and connection. So, dance like nobody’s watching, and let your beats light up the world!

7. Publish that Masterpiece

I found a great incentive to finish tracks and not just leave drafts of stems in your DAWs working folder is to get those tracks uploaded to streaming services like Spotify and Youtube for all the world to hear. I have used Ditto Music to upload my tracks. If you like, you can use my ditto referral code and receive $10 in ditto credit towards your subscription.