A lot of folks have asked me if the tips will remain available next year, and the answer is a resounding yes. Not only that, I'm going to continue to evolve the site and post content - just not at quite the same pace. I've got a few thoughts on what might happen, but I'm going to take a little break to figure it out.
I'm amazed at how many things i didn't write about in the past year. As much as possible, I tried to stick with stuff that I could provide a meaningful context for and not just throw a bunch of technology at the wall. That means that some stuff never got in there - usually because it didn't figure much into my own current process. I'm sure this will shift in the coming years.
I want to leave you a final thought:
There is no right way.
Part of the reason I know so much about Live is that I used to think there was a right way to do things in music production. For any given sound, I figured there must be one best technique that the pros use, and anyone who doesn't do it that way it is a wanker.
It turns out this is not the case. People who get the most music made are people who's priority is getting it done. When students ask me the "right" way to do something, I usually tell them "the way you know how." Matt Shadetek (a great producer and member of the Dubspot crew) told me his answer is "the way that's the most fun." I love that answer!
Obviously, this is coming from someone who has some pretty strong opinions about the right way to do things. It's true that there are some best practices that many (but not all) producers adopt after years of experience. The trick is to not let this learning process stop you from making music. I'm learning all the time. The big difference in my life now is that while I learn, I also complete things.
In other words, let's say you're feeling inspired to make a wobble bass but you can't figure out how to automate the filter on this new synth you bought. Turn off the synth filter, drop an Auto Filter into the track and GET TO WORK. You can read the manual later.
I promise you that THE ELECTRONIC MUSIC POLICE WILL NOT COME TO YOUR HOUSE and charge you with being a sucker.
Think of going into the studio like going into the kitchen to cook a meal. Sure, you might discover that your hand blender is on the fritz and you're out of truffle oil, but so what? Work around it, make decisions and cook something for crying out loud. Not every meal will be a winner, but sometimes you'll invent something new, and in the long run you'll become a better chef.
The fantasy that there's some magical time out there in the future when you know enough stuff to make good music is one of the most destructive things I see in my life as a teacher. I know it's kicked my own ass many times. That's why I'm ending (for now) on this note.
Finally, a little parting business.
A big part of my life right now is traveling to play shows and teach workshops. If you'd like to see this happen in your town, please let me know! I work with all sorts of folks to set things up, so please, don't be shy. Meeting the people who read this blog has really been an incredible gift, and I'm excited for more.
The workshops are a lot of fun and can be targeted at any number of different skill levels. The shows are also fun and can be targeted at any number of different people who respond to frequencies below 100Hz.
Speaking of which, don't forget to go download yourself some free hobotech.
December 31, 2010 IN CONCLUSION
We'll that's it. We're at 365, folks.
A lot of folks have asked me if the tips will remain available next year, and the answer is a resounding yes. Not only that, I'm going to continue to evolve the site and post content - just not at quite the same pace. I've got a few thoughts on what might happen, but I'm going to take a little break to figure it out.
I'm amazed at how many things i didn't write about in the past year. As much as possible, I tried to stick with stuff that I could provide a meaningful context for and not just throw a bunch of technology at the wall. That means that some stuff never got in there - usually because it didn't figure much into my own current process. I'm sure this will shift in the coming years.
I want to leave you a final thought:
There is no right way.
Part of the reason I know so much about Live is that I used to think there was a right way to do things in music production. For any given sound, I figured there must be one best technique that the pros use, and anyone who doesn't do it that way it is a wanker.
It turns out this is not the case. People who get the most music made are people who's priority is getting it done. When students ask me the "right" way to do something, I usually tell them "the way you know how." Matt Shadetek (a great producer and member of the Dubspot crew) told me his answer is "the way that's the most fun." I love that answer!
Obviously, this is coming from someone who has some pretty strong opinions about the right way to do things. It's true that there are some best practices that many (but not all) producers adopt after years of experience. The trick is to not let this learning process stop you from making music. I'm learning all the time. The big difference in my life now is that while I learn, I also complete things.
In other words, let's say you're feeling inspired to make a wobble bass but you can't figure out how to automate the filter on this new synth you bought. Turn off the synth filter, drop an Auto Filter into the track and GET TO WORK. You can read the manual later.
I promise you that THE ELECTRONIC MUSIC POLICE WILL NOT COME TO YOUR HOUSE and charge you with being a sucker.
Think of going into the studio like going into the kitchen to cook a meal. Sure, you might discover that your hand blender is on the fritz and you're out of truffle oil, but so what? Work around it, make decisions and cook something for crying out loud. Not every meal will be a winner, but sometimes you'll invent something new, and in the long run you'll become a better chef.
The fantasy that there's some magical time out there in the future when you know enough stuff to make good music is one of the most destructive things I see in my life as a teacher. I know it's kicked my own ass many times. That's why I'm ending (for now) on this note.
Finally, a little parting business.
A big part of my life right now is traveling to play shows and teach workshops. If you'd like to see this happen in your town, please let me know! I work with all sorts of folks to set things up, so please, don't be shy. Meeting the people who read this blog has really been an incredible gift, and I'm excited for more.
The workshops are a lot of fun and can be targeted at any number of different skill levels. The shows are also fun and can be targeted at any number of different people who respond to frequencies below 100Hz.
Speaking of which, don't forget to go download yourself some free hobotech.
Happy New Year!
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