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How having a mentor can increase your likelihood of making better music and getting signed.

31/07/2024 CraigImagine you have just finished your best project yet.Every time you hit play, you get chills, it's deep, interesting, it's Bach on steroids. You call out to your better half, who is in the other room, and with glee, you say, "You've got to listen to this track, babe. It's unbelievable." With that, the tension builds, and excitement rips through you both.You pause for a second, take a deep breath, and then slowly press down on the space bar. The song starts. Your other half's face turns from glee to confusion, and your embarrassment sets in and burns deep as it doesn't sound like it did on your own a few minutes ago. What's changed? You think. This isn't Bach, it's ass. You can't bear to listen to the whole six-minute extended mix, so you stop the project after a minute and apologise. The tumbleweed rolls past in your bedroom, and after the silent pause, your other half says, "It's not too bad, babe. Good effort"That, my friend, is a gentle lie.This might be you. More producers face this worldwide than we know, but that doesn't have to be you!Our friend above had a problem: he needed someone to share his music with, and no one could be honest enough to constructively improve him.That person didn't have a mentor who could direct and inspire the right creative decisions.Having a mentor means you can instantly get reliable feedback, no waiting around and no guessing. Straight facts. Your track may not sound right.It may not compare to other tracks in the genre, or it doesn't have the je ne sais quoi. Having someone to discuss this with weekly will mean you can take action without second-guessing, saving you time.People say that if you surround yourself with three rich friends, you will be the fourth to get rich. This works with music, too.If you're working with a professional music producer, your chances of success go 10X, which separates you from a lot of competition.A mentor can teach you things on the spot that could have taken years to stumble across. Time is of the essence, so save it by not mindlessly scrolling through tips and tricks; go to the source.If you're ready for a mentor to 10X your music journey, you can book a free music analysis. We can then determine whether we can help you advance in the music industry. Let's get Bach to business, baby!

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Turning an 8-Bar Loop into a 3-Minute Masterpiece

24/11/2024 CraigGetting stuck in a loop while making music is something every producer experiences.But here’s the thing: the loop itself isn’t necessarily the problem.Instead, ask yourself this question:Is the loop as infectious as it could be?Chances are, it’s not quite there yet—and that’s okay. Let’s dive into some techniques that will help you think outside the loop and transform that short idea into a compelling track.Why Loops MatterMost music relies on loops, and the repetition of those loops is what makes a song catchy.Artists use this technique to hook listeners, pulling them in with infectious patterns.But here’s the catch: if your loop is dull, repeating it will only make the song worse. The key is to fine-tune your loop, making every element as interesting and engaging as possible. A strong loop is the foundation for a great track.Refining Your Loop1. Remove Unnecessary Sounds
Does your loop feel cluttered with too many elements playing all the time? If so, it’s likely overwhelming to the listener.
Try removing some sounds to create space. Overcrowded loops make it hard for the brain to latch onto the hook, diluting the impact of the track. Keep it simple and focus on the essentials.2. Reverse Sounds for Interest
Reversing sounds like claps, snares, or other percussive elements is a fantastic way to add variation to a static loop.Think of the reversed tail of a clap gently leading into the actual hit—it adds a subtle, dynamic feel.This trick isn’t limited to claps; experiment with reversing basses, vocals, or even melodic elements. Done right, these details can elevate your loop and make it unforgettable.3. Small Melodic Changes
Making slight tweaks to your melodic parts can introduce interest without disrupting the flow of the track. For example:Change a single note in your melody.Remove the last note of a phrase for variation.The key here is subtlety. Avoid major changes, as they can ruin the track's feel and take away the catchy vibe you’re working toward.4. Avoid Too Many Notes
While it’s great to have musical chops, overloading your loop with complex melodies can alienate listeners.Simpler melodies are more accessible and easier to remember.
Take inspiration from your favorite tracks.Notice how their melodies often rely on simplicity to create hooks that keep you coming back.Think Beyond the Loop1. Use Transitions
To turn a loop into a full song, transitions are essential.They keep the track moving and prevent it from feeling static.Here’s how you can create smooth transitions:Use reverse reverbs to introduce new elements.Add subtle effects like white noise, cymbals, or sweeping synths between sections.Remember, less is more.Transitions should enhance the flow without standing out too much or breaking the track’s cohesion.Wrapping It All UpTurning an 8-bar loop into a 3-minute masterpiece takes finesse, patience, and creativity.By refining your loop, removing clutter, adding subtle variations, and planning smooth transitions, you can craft a song that captivates your listeners.The secret is in the details—small tweaks and thoughtful decisions make all the difference.So, next time you’re stuck in a loop, don’t be afraid to zoom in, experiment, and let your creativity shine.Want us to show you how this is done reach out