All You Need To Know About Electronic Music Production

Making electronic music can seem difficult, but the genre is growing rapidly. Our guide simplifies the process of electronic music production, making it easier to begin. Discover more by reading on.
Key Takeaways
- Making electronic music involves using computers and devices to mix sounds into tracks.
- Essential tools for production include a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), a MIDI keyboard, and good headphones or speakers.
- The process includes learning sound design, writing drum patterns, arranging parts of music, mixing, and mastering to create a track.
- There are various styles of electronic music such as Ambient, House, Techno, Drum and Bass, and Dubstep. Each style has its unique sound.
- Beginners should start with basic equipment and online tutorials. This can open doors to DJing or producing careers for others.
What is Electronic Music Production?

Electronic music production involves creating tunes with computers and electronic devices. It emerged in the latter half of the 20th century, allowing for sounds not previously possible.
The genre now spans disco, synth-pop, EDM, hip-hop, Dubstep, House, Deep House, Techno, Future Bass, and Trap.
Producers use digital audio workstations (DAWs) and MIDI controllers to craft their music. They also employ sound libraries and plugins for unique melodies. By using a computer, they can blend these elements into compelling tracks.
This technique has significantly evolved from its inception.
Essential Tools for Electronic Music Production
To create electronic music, you need a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) for mixing and editing. Use MIDI keyboards or drum pads to input music into the DAW. Incorporate sound libraries and plugins for more sound options. An audio interface will ensure clear connection between your computer and output devices. Finally, studio monitors or quality headphones are essential for hearing every detail in the mix.
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is essential for electronic music producers. It’s the software used to record, edit, and mix tracks. Popular DAWs include Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro.
These offer key features for making music.
For beginners, affordable options are available. FL Studio and Ableton Live Intro start at $99. Logic Pro costs around $200. For those on a tight budget, GarageBand and Audacity are free options.
These tools make creating quality music accessible to anyone interested.
MIDI Controllers
MIDI controllers are essential for EDM producers. They enable you to play virtual instruments using keys, pads, and knobs. Examples include the Arturia Keylab and AKAI MPK Mini MK3.
Prices range from $109 for an Arturia MiniLab to $399 for a more sophisticated Arturia Keylab 88 Controller. Most MIDI controllers also provide a lite version of Ableton Live, simplifying the start of music creation.
Using a MIDI controller aids in sound design and songwriting by allowing hands-on control over the sounds. This creates a physical link to digital music production, enabling you to adjust sounds directly rather than through your computer’s mouse and keyboard.
Sound Libraries and PluginsSound libraries and plugins add special touches to music, similar to spices in cooking. For electronic dance music creators, KONTAKT 7 by Native Instruments offers a variety of sounds.
Beginners can benefit from plugins like Xfer Records Serum, reFX Nexus 3, Voxengo SPAN, Flux Stereo Tool, Oxford Inflator, and Xfer Records OTT Compressor. These tools adjust sound with distortion, EQ (equalisation), and reverb effects.
Using these plugins improves tracks significantly. They allow for detailed adjustments to achieve the desired sound quality. Presets in many plugins provide a starting point based on professional producers’ settings which users can modify.
This approach simplifies learning how to produce high-quality music more enjoyably.
Audio InterfacesAudio interfaces connect your computer with instruments and microphones. They ensure the sound from your guitar, for instance, is clear in your digital setup. The Scarlett 2i2 model is a top choice.
It guarantees that music made on computers maintains its quality when played out loud.
These devices are crucial for linking hardware and software, maintaining high audio quality. They capture every note with clarity, crucial for later mixing and mastering stages of production.
Studio Monitors or Headphones
Studio monitors are essential for EDM production. They provide accurate sound, helping in mixing tracks accurately by not adding extra bass or treble. For clear music parts, Sony MDR7506 and Beyerdynamic DT 770 are good choices.
Headphones matter too, especially for working in quiet environments or in small spaces. They catch details in music that might go unnoticed on regular speakers. Professional recommendations often include the Audio Technica ATH-M50 for their clarity and sound range.
Steps to Create Electronic Music
Making electronic music starts with a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), your core tool for assembling tracks.
– MIDI controllers shape sounds, acting as essential instruments.
– Sound Libraries and Plugins add unique textures, enhancing your track’s feel.
– An Audio Interface ensures all components connect seamlessly.
– Lastly, using Headphones or Studio Monitors allows you to catch every detail in the mix.
Finding Inspiration
Exploring various music genres can spark creativity. It teaches you about song structure and identifies appealing sounds. Life experiences also play a role in creating melodies or rhythms, as travels, encounters, and emotions fuel inspiration.
Incorporating synthesizers and drum machines introduces fresh sounds. Initially, focus on experimenting rather than achieving perfect results. This experimentation can unveil distinctive beats or tunes.
Successful EDM producers often discovered their signature sound through playful exploration with equipment.
Sound Design and Sampling
Sound design and sampling play crucial roles in creating quality music. You use tools such as MIDI controllers and digital audio workstations (DAWs) to invent new sounds. Sampling involves taking parts of other recordings or real-life noises, then turning them into fresh elements for your tracks, similar to combining pieces from various puzzles into a distinctive image.
For sound design success, grasp concepts like amplitude, frequency, and waveform analysis. These skills let you shape sounds with precision. Apply low-pass filters to manage frequencies and soften synthetic sounds’ harshness.
Grasping modulation and amplitude envelopes is vital for effective synthesiser programming, allowing you to develop custom sounds that elevate your music.
Writing Drum Patterns and Basslines
Creating drum patterns and basslines is the first step in music production. Use Native Instruments’ BATTERY for crafting beats. This creates a solid rhythm essential for any good track.
For basslines, opt for E minor or F# minor keys to add depth and emotion. Integrate FX elements like risers and downlifters for smooth transitions. These techniques are key to engaging listeners repeatedly.
Composition and Arrangement
Arranging electronic music involves assembling drum beats, bass lines, chords, and melodies into a structured format. Producers design this structure with an intro, verses, perhaps a build or drop section, then a bridge, ending with an outro.
This setup aids DJs in mixing tracks by providing repeating elements.
To craft effective electronic arrangements, producers utilise sequencers and Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). A deep understanding of musical composition is essential to generate catchy tunes.
The process isn’t merely about placing sounds; it’s about selecting ones that complement each other to maintain the listener’s engagement throughout the track. Producers focus on choosing distinctive sounds or samples that align with their track’s vibe while ensuring the music flows effortlessly to keep the audience dancing or attentive.
Mixing and MasteringMixing involves adjusting sound levels, adding saturation for warmth, and using subtractive EQ to prevent clashes. This step ensures every sound has its place without interfering with others.
Compression helps maintain a tight and punchy output.
Mastering further refines your track’s overall sound for public listening. Specialists work on loudness, equalisation, and stereo width during this stage. The aim is to ensure that the music performs well on platforms like Spotify or YouTube.
A great mix allows each detail to stand out while mastering ensures these details are consistent across various listening environments.
Understanding Electronic Music Structure
Exploring how electronic songs are built helps you craft your own tunes. You learn to play with parts like intro, verse, and drops—key bits that make listeners move.
Intro
The intro of an EDM track sets the tone. It is like opening a new world where the beat guides you on a journey. With only a few sounds, it prepares you for what comes next, starting a story that grows more exciting with each note.
This section uses minimal bits simultaneously. It’s simple yet effective in capturing your attention from the beginning.
Verse
Electronic music verses offer a chance to try new techniques. Drum beats, bass lines, chords, and melodies merge here. This stage preps your track for high points like the chorus or drop.
Experiment in verses to discover sounds that make your song pop.
Using a MIDI controller shapes custom sounds for the verse, setting the tone and mood of the song. Mixing sound libraries or sampling from different sources boosts creativity and workflow in electronic music production, helping create tracks that grab attention.
Build/Drop
Within electronic music, the build-up cultivates anticipation, much like the ascent of a roller coaster. It sets listeners up for the following segment. Adjusting the duration of this phase can influence the level of audience engagement, with the goal of sustaining their expectation for the drop.
The drop is the point at which an EDM track achieves maximum intensity. Ensuring a seamless transition from the build-up is key to preserving continuity and interest in quality music.
Producers strive to imprint their drops with memorability by adding distinctive sounds or sudden changes in rhythm, stimulating excitement whether on dancing surfaces or via headphones or speakers.
Bridge
In electronic music, the bridge brings a pause after the chorus. It sets up a second drop with its distinct sound, prepping listeners for more beats. Crafting this part requires precision.
Digital instruments and smart production moves are key. Bridges often feature new melodies or sounds to keep things fresh before returning to the main theme. Using your DAW and MIDI controllers can help create these moments, letting you explore different musical ideas.
Outro
The outro finishes the electronic track, following the breakdown. This part allows for creativity in length and arrangement, offering a space to experiment with the song’s ending. A standout outro often features distinctive sounds or a surprising melody twist that catches listeners’ attention.
It presents an opportunity for self-expression, ensuring your electronic music makes a lasting impact.
Popular Subgenres of Electronic Music
Electronic music splits into various genres, from the relaxing tones of Ambient to the fast-paced rhythms of Drum and Bass, catering to every listener’s mood.
AmbientAmbient music, promoted by Brian Eno during the 1970s, values mood and atmosphere instead of traditional rhythms. This genre utilises synthesizers to develop its unique sounds. Dissimilar to genres requiring quick beats and raised volume drums, ambient centres on immersive soundscapes promoting profound thought and sentiment.
Producers utilise Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and MIDI controllers to diligently shape these soundscapes, occasionally devoting hours to polish a solitary sound. Due to its potential to generate impactful moods without overpowering the scene, ambient music is frequently selected for films.
HouseHouse music began in the 1980s in Chicago and is a vital part of electronic dance music. It has global appeal due to its unique beats and rhythms. The genre splits into several styles, including Acid House, Big Room House, Deep House, French House, Electro House, and Tech House.
Although each style offers a distinct sound, they all share the ability to make listeners want to dance.
Acid House features squelchy basslines produced by the Roland TB-303 machine. Big Room House is known for its lengthy build-ups and impactful drops. These elements have cemented house music’s status at clubs and festivals worldwide.
Creating house music involves experimenting with different sounds and production techniques to craft tracks that energise dance floors.
Techno
Techno music started in the 1970s, growing famous with The Belleville Three – Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, and Derrick May. They turned Detroit into a central spot for techno. This genre splits into styles like Detroit Techno and Ambient Techno, all known for deep basslines, sharp hi-hats, smooth pads, flowing synths, and spacey effects.
Creating techno requires digital workstations and MIDI controllers. Producers use sound packs and software to craft unique sounds. Quality headphones or speakers are essential to catch every detail while mixing tracks from start to mastering.
Producing this music demands time and creativity.
Drum and BassDrum and bass, originating in the UK during the early 1990s, speeds through at 170-175 beats per minute. This genre includes Liquid DnB, Neurofunk, and Jump-Up styles. Artists like Goldie and LTJ Bukem have played significant roles in its rise to popularity.
To create drum and bass music, producers rely on Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) for mixing tracks. MIDI controllers are used for adding unique sounds with ease. Producers often look online or craft their own sounds to distinguish their music in the electronic scene.
Dubstep
The genre of Dubstep, a unique facet within the spectrum of electronic music, is earmarked by its half-time rhythm paced at 140 beats per minute. This pace gives a slow yet substantial tempo featuring profound sub-bass.
Prominent figures like Skrillex and Skream have driven Dubstep to prominent heights, underscoring its influence on the EDM platform.
Brostep, surfacing post Dubstep, alters its concentration to somewhat forceful digital bass resonances. These twin styles demonstrate the adaptable quality of electronic music and its capacity to modify periodically.
Tips for Beginners in Electronic Music Production
Starting with electronic music creation is simple with the right tools. Focus on:
– Using your computer’s software for making music.
– A MIDI keyboard to input notes.
– Quality headphones or speakers for clear sound.
Learn to mix tunes using equalisers and audio mixing software for balance. Stick to one digital audio workstation (DAW) and master it. This helps you bring musical ideas to life.
Start with Simple Projects
Start making music with simple projects. This builds confidence and skills. Use basic tools such as a digital audio workstation (DAW) and midi keyboard. Keep your studio setup small but effective.
Focus on completing projects instead of trying to make them perfect.
Learning to make electronic music involves experimenting. Start with short tracks using pre-made loops and samples. Explore different genres to discover what you like most. The goal is learning and enjoying the process while getting to know the basics of music theory and sound design.
Experiment with Different Sounds
Exploring new sounds is essential in producing really good music. Use your DAW’s sound library to discover diverse noises for your tracks. Combining different sounds creates unique textures, making songs stand out.
Layering various elements can show what works best.
Understanding how effects and plug-ins change sound is vital. This knowledge helps you make custom sounds that enhance your music perfectly. Always aim to mix things up with new combinations, keeping your music lively and interesting for both you and your audience.
Watch Tutorials and Learn from Experts
Learning from experts speeds up the process for new producers in electronic music. Watching online tutorials offers quick insights into techniques, from starting with a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to creating custom sounds with samples and presets.
This structured approach shows progress over time.
Experts also share their experiences to help you dodge common errors. They provide shortcuts and tips through videos or online courses, teaching both basic and advanced music production skills.
Websites like EDMProd have easy-to-understand resources. Here, you can find helpful information without confusion.
Benefits of Learning Electronic Music Production
Making electronic music lets you unlock your creativity, combining sounds and rhythms to craft unique tracks. This skill can turn into a career, allowing you to DJ at clubs or produce for upcoming artists while collaborating on new ideas. Start making music now and explore where it leads.
Creative Expression
Electronic music lets you express yourself in new ways. It encourages experimenting and breaking norms, which can boost creativity and physical coordination. Studying the work of famous artists offers insight into creative processes.
Learning to produce electronic music with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), MIDI controllers, and sound libraries allows you to blend various sounds, beats, and rhythms into unique compositions.
Collaborating with others introduces fresh perspectives and enhances your music.
Potential Career Opportunities
Creating electronic music provides diverse job possibilities. As a music producer, you have the chance to produce beats for pop idols or construct soundtracks for films and advertisements.
If you’re a fan of technology, take into account becoming an instrument technician to mend and prepare musical apparatus. Digital audio editors trim and blend tracks, while sound engineers construct exclusive sounds for movies and video games.
A&R coordinators discover fresh talent and aid in the development of artists. Tour publicists endorse musicians and gatherings, immersing themselves in the live music atmosphere. These roles illuminate the range of options in the creation of electronic music.
Collaboration with Other Artists
Teaming up with other music creators boosts creativity and introduces fresh perspectives on electronic music production. Collaborating helps solve challenges in your tracks and encourages experimenting with new sounds.
These partnerships can strengthen connections in the music industry, leading to more job opportunities and a larger fanbase.
Collaboration also involves sharing digital tools such as Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), MIDI controllers, and plugins. Learning from peers allows you to discover new techniques.
For example, another producer might reveal a unique way to use a synthesiser or introduce you to distinct sound-making methods with different software. Sharing knowledge is essential for improving skills in producing electronic music together.
Conclusion
Producing electronic music allows for endless creativity. With tools such as DAWs, MIDI keyboards, and studio headphones, starting is easy. The process involves mixing beats, composing melodies, and turning musical ideas into reality.
Whether aiming to create ambient sounds or energetic house tracks, the steps are clear from inspiration to mastering tracks—get ready for your musical journey.