I’m back making music again.
Stop the press!
Thought I’d just post a little picture of my latest bit of kit – a Novation Launchkey 61.
I’ve been on a bit of a gear buying mission this year, first it was my new Rane scratch mixer (the Seventy Two). Also I’ve upgraded my copy of Ableton too (was using v9, now using the Live suite version v11).
And I’m back trying to learn music production again.
This isn’t my first attempt at music making. Like pretty much every other DJ I’ve dabbled in music making many years ago. Back then (around 10+ years ago) I only ever managed to produce one track. My track record for music production is pretty piss poor.
So what’s different this time you might ask?
Nothing, apart from I’m not taking it too seriously.
Personally, the other day I looked at my Steam games account, and I looked at how many hours I’d spent gaming. Especially on my favorite game Rimworld. Anyway I observed how many hours I’ve put into various games and thought they’d be better placed into something creative. So I decided I’d give music production a try again.
However, this time I’m taking a different approach which is:
- Limiting myself to learning and making tracks with the stock Ableton plugins for the next 12 months (or more). I’m hoping this will force me to get better at using synthesizers and sound design. I’m avoiding installing new VST instruments and becoming a pre-set warrior.
- Whilst also learning Ableton’s Instruments, I’m also learning to play the keyboard too. That’s why I bought a 61 key keyboard. I’ve attempted to learn the keyboard on/off for about 12 years, but this I plan to take it seriously this time and commit myself to a daily 20 minute practice. Even though I’ve been trying to learn this instrument for several years I’m still at beginner level yet. I’m by no means good at it, but I’m enjoying the challenge. I might video my progress on this, so keep an eye on YouTube or this website for updates.
- I’m not planning to produce any particular type of genre. I’m just going to mess around and see what happens. Back when I was into producing I was bang into the NuSkool Breakbeat scene – which was popular around the late 2000’s. Unlike like a lot of people I never stopped collecting or buying digital music. So I have a wide range of genres to sample. So my plan is to rely heavily on sampling and see what direction that takes me.
The main thing is I’m having fun learning all this stuff and I’m trying not to take it too seriously. And I feel happier knowing that I’m using my time more productively rather than just playing games.
And maybe, if I try hard enough I might even produce something listenable. If I do it’ll be added on here. So watch this space.