THE BEAST

Want to be the next big thing in EDM? You'll have to master the EDM production workflow to elevate your tracks and resonate with audiences. Keep reading for more. 

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In the vast world of music technology lies the well-loved EDM niche. And thanks to a constantly evolving digital world, how it’s made is changing. 

So, if you want to get to grips with EDM creation, you’ll need to master its production workflow. 

Whether you’re a musician, DJ, or budding music producer, learning the EDM production workflow is the key to making your tracks sound radio-ready. 

Get ready as we guide you through the subtle intricacies of this workflow, from idea generation right through to post-production. 

The Foundation: Pre-Production

When diving into making any music, it all starts in the same place: with a vision. 

Idea Generation

The start of any great music, EDM or not, is a captivating idea. 

The idea can actually start anywhere. It could come from a catchy melody, an instrumental sound stuck in your head, or even just a pattern you like. 

Once you have the seed of an idea, you can begin building outwards from it:

• Start with a really basic motif or chord progression as groundwork. 
• Experiment with lots of different rhythms and tempos. 
• Use sequencer and arpeggiator tools to create subtle variations.

This will give you a functional idea that stands as a robust foundation for your next exploratory steps. 

Sound Design

Now you have a solid idea, let’s make things interesting. 

Sound design is about shaping your newly formed tunes. Tailor the timbre and character of each sound to suit the overall track mood or genre.

Shape the music in a few different ways:

• Use synthesizers and sample libraries to curate a sound with a definite identity.
• Achieve the tone, texture, and resonance by tweaking individual parameters. 
• Layer in multiple sounds to create a track full of depth and richness. 

The Creative Process: Production

Once you’ve got a solid idea, you can get creative. 

Arrangement and Composition

Your initial idea is the foundation. In the production process, we’re building on that. 

The first bricks we’ll lay are composition. If this is your first foray into this type of production, this is where an edm tutorial will come in handy. 

Here’s a simple way to organize your arrangement:

• Map out your intro, buildup, drop, bridge, and outro.
• Introduce transitions to get from one section to another naturally. 
• Melodic and harmonic elements support your central theme to create a fresher track. 

Layering and Texturing

If there’s one thing EDM is known for, it’s a multi-layered soundscape.

For a great EDM track, you’ll need layers and texture. Done properly, this technique will enrich your music with that unmistakable electronic flavor. 

Get started with layering simply:

• Multiple elements create a sandwich of sounds. 
• Manually adjust the EQ and volume of each separate layer so they’re clear without clashing. 
• Introduce new textures to add even more depth.

Technical Mastery: Post-Production

Your track’s been designed and produced, but that’s not the end. The next step is to polish it to perfection. 

Mixing and Mastering

It’s time to get technical. 

The final touches to your track are all about creating a sound that’s polished, professional, and ready for the masses. That means producing a balanced tune through mixing and mastering. 

Mastering should adjust and improve on each element:

• Tweak the volume levels of all the tracks so the final sound is clear.
• EQ, compression, and reverb enhance the sound further.
• Have a last listen and master the music to remove distortion. 

Automation and Effects

You’ve got your track, let’s breathe some life into it. 

Adding some exciting effects is the easiest way to make a sound more vibrant. 

Effects only make the sound better, add them when necessary:

• Automate specific parameters to add engaging changes. 
• Delay, phaser, and chorus effects give your track more character.

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Workflow Efficiency: Tips from the Pros

Take your workflow to the next level with some essential tips from the pros. 

Time Management Strategies

Time management strategies are the most effective way to produce music. 

Start simply by setting yourself manageable goals for each session. Streamline your processes with templates to automate repetitive tasks. Sketch out specific blocks of time for each stage of the EDM production workflow process. 

Collaborative Techniques

There’s no better way to introduce new and exciting ideas than with fresh perspectives. 

Share your project online with like-minded producers for constructive feedback. Platforms like Splice and LANDR are excellent for easy collaboration. Workshops give you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from industry leaders. 

In conclusion

To get further in the electronic music scene, you’ll need to get a handle on the all-important EDM production workflow. With a bit of creativity, a dash of technical knowledge, and a whole host of time management strategie s , you can produce niche-defining tracks. 

Do you dabble in EDM? Let us know your tips in the comments below to keep the conversation going.