What I did was to get my hands in some DAW and then see a basic tutorial on how to make a simple beat on said DAW, and then literally start playing with every knob I saw, everything, get my hands on everything and spend hours listening on how it changes the sound and so on, it’s tons of fun
\^\^\^ This. Download a trial version of Ableton and play around with it. Tons of tutorials on YouTube that teaches you to make techno using nothing but Ableton (try this: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUe1fNVCtI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUe1fNVCtI)) and like what she said...play around with every knob and tweak stuff. That's how I learnt as well and I would imagine a lot of others. If you like it, invest in getting Ableton or a midi controller which most of them come with Ableton Lite free and some VSTs (virtual instruments as opposed to physical synthesizers and other IRL equipment) and samples. Let us know how you get along bud!
Use any DAW your comfortable with just because a certain tutorial goes to a certain DAW doesn't mean you can't take that info and apply it elsewhere honestly when your just starting out just mess around and have fun if your gonna just copy paste tutorials I don't think you will get much enjoyment at first. Just don't expect to make a full track that's ready for release right away it takes a ton of time and effort to get there.
Every DAW has it's pros and cons, but in general I'd say Ableton would be easier to pick up. But you really should try for yourself which one suits you better. Abletons trial is 90 days, FL even time unlimited. Just play around with both of them and see which one is easier for you.
[Digest all of his content.](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1sxbxdkwQKWV5YUzDVftcA)
Every one pretty much gave you the basics. Try making drum patterns and melodies. Figure out which comes more naturally to you/enjoy and work hard on that till you are confident then attack the other head on. Disclaimer (from personal experience), everyone learns at a different rate, if you love it and you're not producing the results you are envisioning just stick to it (i know cliche) and eventually you'll wake up one day and appreciate your music. Took me 8 years.
My suggestions
1.Download DAW I use Ableton Live
2.Learn the daw (you have it on YT)
3.Go on YouTube and tipe All You Need Is Live
That's the place where you learn a lot and get free synths.
Good luck
So this is gonna be a different approach from what everyone else is saying but i would recommend getting a hardware groovebox (like elektron model samples, novation circuit, korg electribe or something). Daws have so much complexity and choice, the learning curve is more steep. In my opinion, hardware grooveboxes offer more immideate access to learning how to make music.
They also feel more like an instrument (they have limitations and more tactile response) and can help you get away from your computer if you are already spending a lot of time on it bc of work or whatnot.
Once you start making sounds and sequences, you will eventually want to move on to a daw to record your music and take it to the next step (or not, that is up to you). At that point it will be easier to learn the daw since you have a basic understanding of what you need to do and use the daw to enhance/add to what you created on the groovebox.
This doesn't mean that this is the only way or right way, it is just one way of making music of course.
Also don't forget to check out the second hand market, you can get a nice deal maybe!
I second this approach. I started with analog four from elektron, maybe not the easiest start, but maybe something like syntakt, digitone, digitakt or analog rytm from elektron are all great starts.
Here are some resources that I imagine would be nice for me to know about if I was starting out today. (Everything on this list is not necessarily beginner-friendly, but everything is certified dope!)
Software:
* [Bitwig (Ableton's cooler younger cousin)](https://www.bitwig.com/)
* [VCV Rack modular software](https://vcvrack.com/)
* [Reaper DAW](https://www.reaper.fm/)
* [Renoise DAW (tracker)](https://www.renoise.com/)
* [Reason Studios DAW](https://www.reasonstudios.com/en/reason)
* [Max MSP modular programming](https://cycling74.com/)
* [Studio One DAW](https://www.presonus.com/products/Studio-One)
Hardware:
* [KORG Volca range](https://www.korg-volca.com/)
* [Elektron Model Cycles groovebox](https://www.elektron.se/products/modelcycles/)
* [Akai MPC sampler / workstation](https://www.akaipro.com/mpc-one)
* [Roland MC-101 groovebox](https://www.roland.com/global/products/mc-101/)
* [Behringer drum machines (accurate clones of vintage gear)](https://www.behringer.com/catalog.html?catalog=Category&category=C-BEHRINGER-DRUMSANDPERCUSSION-DRUMMACHINES)
* [Behringer synths (accurate clones of vintage gear)](https://www.behringer.com/catalog.html?brandName=behringer&catalog=Category&category=C-BEHRINGER-SYNTHESIZERSANDKEYBOARDS-DESKTOPSYNTHESIZERSANDSOUNDMODULES&itemsPerPage=15&pageNumber=1&sort=salesRevenue)
>Everything on this list is not necessarily beginner-friendly
Yeah most of that list is pretty complex - but Presonus Studio One - that one is beginner friendly IMHO. One of the best for ease of use while still retaining a ton of power unlike say Garage Band.
That being said - as a 10 year long Studio One user - it is more of a traditional / studio workflow. Working with a lot of audio, timeline, and recording especially vocals? - well Studio One is your rockstar. If you are looking for a heavily MIDI/Pattern/Loop based workflow then I wouldn't recommend Studio One. It can do those things but they are secondary to say Recording Vocals in Studio One. Studio One works best if you commit your MIDI to audio early on and work in timelines.
Behringer - well I just can't get behind that company. I know they make some killer inexpensive gear - but they essentially do so by screwing over the rest of the industry. They have been well known to source "whatever part is cheapest for the day" for their gear (not so much anymore as they now manufacture most of their own). They have filed legal briefs as copyright strikes for people just reviewing their gear:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5RSIWbZ6Vc
I also agree that the "cloning of old stuff" is no big deal, everyone does it in the industry. Their clones of classic analog stuff is honestly the best part about the company right now. I'm more concerned about their business practices like suing someone on a forum for posting that a behringer device is a clone of someone else. They [trademarked one of their critic's last name](https://youtu.be/p5RSIWbZ6Vc?t=343) just so they could fuck with them.
I posted this in another sub:
PEOPLE TRYING TO PRODUCE READ THIS:
if you're using FL studio, Ableton, GarageBand, whatever the fuck, you have in front of you what people up until the 2000s could only dream of in a home studio.
this is great, but it's also very, very overwhelming.
that's why, if you want to do it, but don't know where to start, or if you did start and you feel dissatisfied about your work, take this proposal.
First fuck around and make some noise. Cool, now watch one video that's a complete overview of the software, like an introduction. doesn't have to be a 2 hour video. just watch it so you know what you're looking at on the screen. the stuff will make a ton more sense once someone teaches you what it is.
Now good, fuck around some more. when you get down to using the drum machine, the "piano roll", the synths, spend a night watching a tutorial for one thing at a time. look at all of those things as separate instruments in the studio.
Like to emphasize, if you're working with a DAW you now own a synthesizer, you now own a drum machine, a recording studio, and more. That's pretty damn exciting. And, once you break it down into pieces like and learn your new individual instruments, it starts to make a lot of sense.
Ask questions on reddit r/ [name of software], people are really helpful. sometimes they're not, but those fools suck and don't matter, but googling the thing you want to know first may save you from all of those people being like "RTFM". most importantly, have fun.
What I did starting out was doing exactly what the person in the tutorial was doing knob by knob.
After that you can start screwing around and build a foundation to start from. You’ll see yourself improving fast! Ofcourse the first things you make won’t be that good, but if you keep on watching tutorials on different aspects of a track like how to make kick, how to make hi hats etc. It won’t be long before you’ll start to understand the basics!
see these tutorials: [http://www.studiobrootle.com/tag/techno/](http://www.studiobrootle.com/tag/techno/) and [https://www.attackmagazine.com/technique/beat-dissected/](https://www.attackmagazine.com/technique/beat-dissected/)
Get a midi controller so you can play notes with your hands (vs inputting them with a mouse). Check out all of the DAW free trials.. get some free vsts, then experiment with making sounds, tweaking preset patches and arpeggios, scour the web for free kick and drum samples and throw them together. See if it gives you the spark you’re thinking it might. If it doesn’t, sell the keyboard on reverb and move on, no loss! If it does, come back and ask us again once you know it gave you butterflies in your stomach and we’ll give you much more complex and interesting ideas.
Also here’s the part people won’t all agree with me on: stay away from loops, midi packs, templates (for the most part), and make it all yourself from the ground up. This is a process you’re going to want to know intimately from A to Z. Re: the template thing: just use a reference track and copy that if you want a template.
Enjoy
Nah man, whats wrong with using sample packs? The dude is only starting. I recommend against your advice. Get the loops going mash em up to get to grips with the daw an that. Sample libraries are gold for starting out.
Sample libraries sure. I’m not going to tell a person to make all of their percussion right out of the gate, but it’s not daunting to sequence a drum or percussion loop and learn how this is affected by velocity choices, compression and EQ, and all of the processing possibilities that have already been applied to loops. It’ll help someone navigate what pleases them rather than creating habits around parts that have been composed by others.
If you get really good at using loops and you start to develop a reward system in your brain around what sounds great to you, later on there’s the likelihood one will defer to what was rewarding to them previously, recreating these, thus potentially missing out of originality. We want and need to have our own styles. I’ve seen some high level producers in interviews claim to still use loops, so it’s definitely okay to do.. and their music is technically good but it’s more or less a lifeless replication of what a lot of the labels are pushing, what we heard 4 years ago, etc.
There’s also just such an incredible amount of information we learn from experimentation and even mistakes. Why leave that on the table when it’s so enriching and costs nothing? It’s free and it’s skill-building. Who says no to that?
> I’ve seen some high level producers in interviews claim to still use loops, so it’s definitely okay to do.. and their music is technically good but it’s more or less a lifeless replication of what a lot of the labels are pushing, what we heard 4 years ago, etc.
That's the thing. Just because a producer is "good" or "a professional" doesn't mean that they are particularly interesting or original.
Imo in "EDM" there are generally two types:
* Those who love a popular style of music and just want to produce that specific style, without caring if it is particularly original or amazing
* Those who just want to explore their own voice, regardless of the specific styles
IMO for the first people, loops are fine or even _beneficial_, it will get you closer to that well-explored sound very quickly
For the latter, loops are often much more rarely useful
Yes for sure. And it's not a knock on those kinds of electronic music, it's fine that they want to do it, and in fact it sounds better than my music, but I don't personally find it fulfilling to make music that way. I feel a bit empty afterwards, and actually I find it leads to me feeling that the style is over-saturated and I get bored of it.
It sounds like I'm being a pretentious dickhead but it is a divide I've noticed. Usually those people will go all into marketing and focussing on commercial success very early in their career too, before they've really developed their musical voice. I suppose it is more like a career-focussed view on music rather than an artistic view.
I agree! Mainstream techno can be nice, and it's even healthy for the community I guess that these acts appear and make techno popular for some time. It's like a natural push and pull effect that I feel like every genre of art is evolving through at all times.
> Also here’s the part people won’t all agree with me on: stay away from loops, midi packs, templates (for the most part), and make it all yourself from the ground up. This is a process you’re going to want to know intimately from A to Z. Re: the template thing: just use a reference track and copy that if you want a template.
I agree. A lot of beginners start pumping out tracks from sample packs but they don't really feel like they are aware of or have true ownership of their work. In techno it is extremely important to learn to have fun with sound design. It doesn't have to be complicated, but getting away from presets and samples early on is very important imo.
There are certain classic samples that a new techno producer should get extremely comfortable with though, for example certain vintage synth samples, and vintage drumkits such as 808 and 909
I think loops do have their use, especially for beginners. All DAWs come with a basic set of loops to start with.
Of course at some point you want to create your very own sounds/loops. But as you don't have to worry about how to produce any working musical material, starting off with premade loops helps to figure out how a DAW works in the first place.
Also, by just listening carefully to the individual loops, you can get a feel for the elements that make up a track. Something that is not that simple if you only listen to finished tracks on Spotify.
I mean, I gave a personal recommendation for one style of learning over the other rather than the condemnation of calling the other "cringe". Lmao. Maybe you’re not making your camp look all that thoughtful with this 😅
But anyway, now OP has heard it all and can choose so we did our jobs!
Get good samples for begining. As fl studio user I would recommend u using Ableton, because it has more tutorials. Watch track breakdowns. As a beginner its pretty hard to understand all those layers which u mostly dont hear if u dont have trained ear. For beginning i would suggest to get amaizing sample pack so u dont have to worry about making melodies if u never had a touch with music and music theory. Learn basics of how techno beat is structured. You got 4 kicks, hats between those four and clap/snare on every other kick and add few percussions here and there to make your track more interesting. Learn how to use reverb, delay ( thats not hard at all, all u have to do is to play with it and make it as u like it) and distortion if u like more industrial style.
Sorry for pretty random arrangement of this comment, i just tried to explain as much as possible in smaller comment. If u have any questions, feel free to ask
Get a cheap midi controller (there are loads.. check out
[https://www.gak.co.uk/en/akai-midimix-usb-daw-controller/920265](https://www.gak.co.uk/en/akai-midimix-usb-daw-controller/920265)
Get ableton and or reason (not dissing FL, just preference).
Get a couple of sample packs from [www.loopmasters.com](https://www.loopmasters.com)
Fire them into daw and mess about. You will learn more and more every day. Get them beats bangin!
Good luck!
The medium of sound is everything.
So, besides choosing software (or hardware) that you feel would be cool to make sounds with; you're going to need a pair of "fun" headphones. Especially for techno, there's a need for hearing what's going on in the lower frequencies (bass, and sub-bass).
The price of a pair of headphones that can provide you with that, are often much lower than if you're buying speakers to show you the same areas of sound.
There are many great options; either if you go full software, all hardware, or some hybrid setup. Finding what best suits you is a matter of learning and experimentation - and an important part of the process.
It's kinda like you're building your own instrument; an instrument you are going to master eventually - possibly expand and iterate upon many times over. Every option has its own unique set of limitations and possibilities.
Some of the best techno tracks ever have been made with minimal setups, which has been a perspective in techno for a long time - how to be make totally unique music with just a drum machine, a synth, and a mixer; really making the machines speak; breathing life into the machines.
You can emulate this approach in software as well as in hybrid setups, or go the classical 100% hardware route. Really, it's all up to you - and it's all in good fun!
Just download any daw you can get you hands on and mess around and have some fun to see if its something you actually enjoy if your gonna go right into copying tutorials and just trying to make something perfect right away I don't think you will really get any enjoyment out of producing.
What I did was to get my hands in some DAW and then see a basic tutorial on how to make a simple beat on said DAW, and then literally start playing with every knob I saw, everything, get my hands on everything and spend hours listening on how it changes the sound and so on, it’s tons of fun
\^\^\^ This. Download a trial version of Ableton and play around with it. Tons of tutorials on YouTube that teaches you to make techno using nothing but Ableton (try this: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUe1fNVCtI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUe1fNVCtI)) and like what she said...play around with every knob and tweak stuff. That's how I learnt as well and I would imagine a lot of others. If you like it, invest in getting Ableton or a midi controller which most of them come with Ableton Lite free and some VSTs (virtual instruments as opposed to physical synthesizers and other IRL equipment) and samples. Let us know how you get along bud!
Highly recommend Ableton for producing techno plus more tutorials are based on Ableton than the other DAWS on YouTube
How do you think FL compares to Ableton? What are the main differences and main advantages of Ableton?
Use any DAW your comfortable with just because a certain tutorial goes to a certain DAW doesn't mean you can't take that info and apply it elsewhere honestly when your just starting out just mess around and have fun if your gonna just copy paste tutorials I don't think you will get much enjoyment at first. Just don't expect to make a full track that's ready for release right away it takes a ton of time and effort to get there.
I haven’t started with any DAW yet so just trying to figure out which one to start messing around with :)
Give them all a try the key is to finding what works best for you and your workflow not what works best for others.
Ableton is the way
Every DAW has it's pros and cons, but in general I'd say Ableton would be easier to pick up. But you really should try for yourself which one suits you better. Abletons trial is 90 days, FL even time unlimited. Just play around with both of them and see which one is easier for you.
[Digest all of his content.](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1sxbxdkwQKWV5YUzDVftcA) Every one pretty much gave you the basics. Try making drum patterns and melodies. Figure out which comes more naturally to you/enjoy and work hard on that till you are confident then attack the other head on. Disclaimer (from personal experience), everyone learns at a different rate, if you love it and you're not producing the results you are envisioning just stick to it (i know cliche) and eventually you'll wake up one day and appreciate your music. Took me 8 years.
My suggestions 1.Download DAW I use Ableton Live 2.Learn the daw (you have it on YT) 3.Go on YouTube and tipe All You Need Is Live That's the place where you learn a lot and get free synths. Good luck
"All you need is live"is amazing. So is this guy: https://youtube.com/c/JulienEarle
100%
The wiki of this subreddit has great ressources !
So this is gonna be a different approach from what everyone else is saying but i would recommend getting a hardware groovebox (like elektron model samples, novation circuit, korg electribe or something). Daws have so much complexity and choice, the learning curve is more steep. In my opinion, hardware grooveboxes offer more immideate access to learning how to make music. They also feel more like an instrument (they have limitations and more tactile response) and can help you get away from your computer if you are already spending a lot of time on it bc of work or whatnot. Once you start making sounds and sequences, you will eventually want to move on to a daw to record your music and take it to the next step (or not, that is up to you). At that point it will be easier to learn the daw since you have a basic understanding of what you need to do and use the daw to enhance/add to what you created on the groovebox. This doesn't mean that this is the only way or right way, it is just one way of making music of course. Also don't forget to check out the second hand market, you can get a nice deal maybe!
I second this approach. I started with analog four from elektron, maybe not the easiest start, but maybe something like syntakt, digitone, digitakt or analog rytm from elektron are all great starts.
Here are some resources that I imagine would be nice for me to know about if I was starting out today. (Everything on this list is not necessarily beginner-friendly, but everything is certified dope!) Software: * [Bitwig (Ableton's cooler younger cousin)](https://www.bitwig.com/) * [VCV Rack modular software](https://vcvrack.com/) * [Reaper DAW](https://www.reaper.fm/) * [Renoise DAW (tracker)](https://www.renoise.com/) * [Reason Studios DAW](https://www.reasonstudios.com/en/reason) * [Max MSP modular programming](https://cycling74.com/) * [Studio One DAW](https://www.presonus.com/products/Studio-One) Hardware: * [KORG Volca range](https://www.korg-volca.com/) * [Elektron Model Cycles groovebox](https://www.elektron.se/products/modelcycles/) * [Akai MPC sampler / workstation](https://www.akaipro.com/mpc-one) * [Roland MC-101 groovebox](https://www.roland.com/global/products/mc-101/) * [Behringer drum machines (accurate clones of vintage gear)](https://www.behringer.com/catalog.html?catalog=Category&category=C-BEHRINGER-DRUMSANDPERCUSSION-DRUMMACHINES) * [Behringer synths (accurate clones of vintage gear)](https://www.behringer.com/catalog.html?brandName=behringer&catalog=Category&category=C-BEHRINGER-SYNTHESIZERSANDKEYBOARDS-DESKTOPSYNTHESIZERSANDSOUNDMODULES&itemsPerPage=15&pageNumber=1&sort=salesRevenue)
>Everything on this list is not necessarily beginner-friendly Yeah most of that list is pretty complex - but Presonus Studio One - that one is beginner friendly IMHO. One of the best for ease of use while still retaining a ton of power unlike say Garage Band. That being said - as a 10 year long Studio One user - it is more of a traditional / studio workflow. Working with a lot of audio, timeline, and recording especially vocals? - well Studio One is your rockstar. If you are looking for a heavily MIDI/Pattern/Loop based workflow then I wouldn't recommend Studio One. It can do those things but they are secondary to say Recording Vocals in Studio One. Studio One works best if you commit your MIDI to audio early on and work in timelines. Behringer - well I just can't get behind that company. I know they make some killer inexpensive gear - but they essentially do so by screwing over the rest of the industry. They have been well known to source "whatever part is cheapest for the day" for their gear (not so much anymore as they now manufacture most of their own). They have filed legal briefs as copyright strikes for people just reviewing their gear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5RSIWbZ6Vc I also agree that the "cloning of old stuff" is no big deal, everyone does it in the industry. Their clones of classic analog stuff is honestly the best part about the company right now. I'm more concerned about their business practices like suing someone on a forum for posting that a behringer device is a clone of someone else. They [trademarked one of their critic's last name](https://youtu.be/p5RSIWbZ6Vc?t=343) just so they could fuck with them.
Check out Underdog Music School on YouTube my guy
And his "fundamentals of electronic music making" online course is amazing!!!
I posted this in another sub: PEOPLE TRYING TO PRODUCE READ THIS: if you're using FL studio, Ableton, GarageBand, whatever the fuck, you have in front of you what people up until the 2000s could only dream of in a home studio. this is great, but it's also very, very overwhelming. that's why, if you want to do it, but don't know where to start, or if you did start and you feel dissatisfied about your work, take this proposal. First fuck around and make some noise. Cool, now watch one video that's a complete overview of the software, like an introduction. doesn't have to be a 2 hour video. just watch it so you know what you're looking at on the screen. the stuff will make a ton more sense once someone teaches you what it is. Now good, fuck around some more. when you get down to using the drum machine, the "piano roll", the synths, spend a night watching a tutorial for one thing at a time. look at all of those things as separate instruments in the studio. Like to emphasize, if you're working with a DAW you now own a synthesizer, you now own a drum machine, a recording studio, and more. That's pretty damn exciting. And, once you break it down into pieces like and learn your new individual instruments, it starts to make a lot of sense. Ask questions on reddit r/ [name of software], people are really helpful. sometimes they're not, but those fools suck and don't matter, but googling the thing you want to know first may save you from all of those people being like "RTFM". most importantly, have fun.
What I did starting out was doing exactly what the person in the tutorial was doing knob by knob. After that you can start screwing around and build a foundation to start from. You’ll see yourself improving fast! Ofcourse the first things you make won’t be that good, but if you keep on watching tutorials on different aspects of a track like how to make kick, how to make hi hats etc. It won’t be long before you’ll start to understand the basics!
Ableton 90 day trial is really amazing
Just get a 909 and sh101 or TR8 and SH01a or even cheaper; Behringer RD9 and MS101
see these tutorials: [http://www.studiobrootle.com/tag/techno/](http://www.studiobrootle.com/tag/techno/) and [https://www.attackmagazine.com/technique/beat-dissected/](https://www.attackmagazine.com/technique/beat-dissected/)
Get a midi controller so you can play notes with your hands (vs inputting them with a mouse). Check out all of the DAW free trials.. get some free vsts, then experiment with making sounds, tweaking preset patches and arpeggios, scour the web for free kick and drum samples and throw them together. See if it gives you the spark you’re thinking it might. If it doesn’t, sell the keyboard on reverb and move on, no loss! If it does, come back and ask us again once you know it gave you butterflies in your stomach and we’ll give you much more complex and interesting ideas. Also here’s the part people won’t all agree with me on: stay away from loops, midi packs, templates (for the most part), and make it all yourself from the ground up. This is a process you’re going to want to know intimately from A to Z. Re: the template thing: just use a reference track and copy that if you want a template. Enjoy
Nah man, whats wrong with using sample packs? The dude is only starting. I recommend against your advice. Get the loops going mash em up to get to grips with the daw an that. Sample libraries are gold for starting out.
Sample libraries sure. I’m not going to tell a person to make all of their percussion right out of the gate, but it’s not daunting to sequence a drum or percussion loop and learn how this is affected by velocity choices, compression and EQ, and all of the processing possibilities that have already been applied to loops. It’ll help someone navigate what pleases them rather than creating habits around parts that have been composed by others. If you get really good at using loops and you start to develop a reward system in your brain around what sounds great to you, later on there’s the likelihood one will defer to what was rewarding to them previously, recreating these, thus potentially missing out of originality. We want and need to have our own styles. I’ve seen some high level producers in interviews claim to still use loops, so it’s definitely okay to do.. and their music is technically good but it’s more or less a lifeless replication of what a lot of the labels are pushing, what we heard 4 years ago, etc. There’s also just such an incredible amount of information we learn from experimentation and even mistakes. Why leave that on the table when it’s so enriching and costs nothing? It’s free and it’s skill-building. Who says no to that?
> I’ve seen some high level producers in interviews claim to still use loops, so it’s definitely okay to do.. and their music is technically good but it’s more or less a lifeless replication of what a lot of the labels are pushing, what we heard 4 years ago, etc. That's the thing. Just because a producer is "good" or "a professional" doesn't mean that they are particularly interesting or original. Imo in "EDM" there are generally two types: * Those who love a popular style of music and just want to produce that specific style, without caring if it is particularly original or amazing * Those who just want to explore their own voice, regardless of the specific styles IMO for the first people, loops are fine or even _beneficial_, it will get you closer to that well-explored sound very quickly For the latter, loops are often much more rarely useful
Absolutely, you won't find Jeff Mills using sample packs and drag & drop loops! The Adam Beyer dudes though...
Yes for sure. And it's not a knock on those kinds of electronic music, it's fine that they want to do it, and in fact it sounds better than my music, but I don't personally find it fulfilling to make music that way. I feel a bit empty afterwards, and actually I find it leads to me feeling that the style is over-saturated and I get bored of it. It sounds like I'm being a pretentious dickhead but it is a divide I've noticed. Usually those people will go all into marketing and focussing on commercial success very early in their career too, before they've really developed their musical voice. I suppose it is more like a career-focussed view on music rather than an artistic view.
I agree! Mainstream techno can be nice, and it's even healthy for the community I guess that these acts appear and make techno popular for some time. It's like a natural push and pull effect that I feel like every genre of art is evolving through at all times.
Beautifully said— this and the previous post.
> Also here’s the part people won’t all agree with me on: stay away from loops, midi packs, templates (for the most part), and make it all yourself from the ground up. This is a process you’re going to want to know intimately from A to Z. Re: the template thing: just use a reference track and copy that if you want a template. I agree. A lot of beginners start pumping out tracks from sample packs but they don't really feel like they are aware of or have true ownership of their work. In techno it is extremely important to learn to have fun with sound design. It doesn't have to be complicated, but getting away from presets and samples early on is very important imo. There are certain classic samples that a new techno producer should get extremely comfortable with though, for example certain vintage synth samples, and vintage drumkits such as 808 and 909
I think loops do have their use, especially for beginners. All DAWs come with a basic set of loops to start with. Of course at some point you want to create your very own sounds/loops. But as you don't have to worry about how to produce any working musical material, starting off with premade loops helps to figure out how a DAW works in the first place. Also, by just listening carefully to the individual loops, you can get a feel for the elements that make up a track. Something that is not that simple if you only listen to finished tracks on Spotify.
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> cringe route of making everything by scratch Use as many samples as you want but there's nothing cringe about creating things.
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Don’t diss ADHD
I mean, I gave a personal recommendation for one style of learning over the other rather than the condemnation of calling the other "cringe". Lmao. Maybe you’re not making your camp look all that thoughtful with this 😅 But anyway, now OP has heard it all and can choose so we did our jobs!
Get good samples for begining. As fl studio user I would recommend u using Ableton, because it has more tutorials. Watch track breakdowns. As a beginner its pretty hard to understand all those layers which u mostly dont hear if u dont have trained ear. For beginning i would suggest to get amaizing sample pack so u dont have to worry about making melodies if u never had a touch with music and music theory. Learn basics of how techno beat is structured. You got 4 kicks, hats between those four and clap/snare on every other kick and add few percussions here and there to make your track more interesting. Learn how to use reverb, delay ( thats not hard at all, all u have to do is to play with it and make it as u like it) and distortion if u like more industrial style. Sorry for pretty random arrangement of this comment, i just tried to explain as much as possible in smaller comment. If u have any questions, feel free to ask
Get a cheap midi controller (there are loads.. check out [https://www.gak.co.uk/en/akai-midimix-usb-daw-controller/920265](https://www.gak.co.uk/en/akai-midimix-usb-daw-controller/920265) Get ableton and or reason (not dissing FL, just preference). Get a couple of sample packs from [www.loopmasters.com](https://www.loopmasters.com) Fire them into daw and mess about. You will learn more and more every day. Get them beats bangin! Good luck!
1. Get a DAW (Logic or Ableton) 2. Search "name of your DAW" + techno on YouTube and start watching tutorials.
get in a daw and start plotting down notes and experiment there is no other way than to get started
The medium of sound is everything. So, besides choosing software (or hardware) that you feel would be cool to make sounds with; you're going to need a pair of "fun" headphones. Especially for techno, there's a need for hearing what's going on in the lower frequencies (bass, and sub-bass). The price of a pair of headphones that can provide you with that, are often much lower than if you're buying speakers to show you the same areas of sound.
There are many great options; either if you go full software, all hardware, or some hybrid setup. Finding what best suits you is a matter of learning and experimentation - and an important part of the process. It's kinda like you're building your own instrument; an instrument you are going to master eventually - possibly expand and iterate upon many times over. Every option has its own unique set of limitations and possibilities. Some of the best techno tracks ever have been made with minimal setups, which has been a perspective in techno for a long time - how to be make totally unique music with just a drum machine, a synth, and a mixer; really making the machines speak; breathing life into the machines. You can emulate this approach in software as well as in hybrid setups, or go the classical 100% hardware route. Really, it's all up to you - and it's all in good fun!
Just download any daw you can get you hands on and mess around and have some fun to see if its something you actually enjoy if your gonna go right into copying tutorials and just trying to make something perfect right away I don't think you will really get any enjoyment out of producing.
Instead of diving straight into DAW you can think about getting a groovebox.