Yes, music can be produced and recorded at home—and done well. But are you doing it well? Probably not.
Producing and recording music is both an art and a technical craft. There’s a reason people still pursue college degrees in these fields or study under experienced mentors.
As a mixer, I frequently encounter serious issues with the audio files I receive. Often, I end up spending more time fixing the audio than creatively mixing it.
Can I fix things during the mix? Yes, I can fix a lot—and even more with the help of AI. But does it sound better when the tracks are recorded correctly from the start? Absolutely, 100%.
Here are a few quick tips for producing and recording your own music effectively:
1. Think Structurally About Your Song
Great producers create dynamics and variation throughout a track. Add or subtract elements in each section to keep it engaging. Think of your song as a movie—you want the story to progress.
Here’s a rough outline to try:
Intro: Build up with a good number of instruments or a specific progression.
Verse 1: Simplify—mute some instruments from the intro, experiment with effects, quick melodies, or harmonies.
Chorus 1: Not the full chorus yet—introduce it, but hold back from going all-out.
Verse 2: Add something new or different so it’s not a copy-paste of Verse 1.
Chorus 2: This time, make it the full chorus.
Bridge: Introduce contrast or a fresh element to keep things dynamic.
Final Chorus: Go big—add vocal ad-libs, lead instruments, and make it the most powerful version of the chorus.
2. Don’t Record Acoustic Guitars Direct-In (DI)
Using a DI track for acoustic guitar can be helpful as a backup, but the shrill, unnatural sound isn’t ideal. Instead, use a mic—it usually sounds much better. The same goes for electric guitars; if possible, track them with an amp. While amp modeling has come a long way, it’s still hard to beat the warmth and character of a great amp.
*This post has a some solid microphone techniques to help you begin recording acoustic guitars: https://mxlmics.com/7-critical-tips-on-how-to-mic-an-acoustic-guitar/
3. Add Variations to Your Drums
Static, repetitive drums are boring. Even in electronic music, producers use volume dynamics on hi-hats, snares, and loops to create a more organic, lively feel. Make your drums breathe.
4. Track Vocals Properly
Always use a pop filter when recording vocals.
Invest in something better than the Scarlett Focusrite interface and a decent vocal mic. While these tools are fine for demos or quick ideas, they’re not ideal for final takes. Cheaper interfaces and microphones often introduce a harsh, whispery tone in the 8k-10k range that’s hard to remove without losing vocal clarity.
If you were to record anything in a professional studio, record your vocals. You will be hard pressed to beat their room isolation, gear, and help from an engineer.
5. Quality Players and Instruments Matter
The better the musicians and instruments, the better your song will sound. This may seem obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing.
While this list isn’t exhaustive, it’s a solid starting point to elevate your recordings. As someone who’s mixed thousands of songs, my motto is: “It’s easy to polish a diamond.”
Which would you rather have: a polished diamond or a shiny piece of gravel?
If you have questions about your track before it’s mixed, feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to lend an ear!