Ask HN: Anyone into Music Production?
17 comments
I've fiddled around with all sorts of music programs for decades, and never found anything that really stuck with me. One of my favorite tools has been Jasuto, a software modular synth, but making music with iPads doesn't sit right with me.
Looking to get more focused on music making a couple years ago, I attended the Toronto Sound Festival, where there was a lot of modular synth hardware to checkout. I didn't find anything that really felt right for me, so I set out on creating my own electroacoustic instrument and my own ways of making music. That's led to releasing two albums on Bandcamp (https://stefanpowell.bandcamp.com), and I've done a couple video demos for the local synth enthusiasts.(https://youtu.be/ds2I0QujzO0)
I record live sets directly into Ardour, trim, fade, and use FabFilter plug-ins for EQ and Limiting.
I've recently had a much more stage ready version of my instrument built by a professional luthier, and I hope to start playing some live gigs with it soon.
Looking to get more focused on music making a couple years ago, I attended the Toronto Sound Festival, where there was a lot of modular synth hardware to checkout. I didn't find anything that really felt right for me, so I set out on creating my own electroacoustic instrument and my own ways of making music. That's led to releasing two albums on Bandcamp (https://stefanpowell.bandcamp.com), and I've done a couple video demos for the local synth enthusiasts.(https://youtu.be/ds2I0QujzO0)
I record live sets directly into Ardour, trim, fade, and use FabFilter plug-ins for EQ and Limiting.
I've recently had a much more stage ready version of my instrument built by a professional luthier, and I hope to start playing some live gigs with it soon.
I've used Reason since 2001. For a while I had a desktop PC for DAW stuff, and I mostly ran Cubase w Reason w Motu 828 MK2. Cubase + windows bugs drove me crazy. Once Reason supported audio I ditched Cubase and went onto Mac OS. I would highly recommend Reason as I think they have the best overall offering plus the quality is amazing - almost never encountered a bug or issue when using it. There are a lot of options these days so it kinda depends on what you want to do.
Why Reason in place of say Logic, Ableton Live, Studio One, Digital Performer, or Reaper? Any advantages in your case?
I started with it a long time ago and spent a lot of time learning the rack and tools, instruments. And it's worked well for me so I stick with it. I've used Digital Performer, Logic and Studio One and just never found them to be significantly better.
I'm starting with FL Studio and Windows, no issues so far (so far = for some months haha).
GarageBand. I was a kid in the early 2000s and my dad's friends gave me a tutorial on GarageBand. My experience with computers up to that point was Windows, but from then on I was hooked. I've since learned Logic Pro and am using that, but messing with Apple Loops on GarageBand was a great starting point.
It's a fun hobby. I have a degree in music performance and could write a novel on why I don't do music professionally. I like having the financial stability that comes with having a job, and creating music is something I do to feed my soul. Doesn't need to be anything more than that for me.
It's a fun hobby. I have a degree in music performance and could write a novel on why I don't do music professionally. I like having the financial stability that comes with having a job, and creating music is something I do to feed my soul. Doesn't need to be anything more than that for me.
Lifelong musician, originally went to school back in 2009 for media arts with an emphasis on sound engineering.
It isn't my only source of income, but I've been diligent about growing it as a business and am starting to see some payoff.
I primarily work in Ableton Live. It's not only the most inspiring DAW that I know, but it is a fantastic performance tool as well.
It isn't my only source of income, but I've been diligent about growing it as a business and am starting to see some payoff.
I primarily work in Ableton Live. It's not only the most inspiring DAW that I know, but it is a fantastic performance tool as well.
How do you make money making music? Any getting started guides?
Lifelong songwriter, got a free copy of Acid with the purchase of a CD burner circa 2000, moved to Cubase for the VSTs and cause it could be pirated, been on Cubase ever since but have migrated from VST to analog synth hardware.
It's a hobby but i've had an indie label release and made a few bucks from streaming services and i pay for promotion with each new release.
It's a hobby but i've had an indie label release and made a few bucks from streaming services and i pay for promotion with each new release.
Cool, how did you learn songwriting?
I went to music school as a kid and learned to piano and guitar but never really enjoyed it. Then, in my 20s I became a fan of EDM and decided to try producing for myself. I bought a copy of Logic Pro and have been using it ever since. Now 8 years later I still suck at producing and have achieved nothing, but at least it is a fun hobby :)
I started in 2007 as a keyboardist in a rock band when I was in the college. After graduation in 2009, I never play in a band again. But, I still continue playing music and tinkering with synthesizers as a hobby.
Now, I fall in love with ambient and generative music. For the DAW, I use Logic Pro to produce my music and my podcast.
Now, I fall in love with ambient and generative music. For the DAW, I use Logic Pro to produce my music and my podcast.
Why not try Glicol in your browser.
https://glicol.org/
It is very beginner friendly and you can gain music knowledge while coding. It also runs as VST in all DAWs (except Logic Pro) on Mac.
https://glicol.org/
It is very beginner friendly and you can gain music knowledge while coding. It also runs as VST in all DAWs (except Logic Pro) on Mac.
I started making mashups using Sony Vegas (Windows) in early 2013 as a byproduct of creating videos. I did this for a few years and made 100+. At the bottom of my music page (link in bio,) there is a YT playlist of some that I re-hashed last year.
Got started in the late 90s and have been messing around with it ever since.
I use Logic Pro these days, but previously GarageBand and before that various things from Computer Music magazine.
I use Logic Pro these days, but previously GarageBand and before that various things from Computer Music magazine.
I use Reaper to produce my own music. Their pricing model can't be beat and the software is good. I'm not a professional by any stretch.
Is it your hobby or your job?
Which DAW do you use?