5 Reasons Why Your Beats “Suck”
Why do my beats sound bad? Coming up with fresh and creative beats that artists gravitate toward isn’t an easy task. You may even fall into a negative feedback loop where you are constantly dissatisfied with the music you produce. Don’t worry you are not alone and we’re going to give you 5 tips on how to overcome these negative thoughts.
5. You’re Overthinking It!
This may seem like the most obvious reason, but we often overcomplicate and overproduce our tracks. Doing so makes us hyper-focused on things that everyday listeners wouldn't even notice. Anytime you find yourself obsessing over finding the perfect snare sound, take a few steps back and approach the beat with a simple outlook. Think about the beat from the listeners’ perspective. After all, we all started out as listeners and fans of music. We like the songs we do because they make us feel, not because the kick drum hits at the right pitch and decibel. If you suspect you are overthinking something you probably are. So take a deep breath and relax. You got this!
4. You’re not Feeling Inspired
“Beat Block” is quite literally the worst thing that can happen to an ambitious beatmaker. You are trying to meet deadlines and compete with other producers, so it’s no wonder you run out of ideas and feel unmotivated. The next time you sit in front of your DAW with a blank aimless stare consider watching someone else make beats. Watching your favorite producers do their thing can help inspire you and bring you back to a creative state of mind. If watching other producers doesn’t spark your inspiration try watching your favorite tv show or movie. Often times these tv shows have elaborate soundtracks that you normally don’t notice. Listen to these soundtracks and think about how they were produced.
3. You Need More Practice
Even veteran producers can stand to learn something new about the craft. Research how to do different production techniques and try them out for yourself. There are endless YouTube videos that detail the specifics of music production. The best form of practice is actually completing tracks that don’t meet your standards.
You might have to produce ten average-quality beats before you produce one that sounds incredible. Each time you press export you learn something new through trial and error. Another great practice is using reference tracks alongside your production. Remember not to sweat it if your track doesn’t sound as appealing as your reference. Make more beats.
2. Take a Break
Go outside, hit the gym, meet up with some friends, and get out of the studio. Sitting in front of your computer for hours is a big motivation killer, so it’s good to take periodic breaks between your sessions. A change in your overall environment is a great way to boost creativity. You could change your desk layout, open a window to let in natural light, or just light some candles. These things help give your mind a break. Your ears can get fatigued after a couple of hours mixing a track so taking breaks can alleviate some of that stress.
1. Stop Scrolling on Social Media
Social media is great in moderation. However, mindlessly scrolling and looking at other people's accomplishments can alter your mindset and throw you off balance; especially for those who are just getting started making music. As music producers, it is important for us to be social and network with other musicians. So don’t be discouraged. Avoid scrolling before you go into your studio session and monitor your screen time. Changing your social media habits might help your overall mood and make you feel more productive.
