How to Make EDM Music: A Beginner's Guide
EDM music, or electronic dance music, is one of the most popular genres of music in the world today. It's a type of music that combines electronic sounds, rhythms, and melodies to create catchy and energetic tracks that make people want to dance and have fun. EDM music can be found in nightclubs, festivals, radio stations, and online platforms, and it has a huge fan base across different cultures and countries.
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If you love listening to EDM music and want to try making your own, you might be wondering where to start and what tools you need. In this article, I will show you how to make EDM music in seven easy steps, using a digital audio workstation (DAW) as your main tool. I will also give you some tips on how to choose a genre, a mood, and a sound palette for your track, as well as how to arrange, mix, and master your track. By the end of this article, you will have a basic understanding of how to produce your own EDM track, and hopefully feel inspired to experiment with different styles and techniques.
Step 1: Choose a genre and a mood for your track
The first step in making EDM music is to decide what kind of track you want to make. There are many subgenres of EDM music, such as house, techno, trance, dubstep, drum and bass, electro, trap, and more. Each subgenre has its own characteristics, such as tempo, rhythm, sound design, structure, and mood. You can learn more about the different subgenres of EDM music by listening to some examples on websites like [Beatport](^4^) or [EDM.com](^8^), or by reading some articles on websites like [Britannica](^2^) or [Wikipedia](^1^).
Once you have an idea of what subgenre you want to make, you also need to think about what mood you want to convey with your track. Do you want it to be happy or sad? Energetic or relaxing? Dark or bright? The mood of your track will affect the choice of sounds, chords, melodies, and effects that you will use later on. You can also use some keywords or phrases to describe the mood of your track, such as "uplifting", "melancholic", "aggressive", "dreamy", etc.
Step 2: Set up your DAW and choose your sounds
The next step in making EDM music is to set up your DAW and choose your sounds. A DAW is a software program that allows you to record, edit, and arrange sounds and music on your computer. There are many DAWs available on the market, such as Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro X, Cubase, Pro Tools, etc. Each DAW has its own features, interface, workflow, and price. You can choose the one that suits your needs and preferences best.
Once you have installed your DAW on your computer, you need to choose your sounds. Sounds are the building blocks of your track. They can be either synthesized (created by using software instruments or synthesizers) or sampled (recorded from real sources or other tracks). You can find sounds in different formats, such as MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), WAV (Waveform Audio File Format), MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer III), etc.
You can either use the sounds that come with your DAW (called presets), or or download them from online sources, such as [Splice], [Loopmasters], [Sample Magic], etc. These sources offer a wide range of sounds for different genres and moods, and some of them are free or have trial versions. You can also create your own sounds by using synthesizers, samplers, or other sound design tools.
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When choosing your sounds, you should consider the following factors:
The genre and the mood of your track: Different sounds have different vibes and fit better with certain genres and moods. For example, if you want to make a house track, you might want to use some deep and warm bass sounds, some funky and groovy drums, some bright and catchy synth sounds, etc. If you want to make a dubstep track, you might want to use some distorted and wobbly bass sounds, some hard and punchy drums, some glitchy and noisy synth sounds, etc.
The quality and the compatibility of your sounds: You should choose sounds that are high-quality and compatible with your DAW and your computer. High-quality sounds have a clear and crisp sound, a good dynamic range, and a low noise level. Compatible sounds are easy to load and play on your DAW and your computer, without causing any errors or glitches.
The variety and the coherence of your sounds: You should choose sounds that are varied and coherent. Varied sounds have different characteristics, such as pitch, timbre, volume, duration, etc., and they can create interest and contrast in your track. Coherent sounds have similar characteristics, such as tone, style, genre, mood, etc., and they can create harmony and unity in your track.
Step 3: Create a basic beat and a bassline
The third step in making EDM music is to create a basic beat and a bassline. A beat is the rhythmic foundation of your track. It consists of different drum sounds, such as kick, snare, hi-hat, cymbal, tom, etc., that are arranged in a pattern or a sequence. A bassline is the low-frequency foundation of your track. It consists of one or more bass sounds, such as sub-bass, synth-bass, electric bass, etc., that are played in a melody or a chord progression.
To create a basic beat and a bassline, you can use the following steps:
Create a new project or session on your DAW and set the tempo (speed) of your track. The tempo is measured in beats per minute (BPM), and it depends on the genre of your track. For example, if you want to make a techno track, you might want to set the tempo between 120 and 140 BPM. If you want to make a drum and bass track, you might want to set the tempo between 160 and 180 BPM.
Create a new track or channel on your DAW and load a drum machine or a sampler. A drum machine is a software instrument that allows you to create and play drum sounds. A sampler is a software instrument that allows you to load and play sampled sounds. You can use either one depending on your preference.
Choose or load some drum sounds that match the genre and the mood of your track. You can use the presets that come with your drum machine or sampler, or you can use the sounds that you downloaded from online sources.
Arrange or program your drum sounds in a pattern or a sequence that suits the genre and the mood of your track. You can use the grid or the piano roll on your DAW to place or draw your drum sounds on different beats or subdivisions of beats. You can also use the step sequencer on your drum machine or sampler to enter or edit your drum sounds step by step.
Create another track or channel on your DAW and load a synthesizer or a sampler. A synthesizer is a software instrument that allows you to create and play synth sounds. A sampler is a software instrument that allows you to load and play sampled sounds. You can use either one depending on your preference.
Choose or load some bass sounds that match the genre and the mood of your track. You can use the presets that come with your synthesizer or sampler, or you can use the sounds that you downloaded from online sources.
Play or program your bass sounds in a melody or a chord progression that suits the genre and the mood of your track. You can use the keyboard or the piano roll on your DAW to play or draw your bass notes on different pitches or octaves. You can also use the arpeggiator or the sequencer on your synthesizer or sampler to generate or edit your bass notes automatically.
Step Step 4: Add melodies, chords, and effects
The fourth step in making EDM music is to add melodies, chords, and effects. A melody is a sequence of notes that forms the main musical theme of your track. A chord is a combination of two or more notes that are played together to create harmony. An effect is a sound processing technique that modifies or enhances the sound of your track.
To add melodies, chords, and effects, you can use the following steps:
Create another track or channel on your DAW and load a synthesizer or a sampler. A synthesizer is a software instrument that allows you to create and play synth sounds. A sampler is a software instrument that allows you to load and play sampled sounds. You can use either one depending on your preference.
Choose or load some synth sounds that match the genre and the mood of your track. You can use the presets that come with your synthesizer or sampler, or you can use the sounds that you downloaded from online sources.
Play or program your synth sounds in a melody or a chord progression that suits the genre and the mood of your track. You can use the keyboard or the piano roll on your DAW to play or draw your synth notes on different pitches or octaves. You can also use the arpeggiator or the sequencer on your synthesizer or sampler to generate or edit your synth notes automatically.
Create another track or channel on your DAW and load an effect plugin. An effect plugin is a software program that allows you to apply different sound processing techniques to your track, such as reverb, delay, distortion, chorus, flanger, etc. You can use the plugins that come with your DAW, or you can download them from online sources.
Choose or load some effect settings that match the genre and the mood of your track. You can use the presets that come with your effect plugin, or you can adjust the parameters manually.
Apply the effect plugin to your synth track or channel by using the send/return or the insert method. The send/return method allows you to send a copy of your synth signal to an auxiliary track or channel where the effect plugin is loaded, and then mix it with the original signal. The insert method allows you to apply the effect plugin directly to your synth track or channel, replacing the original signal.
Step 5: Arrange your track and add transitions
The fifth step in making EDM music is to arrange your track and add transitions. Arranging your track means deciding how long each section of your track will last, and in what order they will play. Transitions are changes between different sections of your track, such as intros, verses, choruses, bridges, breakdowns, build-ups, drops, etc. They help to create variety and contrast in your track, and to keep the listener interested and engaged.
To arrange your track and add transitions, you can use the following steps:
Use the timeline or the arrangement view on your DAW to see all your tracks or channels in a linear fashion. You can zoom in or out, scroll left or right, cut or copy, paste or delete, move or resize, mute or solo, etc., to edit your tracks or channels.
Use the loop brace or the loop function on your DAW to select a section of your track that you want to repeat. You can adjust the length and the position of the loop brace or function by dragging it with your mouse.
Duplicate or copy and paste your looped section as many times as you want along the timeline or arrangement view. You can also change the order of your sections by dragging them with your mouse.
Add some variation to each section by changing some elements of your tracks or channels, such as sounds, notes, effects, etc. You can also delete some elements to create some space or silence in your track.
Add some transitions between different sections by using some techniques such as fades, crossfades, filters, risers, sweeps, crashes, etc. You can use some effect plugins or some sound samples to create these transitions.
Step 6: Mix and master your track
The sixth step in making EDM music is to mix and master your track. Mixing your track means balancing the volume levels, the frequency ranges, and the stereo positions of each track or channel in relation to each other. Mastering your track means applying some final adjustments to enhance the overall sound quality and loudness of your track.
To mix and master your track, you can use the following steps:
Use the mixer or the mixing console on your DAW to see all your tracks or channels in a vertical fashion. You can adjust the volume level, the pan position, the mute and solo buttons, the send and return levels, etc., of each track or channel by using the faders, knobs, buttons, etc., on the mixer or the mixing console.
Use some plugins or tools on your DAW to apply some effects or processes to each track or channel, such as equalization (EQ), compression, reverb, delay, etc. You can use the plugins or tools that come with your DAW, or you can download them from online sources.
Use some plugins or tools on your DAW to apply some effects or processes to the master track or channel, which is the final output of your track. You can use some plugins or tools such as limiter, maximizer, multiband compressor, etc., to increase the loudness and the clarity of your track.
Use your ears and your monitors or headphones to listen to your track and make some adjustments according to your taste and preference. You can also use some tools such as spectrum analyzer, level meter, phase meter, etc., to visualize the sound of your track and check for any issues or errors.
Step 7: Export and share your track
The seventh and final step in making EDM music is to export and share your track. Exporting your track means saving it as a file that can be played on different devices and platforms. Sharing your track means uploading it to online platforms or sending it to other people who might be interested in listening to it.
To export and share your track, you can use the following steps:
Use the export or render function on your DAW to save your track as a file. You can choose different formats, such as WAV, MP3, AIFF, etc., depending on the quality and the size of your file. You can also choose different settings, such as sample rate, bit depth, bit rate, etc., depending on the compatibility and the performance of your file.
Use a file manager or a file transfer tool to move your file from your computer to a device or a platform where you want to play it. You can use a USB cable, a Bluetooth connection, a cloud service, an email attachment, etc., depending on the convenience and the security of your file.
Use an online platform or a social media network to upload your file and share it with other people who might be interested in listening to it. You can use platforms such as [SoundCloud], [YouTube], [Spotify], etc., depending on the popularity and the exposure of your file. You can also use networks such as [Facebook], [Twitter], [Instagram], etc., depending on the interaction and the feedback of your file.
Conclusion
In this article, I have shown you how to make EDM music in seven easy steps, using a digital audio workstation (DAW) as your main tool. I have also given you some tips on how to choose a genre, a mood, and a sound palette for your track, as well as how to arrange, mix, and master your track. By following these steps, you will be able to produce your own EDM track, and hopefully feel inspired to experiment with different styles and techniques.
Making EDM music is a fun and creative activity that can bring you joy and satisfaction. It can also help you express yourself and connect with other people who share your passion for music. If you want to learn more about EDM music production, you can check out some online courses, tutorials, books, blogs, podcasts, etc., that are available on the internet. You can also join some online communities, forums, groups, etc., where you can ask questions, share ideas, get feedback, etc., from other EDM music producers.
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new from it. Now it's time for you to try making your own EDM track. Have fun and good luck!
FAQs
What is EDM music?
EDM music is short for electronic dance music. It's a type of music that combines electronic sounds, rhythms, and melodies to create catchy and energetic tracks that make people want to dance and have fun. EDM music can be divided into many subgenres, such as house, techno, trance, dubstep, drum and bass, electro, trap, and more.
What is a DAW?
A DAW is short for digital audio workstation. It's a software program that allows you to record, edit, and arrange sounds and music on your computer. A DAW usually has a graphical user interface (GUI) that shows you the different tracks or channels, the timeline or the arrangement view, the mixer or the mixing console, the grid or the piano roll, the plugins or the tools, etc., that you can use to create your track.
What are some popular DAWs for EDM music production?
There are many DAWs available on the market, and each one has its own features, interface, workflow, and price. Some of the most popular DAWs for EDM music production are:
Ableton Live: A DAW that is known for its intuitive and flexible interface, its powerful and versatile plugins and tools, its seamless integration with hardware controllers and instruments, and its live performance capabilities.
FL Studio: A DAW that is known for its user-friendly and colorful interface, its rich and diverse sound library and presets, its advanced and creative plugins and tools, and its lifetime free updates.
Logic Pro X: A DAW that is known for its professional and sleek interface, its comprehensive and high-quality sound library and presets, its sophisticated and reliable plugins and tools, and its exclusive compatibility with Mac devices.
Cubase: A DAW that is known for its classic and elegant interface, its extensive and versatile sound library and presets, its robust and accurate plugins and tools, and its long history and reputation in the music industry.
Pro Tools: A DAW that is known for its industry-standard and complex interface, its minimalistic and realistic sound library and presets, its precise and reliable plugins and tools, and its high demand and respect in the music industry.
What are some online sources where I can download EDM music?
There are many online sources where you can download EDM music for free or for a fee. Some of them are:
[Beatport]: An online platform that sells EDM music in different formats (MP3, WAV, AIFF) and genres. You can browse by charts, genres, artists, labels, etc., or use the search function to find what you want. You can also listen to previews before buying.
[Spotify]: An online platform that streams EDM music in different genres. You can browse by playlists, genres, artists, albums, etc., or use the search function to find what you want. You can also create your own playlists and follow other users. You can listen for free with ads, or pay for a premium subscription to get ad-free and offline listening.
[SoundCloud]: An online platform that hosts EDM music uploaded by independent artists and labels. You can browse by charts, genres, tags, etc., or use the search function to find what you want. You can also upload your own tracks and follow other users. You can listen for free with ads, or pay for a pro subscription to get more upload space and features.
[YouTube]: An online platform that hosts EDM music videos uploaded by artists, labels, channels, etc. You can browse by recommendations, genres, playlists, etc., or use the search function to find what you want. You can also upload your own videos and subscribe to other channels. You can watch for free with ads, or pay for a premium subscription to get ad-free and offline watching.
What are some tips to improve my EDM music production skills?
There are many tips to improve your EDM music production skills, but here are some of the most important ones:
Listen to a lot of EDM music: Listening to EDM music can help you learn from the pros, get inspired by different styles and techniques, and develop your own taste and preference. You can also analyze the tracks that you like and try to figure out how they were made, what sounds and effects they used, how they arranged and mixed them, etc.
Practice a lot of EDM music production: Practicing EDM music production can help you improve your skills, gain confidence, and discover your strengths and weaknesses. You can also experiment with different genres, moods, sounds, effects, etc., and find out what works and what doesn't for you.
Get feedback on your EDM music: Getting feedback on your EDM music can help you learn from others, get different perspectives and opinions, and identify areas of improvement. You can also give feedback to others and exchange ideas and tips.
Keep learning about EDM music production: Learning about EDM music production can help you stay updated on the latest trends and developments, expand your knowledge and understanding, and acquire new skills and techniques. You can also learn from different sources, such as online courses, tutorials, books, blogs, podcasts, etc.
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