Why Great Producers Work Before They Hit Record
We live in the golden age of home studios. With an interface, a mic, and a decent pair of headphones - or even just an iPhone - you can produce music that sounds amazing.
But for all our tools and tech, the hardest part often comes at the start: figuring out what to make.
I’ve heard it (and done it): open the DAW, stare at a blank session, start clicking around hoping something sticks. Sometimes it works. Often, it doesn’t.
The truth is:
Great music doesn’t start with your DAW. It starts with a idea.
This idea can be influenced by a mood, a sound, a feeling and, a plan.
That’s pre-production. And it’s what separates beat-makers from producers. It's the difference between reacting and creating with purpose.
Over the years of working on both my own projects and other artists’ music, I’ve come to think of the creative process in seasons. Each one builds on the last, and skipping one often means doubling your work later.
In this series, I’ll walk you through the four seasons of making a record:
Writing & Editing – This is all about unplugging from the screen and reconnecting with your instrument. By focusing purely on writing - without the distractions of plugins or presets - you sharpen your creative instincts. Whether it’s developing lyrics or refining melodies, this stage is about building strong foundations before you ever hit “record.”
Scratch Tracks & Guides – Before diving into production, it’s vital to step back and listen. In Season 2, we explore the power of scratch tracks—simple, rough recordings that help you evaluate your song’s key, tempo, and structure from a listener’s perspective. These early takes aren’t about perfection - they’re about clarity, perspective, and preparing for what’s next.
Building the Demo – Now that your song is mapped out, it’s time to shape the sound. Season 3 is all about demo building—whether you’re working with live musicians, electronic tools, or just yourself and a mic. This stage is where arrangement decisions come to life, and where subtraction is just as powerful as layering. It’s the creative heart of production.
Putting It All Together – With your demo locked, it’s time to finalise the track. This phase is about clean recordings, thoughtful performances, and strategic collaborations. Whether you’re booking a studio or tracking at home, the focus is finishing strong - mixing, mastering, and knowing when the song is truly ready to be heard.Let’s dive into Season 1 in the next issue.
The time you spend in each season will vary from project to project. Some songs take shape quickly, while others need space to evolve. There’s no fixed timeline—just a process that adapts to your pace, your workflow, and the needs of the music.
These aren’t rigid steps. They’re flexible phases meant to help you focus on what matters most at each point of the journey.
I’ll be diving into Season 1 in next week’s newsletter.
Thanks for reading! Whatever season you are currently in, trust the process and keep making great music.
Until next time,
Billy
