u/Few-Sheepherder-3651

I've been working on this beat recently but I was getting bored so I'm leaving it as is and moving on.

I discovered we can make videos with FL as well. This was just messing around for 30 mins it was fun.

At 38 years old, regretfully, this is my first attempt at anything musical ever in my life. It is supposed to be hip-hop drillish-inspired. I know it's nothing special, and there is a lot still to be done, but I am getting bored with it and want to start something new. Looking feedback/constructive criticism.

>Tldr - had 0 music knowledge, didn't know what a beat or bar or even snare was. Became obssessed with learning about 2 months ago.

Before this, I listened to music of all types of genres my whole life, but I listened on such a surface level, it made me feel good, I liked the noise, and I was happy with that.

I would not have been able to tell you the instruments making the sounds. I had no idea what a snare, or a kick or a high hat actually was; I just knew the sound they made and that I really enjoyed when they sounded a certain way in songs. Ask me what an 808 is, and 'It's a Kanye album, right?' is all I've got for you.

2 months ago, I randomly decided I wanted to learn more about music, and it has been quite the journey so far. Learning about beats and bars and the different drum patterns in different genres -*^(shout out Pocket Operations)*. Learning about notes, scales, chord progressions, semitones, octaves, triads, major/minor, and so much more.

EQ's? WTF, these are so cool, being able to control the sound and what gets through is mind-blowing. I would never have guessed that was a thing.

Don't get me started on synths. I have made some cool sounds, getting a base knowledge from this Scottish YouTuber giving a Vital tutorial, along with sampling that has become my new obsession, I have a synth learning markdown document, and it is growing rapidly in size.

The way I listen to music has fundamentally changed. I am hearing the patterns, and I am recognising individual elements.

I have just recently discovered sampling, clean drum loops, keys or even just a cool sound. The ability to have the original environment pre-programmed into the sound is so cool. I have been cutting up a lot of Pink Floyd songs recorded in the 70s.

I know I am at the bottom of a massive mountain of learning and knowledge, and I am ready to start climbing it. There are so many topics I want to deep dive into, and just not enough time in a day. This is just a hobby for me, but it's kinda consuming my life.

If you could go back to the days when you were first starting out, what piece of advice would you give yourself? Maybe an area to focus your learning, or a common beginner pitfall to make sure you avoid?