r/edmproduction

My old music production professor sent me a link to an article talking about the use of panning in EDM, and it basically said panning in EDM is not as Important as in other styles of music.
Now I have a feeling that the article only says that because the writer is thinking about a live setting, since in a club setting, the sound system is most likely mono, but it did make me want to ask this community for your input. So, how important is panning in your projects?

Pros and cons of each?

I use Reaper but I know Ableton is likely similar in regards to this workflow.

Since I've started, I've sequenced my drums by putting the samples directly on the grid. It can be a pain in the ass and takes up a lot of visual space throughout a project but the level of control feels exceptional: volume of each hit, one track per sample so FX chains and mixing is very powerful, sidechaining easily, gated reverb easily, routing easily, envelopes per single item, etc. Haven't tried it but processed sections could be bounced/rendered to clear up space.

There are the downsides of course, if I need to change out a kick or snare, I can't just drop a new sample on the pad, and the end product is cluttered and ugly as hell compared to a clean midi item.

I know it comes down to preference and taste, but for those of you that use samplers and MIDI, how do you achieve the level of control that you'd get by sample on grid, track per drum sample? Is the level of control achievable with free plugins? If you use something paid like Battery or whatever, what ways are you using it that can translate to a free sampler/sequencer?

If you are someone who does it all on the grid no sampler/sequencer, what do you do to make it more efficient?

Hi everyone.

I’m looking to get back into music production after a pretty long break. I last produced in 2019 and used to make progressive house and big room house, back then I had the goal of eventually getting a track signed to Revealed Recordings.

I’m currently using FL Studio 20 and still have most of my old setup:
Sylenth1, Spire, Nexus 2 and Serum - those are my main vsts and I believe most of the sound banks are out of date.

As for other plug ins:
FabFilter EQ/Saturn, Valhalla VintageVerb, CamelCrusher, OTT compressor, Kickstart, A1 Stereo Control are just to name a few

I have the KSHMR Sample packs 1-3 and from memory they were the best at the time, also have other various samples from smaller packs.

I know I don’t necessarily need new plugins or samples to make good music, but obviously a lot has changed since 2019. I would love if someone could point me in the right direction in terms of just updating my soundbanks and vsts ?
In terms of music I still do want to make big room techno, progressive house however I know I’d need to learn modern day techniques and sounds.

Thanks for reading and for your helpful comments.

I was stuck in decision paralysis trying to figure out how to actually get my music heard. Every thread just said "post on TikTok" or "pitch to playlists," but nobody actually explained the step-by-step workflow of a release.

So I spent the last few months building a master checklist of actual, actionable steps. I use this for my own project, but I’d rather give it to other independent artists than let it sit on my hard drive.

No email gates, no "follow me to get the link" BS. Just the raw document.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/801tdscfb72xn3n0pueyb/Music-promo-checklist-for-reddit.docx?rlkey=efnm93uooqdjuoekz96wzklh2&st=ywh9bhnk&dl=0

Here is what it covers:

• Phase 1 (T-8 to T-4 weeks): Operational Setup & Rights Management (PRO, Sync, SmartLinks).
• Phase 2 (T-4 to T-1 weeks): Pre-Release Campaign (Algorithm prep, narrative building, content batching).
• Phase 2.5 (T-1 to T-0 weeks): Pre-Submission (Radio, promo pools, DJ lists).
• Phase 3 (Release Day): The exact sequence of what to update, post, and activate.
• Phase 4 (Post-Release): Momentum and ongoing promo (SubmitHub, Groover, Ads, Content Waterfall).

I hope this helps someone break out of the rut and actually get their music out there without losing their mind.

If you want to connect, I make electronic music under the name Sanaraba. Always down to talk production, hear what you guys are working on, or answer any questions about the checklist in the comments.

 

Hello, I am new to making music. I have made a couple interesting loops but I'm really struggling with finishing songs and composition in general. I usually start from the ground up instead of dragging out midi items and such, but I feel like this is hampering my progress. I also have ADHD which makes finishing things way more difficult. Is there any good tips or techniques to help with this.Thank you 🫡

Please post any and all [Feedback] or [Listen] type threads here. Any standalone threads that belong in this weekly post will be removed.

This thread is for works in progress only. It is not a place for self-promotion.

Rules:

1. Works in progress only. Do not post finished or released tracks. No links to Spotify, Bandcamp, SoundCloud profiles, or any other streaming/distribution platforms. Share a direct link to your track (e.g. an unlisted SoundCloud or YouTube link).
2. No self-promotion. Do not include links to your social media, artist pages, or any other promotional material in your post.
3. Make an effort to comment on other people's tracks. Others are much more likely to help you if you help them first.
4. Be specific when asking for feedback. Examples: "What do you think about this kick sample?" "How's the mix?" "The last measure feels a little off, any ideas?"
5. Be descriptive when giving feedback. Use timecodes to highlight specific moments.
6. Link to the feedback you've left in your top-level comment. This keeps the thread accountable and cooperative. Comments not following this format will be automatically removed.

Format your top-level comment like this:

Feedback for user1: [link]

Feedback for user2: [link]

Feedback for user3: [link]

Here's my track: [link],

I'm looking for feedback on x, y or z.

So i'm sure so many of you have been here, but I'm finally done with splice and want to cancel, I have 1736 credits and want to download a bunch of packs, cool vocals, fx, i do like presets to! Any recommendations? I make tech house and am aiming for odd mob, max styler, mau p vibe, thanks in advance!!

would anyone help me make a “set” for my buddy’s birthday this friday? we made a playlist on soundcloud and he wants it to flow nicely, he wants to hit play and forget about it. he even mentioned a spotify like set would be awesome. i have the link to the playlist if anyone wants to help out!

Hello!

I am hoping to find a producer to work with for some music for our upcoming game 'Heroes of the Last Light'. Its a dark fantasy turn based strategy game, and I think some dubstep influenced sound design would fit perfectly with our games atmosphere. The game is midway through development, but we do have a marketing budget for the game, so your music is guaranteed to get at least some attention.

If you are interested, send me a DM and a link to some of your most relevant music!

I have over 2000 unreleased tracks/beats I would like to staple on to the world , so I can live on once I’m no longer here , what would be the best way to share an archive as big as this , I’m willing to consolidate certain parts and have them separated by era or times in my life
Would distribution be the best bet, YouTube or are there any better and more long term solutions to get my stuff out there without saturation and as my final wish to get my music ingrained into the internet , all my life I was scared to post my music cause of what people thought. Now I don’t care anymore and want to leave a legacy u regret it all , if you ever regret posting something you like just post it your trash is someone’s treasure
Thank you in advance for any replies
In essence I jus want to put out at least 500 of my best tracks in segments but what is the best way to approach this (money will no longer be a issue or worry)
Much love
Remember the rain and love those around you

I’ve been seeing people talk about the Spotify algorithm going crazy. Artists’ green ticks keep disappearing, some tracks are being marked as AI even though they’re not, and I’ve started to question how I should proceed with my next releases.
What’s the situation with the algo? Is “release often” still the way to go, or is it risky?

What cord do I need to buy?

Please post any and all [Feedback] or [Listen] type threads here. Any standalone threads that belong in this weekly post will be removed.

This thread is for works in progress only. It is not a place for self-promotion.

Rules:

1. Works in progress only. Do not post finished or released tracks. No links to Spotify, Bandcamp, SoundCloud profiles, or any other streaming/distribution platforms. Share a direct link to your track (e.g. an unlisted SoundCloud or YouTube link).
2. No self-promotion. Do not include links to your social media, artist pages, or any other promotional material in your post.
3. Make an effort to comment on other people's tracks. Others are much more likely to help you if you help them first.
4. Be specific when asking for feedback. Examples: "What do you think about this kick sample?" "How's the mix?" "The last measure feels a little off, any ideas?"
5. Be descriptive when giving feedback. Use timecodes to highlight specific moments.
6. Link to the feedback you've left in your top-level comment. This keeps the thread accountable and cooperative. Comments not following this format will be automatically removed.

Format your top-level comment like this:

Feedback for user1: [link]

Feedback for user2: [link]

Feedback for user3: [link]

Here's my track: [link],

I'm looking for feedback on x, y or z.