Creating with INTENT (preamble)
Added 2025-04-11 08:38:04 +0000 UTCStarting a new short tutorial series this week about CREATING WITH INTENT
It's something I've talked about a lot with students over the years and it's a topic that could go in many directions. Overall, this is how you dial in your signature sound, and never get stuck with writer's block
The jist is that there are 2 questions you need to be always asking yourself. The first is "WHAT" and the second is "WHY"
What resonates with me, what are my tastes, what is my cause, what do I identify with, what makes me comfortable, what am I making? You'd be surprised how actually hard the "what" is to answer—especially that last part.
Why am I choosing this art, why am I choosing this song to remix, why am I making this style, why am I using this sound, why am I placing it here, why do I like this drum over that one? Often, but not always, the "why" is informative to the "what". I find that most good producers get really stuck on their "why".
Assigning meaning and reasoning to things in your art is what brings it to life. It makes you care more. For example:
"I chose this lead because the timbre reminded me of a tribal sound which matched the jungle sounding drums"
"I made the bassline midi fast to contrast the slower synth elements"
"I used an 808 bass in a kick style sequence during the break to make it feel more hip hop"
These are all much better reasons to do something than "it sounds good"
Being in the habit of looking for your "what" and your "why" are what help you create more cohesive music, and in turn a cohesive brand. So much more to say but will leave it for the videos <3
These videos will be availble to my Producer tier and above
