MY CREATIVE PROCESS
Techniques
Once I have a melody or chord progression in mind, I create a loop and add different parts. This depends on the song, but usually I like to make sure I have the chords, then I add melody, drums, bass, and other additional sounds. After creating each instrument, I try to section out the song into Hook and Verse sections by adding or taking away instruments. I finish the production by adding effects and additional touches. After this, I put the music away and mix a couple days after. This process involves listening to the music on several different mediums, such as headphones, speakers, or car speakers, and leveling each individual track so that they blend nicely with the others. It is important to mix several times, as one's ears can adjust over time to what they're listening to, and this can influence how one hears a track. After the mixing process, the track is mastered. This involves sending the track off and compressing the whole song so that the music is loud enough for people hear, allowing for the optimal listening experience.
This is the mixing board, where I balance and mix my tracks. There is also an in-effects board on top of the mixing meters with the numbered buttons. I can manipulate which tracks come out in the mix and better refine my tracks for my audience.
This is the effects rack, where I add certain effects and compressors to better shape the sounds that I want. The spider audio merger and splitter for example allows me to sidechain the kick to the bass and melodies. This essentially creates a "ducking" sound, and the other tracks that the kick is soundchained to reduce in signal, allowing the kick to stand out in the mix.
This is sequencer, where various sounds, instruments, and automated effects are sequenced out. I can choose how to section out the song here, and introduce or take away certain elements of the song.
Inspiration
My creative process usually starts with producing music. To come up with ideas, I like to go on quiet walks or car rides in order to force my brain to come up with music. The silence of quiet moments helps to create a sort of zen, and this in turn makes it easier to come up with original melodies or ideas. If this doesn't help, I try to let the ideas come on their own and distract myself with homework or video games. Since I have always been involved in music at some point in my life, singing or humming comes a little naturally, and forcing myself to create will only make this process harder. It is essential that I keep my creative process rather organic and avoid pressuring myself to create.