Starting Your EDM Journey: A Guide for Aspiring Producers

Are you an aspiring EDM producer, especially if you're a young individual like me? Starting your journey can seem daunting, but with the right mindset and resources, you can turn your passion into a reality. This guide will walk you through the initial steps, including setting up your space, the importance of journaling, and the necessary tools and skills for producing electronic dance music.

1. Setting Up Your Space

First and foremost, you need a journal. Keeping a journal is about more than just recording your thoughts; it's about fostering creativity and clarity. Without a clear mind, your ideas may get jumbled, making it difficult to produce high-quality EDM tracks. Start your journaling habit, and let your creativity flow.

Next, it's time to talk to your parents. Their support is critical, and if they are on board, ask them for the necessary equipment: a laptop, FL Studio, headphones, and a MIDI keyboard. Alternatively, if they are not supportive, use this opportunity to take control. Consider starting a small business to earn the funds you need. Options like a yard cleaning service or a 'bring-your-trash-to-the-curb' service can be a great way to generate income and start saving. Once you have the money, you can invest in the essential tools for your EDM journey.

2. Starting with Free Tools

For those who are on a budget, there are several free tools you can use to get started. Soundtrap is a popular choice; while it may not be as feature-rich as professional DAWs like FL Studio, it can definitely help you understand the basics of music production. Once you have a grasp on the fundamentals, you can move on to more advanced software like FL Studio.

Another excellent option for free DAWs is LMMS. LMMS is user-friendly and beginner-friendly, making it a great starting point for those who are just getting into music production. It can help you learn the basics before you commit to purchasing more expensive software.

3. Essential Gear for Your Home Studio

Once you have the budget, here are some key items you'll need:

A computer with a good sound card. This will be the heart of your home studio setup. If you're on a budget, consider using a laptop. A good keyboard or a MIDI controller. A 25 to 85 USB MIDI controller is a good starting point. You can even get a basic Casio or Yamaha keyboard that can work wonders. A USB microphone. If you can afford a good one, that's great. Otherwise, a 25 to 85 USB mic will do the job.

Hook your keyboard or MIDI controller into the computer via USB and start recording your tracks. If it can do MIDI, you can feed that into a DAW MIDI track and do overdubs. Now you're ready to start experimenting with sound engineering techniques, such as reverb on vocals, understanding compression, and working with effects like delay and EQ.

With the right tools, you can start editing MIDI in your DAW. You can peck out the notes and evolve them over time into a complete song. Most DAWs come with pre-installed drumbeats, which can help you get started quickly.

4. Developing Your Skills

As you progress, you'll need to develop your skills. Start with the basics, such as playing keyboards or guitar. Even learning to peck out notes on the DAW software can be helpful. Over time, as you gain more experience, you can upgrade your gear and set up a professional home studio that can produce full bands and orchestras. Consider investing in a PreAmp, a good mic, and a very good to great microphone as you grow and refine your skills.

Besides investing in equipment, you should also consider working in a recording studio or finding a mentor to help guide you through the process. Many successful producers, such as Billie Eilish and Finneas, started by recording and producing in their bedrooms. With patience and dedication, you can achieve the same results.

Starting your EDM journey requires a mix of creativity, resourcefulness, and a willingness to learn. With the right tools and support, you can turn your passion into a reality. So start journaling, setting up your space, and learning the essentials. The world of EDM awaits!