Tips For Making EDM/Dubstep Music

    To any of my aspiring musical artists out there who love Electronic Dance Music and Dubstep but don't know how or where to start, here are some tips for you. I've been making EDM/Dubstep for about 6 years now under the name TheNewBonnie. I'm not a professional, but I have learned a lot of things that would have helped me when I started and I want to share that information with you. These tips are not ranked in any order. They are simply the best pieces of advice I feel qualified to give.

#1: Music is an Art; Not a Science

    There is no formula for what makes a song. You can listen to a song and understand how sounds work together and which ones will enhance the experience, but it's not a straightforward process shared among DJs and composers. There are rules for this genre just like any other, but rules in music are meant to be broken. Don't try to follow a specific formula if you think it doesn't sound right.

#2: Make Music for You

    Do not pander to an audience and do not listen to criticism unless it's effective criticism. You're music will not sound good to everyone, but the people who share the same appreciation as you do for your content will inspire you the most. This is a unique art that needs individualism and creativity. Make music that you think sounds good, then share it with the world.

#3: You Don't Need to Know Terminology

    Words like midi, treble, auxiliary, semitone, octave, and so much more are words you will learn along the way. Don't get overwhelmed when playing around with settings. This is a sound-based art, so make the sound then associate the sound with the name. 

#4: Use and Abuse Social Media

    Using relevant social media platforms is key to sharing your music. Post your new creation(s) on stories, make posts, share clips, and make sure you put it everywhere so everyone can access it. This is how you find and create an audience.

#5: Find a Music Distributor

    When you're ready to publish, find a distributor/publisher. I was only posting my music on YouTube for free for a while before I started using TuneCore. They recently offered users a new trial where you can publish any number of singles or albums you want with a $50/year fee. This is way better than the original $10/single or $30/album. There are plenty of publishers out there, so find one that works for you.

#6: The Computer is an Instrument

    People often claim that it takes no talent to make EDM or Dubstep because anyone can play the computer. Well, guess what? The computer makes a lot of awesome sounds that you can't get from a traditional string or woodwind instrument and, just like a guitar or piano, it takes years to master. "The Computer" also gives you access to all the instruments you may normally have to pay hundreds of dollars for.

#7: Using Samples Does Not Make You a Fraud

    A lot of Dubstep and EDM songs do sound the same. The internet is full of free, premade loops, kits, and vocal samples. They are there for you to use at your pleasure. Putting them all together and editing a song to your liking makes it original and makes it yours. 

#8: It is a Long Process

    It can take months or even years to make a song. I was lucky to be inspired enough to produce my album "Time for Adventure" in less than four months. It takes so long to find the right sound, understand what a song is missing, trying new things to make it better, and realizing when to step away. You will have to listen to clips of your song hundreds of times to make microscopic adjustments. Be sure to step away for at least a couple of days, maybe even a week once you finish a song to listen to it with fresh ears.

#9: Find Music Editing Software or App

    Finding a program can be difficult because you have to throw yourself into it. Garageband is very limited, but I know it so well that I'm afraid to try Ableton Live and start my journey over again. Do your research and see what your favorite artists are using. Some artists like Dr. Ozi and Crankdat host livestreams where they break down a song and show fans their process.