10 Tips for Finally Finishing Your Track (Instead of Leaving It on Your Hard Drive)
We've all done it.
You write an amazing chorus, build a great verse, spend hours tweaking the snare… then six months later it's still sitting in your DAW labelled "Final Mix v27 FINAL REALLY FINAL.wav."
Finishing music is a skill in itself. Here are ten things that have helped us and our clients actually get songs over the finish line.
- Set a Deadline
Perfection doesn't exist. Give yourself a finish date and stick to it. - Stop Mixing While You're Writing
Writing and mixing use different parts of your brain. Get the idea down first, then polish it later. - Listen on Different Systems
Studio monitors are great, but so are your car speakers, headphones, Bluetooth speakers and even your phone.
If it translates everywhere, you're onto a winner. - Focus on the Song First
Nobody remembers how shiny your hi-hats were.
People remember melodies, lyrics and emotion. - Remove Anything That Doesn't Add Value
Mute tracks.
If you don't miss them, delete them.
A cleaner arrangement almost always sounds bigger. - Automate Everything
Small changes in volume, effects and panning bring a track to life.
Static mixes rarely feel exciting. - Check Your Low End
Kick and bass need to work together, not fight each other.
Most muddy mixes live in the low frequencies. - Use Reference Tracks
Compare your mix to commercially released songs in a similar genre.
Don't copy them—learn from them. - Get Fresh Ears
After hearing the same song 300 times, you're no longer objective.
Take a day off or ask someone else to listen. - Let It Go
At some point you have to hit Export.
Finished beats perfect every single time.
- Final Thoughts
The best producers aren't necessarily the ones who make the best loops.
They're the ones who consistently finish songs.
Your next great track won't happen until you've finished this one.
- Final Thoughts