#294

[@joseignasias8397]

I took a 7 year break. during Corona my company went broke and that's why I started making music again. four days ago i finally signed my first record deal.

[@TheChiversBeatCompany]

That is one hell of a story man !!! If this is true amazing achievement 🔥

[@azudemb4427]

Congrats!

[@sebh]

Congrats man!

[@evanb.3886]

Congratulations 👍🏼 I've had a similar experience. No record deal, or 7 year break, but even a 2 year break made a big difference. Came back to it with a different perspective completely. Anyways, best of luck to you 👍🏼

[@CNTRRNDM]

Yeah! Good for you!!!

[@HerFather]

Almost 29 and I’m finally pursuing music production as it’s been something I’ve always wanted to do. All I have is a laptop, YT, and my room lol. I still believe my art/voice will be heard one day. I’m also really enjoying learning everything about everything. I listen to music so differently now. Shout out the gang that’s struggling but keeping their heads held high 🙏🏾 you are worth it.

[@edgarczrs]

Not giving up is definitely a huge one, especially when things seem to never go your way. I had the chance to do a Collab with a big artist because he liked my idea. Told me it was going to be released on Insomniac records on a certain date. I felt I finally had my big break to get all my music heard by the top people. Release date comes and never heard from the artist, I was never sent a contract, and the artist would see my messages but just ghost me completely eventually. It took me about 4 months to get back into it again, just started up again this month. I will also add, be prepared for disappointments along the way. You will need to develop thick skin for this dream, but at the same time try to have fun with it 🙏🏼

[@doctordark3527]

Never rely on a “big name”. That means nothing. They just want information so they can have your sound. If you feel like you genuinely deserve it, if you know your mixes sound just as good if not better, then eventually your time will come.

[@pedrocosta2523]

Should have sued him man, thats what i would do if the idea eventually is released

[@edgarczrs]

Track never released. But they could have said "hey man, release didn't work out". What sucks is being left in the dark

[@edwardmichel6338]

Lost all of my music, sample collection, etc. when my Mac died years back. Long story short I work on tracks now using my phone. Obstacles will present themselves in many forms. Keep moving forward! Keeping the dream alive is key!

[@_boof]

@@edwardmichel6338 loopcloud and splice might be a game changer for you.

[@rogelioespinosa8079]

GOLDEN TIP: 🤯 - If you are making house/ techno/ big rom. Make sure that your kick + bass sounds good at he standard RMS (RMS! not LUFS). It shouldn't clip - Now make your hats good sounding also (this way you know have the low end kick + bass and high end .. hats) - After this go with the synths. Use a good limiter or clipper (limitless/ kclip) and go for good rms levels. and after that remove the low end that goes up with the limiting. Now your synths will sound phat. This will help you to get louder mixes.

[@sebh]

You talk about 'the perfect kick'. Can you help us by showing how you go through the process of finding/making the perfect kick and what makes a kick perfect?

[@CNTRRNDM]

Dude! I know exactly what you're talking about! The only difference is that I did give up when these dark thoughts came over me! Had a major contracr backbthen but was forced into producing music I hated. After some time, I couldn't rake it anymore and I quit...like, I quit making music altogether! Man, I didn't touch a DAW in ten years! Can you believe it? It was only when the first lockdown put the world on halt I re-discovered my love for music again...and yeah, today...finally...I'm making the music I wanna make...and I flipping love it😁

[@johnh7201]

Back in High school I made hip hop beats with friends(wasnt my thing). Now im 29 and rediscovered EDM in 2019 and have been non stop looking into it(consumed my spotify honestly). So I downloaded ableton and have been putting any free time into learing the trade. You have too feel it inside you and never give up. You might think your to old at 35, but you'll wish you had just started at 35 once your 50. Sure you'll think I wont ever be as good as the pros, but once you get that first hit and look back and realize you had it all along. Believe in yourself guys. Just like Luke believed in himself. Really humble of him to share that with us, thats deep, take it or leave it. Thank you for all your videos Luke. I hope one day I make a great song that eventually you remix for me🙌 Till then ill keep dreaming and never stop 🙏

[@an.dre_l]

Amazing advice! I've been producing since I was 16, so about 10 years for me now, and I still consider myself a beginner. There are so many different skills to master, and it really takes time. One of the biggest hurdles as a producer is being patient and kind to yourself with the things you make. 9/10 tracks may feel like a failure, but it's those tracks that you really love that make the time and struggle all worth it.

[@Datacustic]

Great! Not producing for myself is a big one for me

[@KonJonnorMusic]

This is some super useful information you are sharing right here! I'm around 10 years deep with Ableton, had some minor early successes, but the music was terrible. Now perfectly happy creating for myself and knowing that I'm constantly improving. So far removed from the industry at this point, being unknown and unlistened is such a good place to be, for me personally. Thanks for the video, Luke!

[@ijuswannatlk2sampson889]

I am the same. I too couldn’t be happier. Thanks for sharing

[@DjXCENTRiC]

I started out producing and learned fruity loops. Never released a track, then started to dj full time made very good money and got too comfortable, only made remixes for the night clubs I played. 24 years later using logic pro mid way through, im 2 years in solid with almost 15 original releases that are doing very well and I'm confident and happy with the way my music career is heading now.

[@alejandroandrade995]

I've been producing after hours techno for almost 5 years now, its been a journey.... but what I've learned is that you have to make other genres of music to learn new techniques and to have a better mix. In 2021 I decided to start a little project of making a remix per week, and it helped me a lot, I made some tech house remixes, some big room remixes, some edm remixes, and it was the fundamental push I needed to get my first album out called Pandora. Now when I feel like being bored I just remix some memes, and make some remixes out of fun, not to get it out to the world but for my friends, and it helps me to get my hopes up, and pushes me to finish a track. Hopefully next month I will release a new track that is a mix of after hours techno and progressive house that I am proud of.

[@BASSR1DER]

I literally learned this week that if I put a guitar tuner on my kick drum I can see what key the kick is in then I can make the bassline in that key and everything will sound cleaner in the low-end. I use to just add a kick then pick a key

[@erso2593]

Pro tip, you don’t need to tune in key your kicks 😂

[@BASSR1DER]

@@erso2593 true. I was producing for years without tuning my kicks and it sounded fine, however, if the kick and sub are in the same key it will sound a bit better. but having the kick and sub in the same key is more of a choice and not a requirement.

[@arnar_gretars]

Have your kick and bass tuned a perfect fifth apart and then they gel together nicely in the mix

[@RealDLMusic]

Thanks for the awesome tip. I've never bothered to put my drums in the same key cuz I'm not music savvy at all, but this sounds do-able.

[@erso2593]

@@RealDLMusic its perfectly explained here kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6qzfImXqsx0ntk

[@Ryannaut_g]

i started producing in like 2011 but i was young and spent time being a hooligan. I have about 2 years of solid music producing under my belt. Its a great hobby for me.

[@J1SHU]

I thought of quitting recently, like I am getting nowhere, thinking of getting a 9 to 5 job cause music isn't paying my bills, but after your not giving up mantra I think i will keep doing it.... Hoping to get somewhere with it, Thank you. And yee we want the technical part too in another video.🙌🏼

[@Silentnarcotic]

Thanks brother, always great to watch your advice content. I pretty call my producing a serious hobby now days, pushing 40 full time job as a manager of a team in Facilities Management, house, spouse, kid, other activities... and as hard as it is to get a flow going with maybe 2-3 hours an evening I still keep it up even if it's only 2-6 hours a week. It's been almost 20 years for me off and on (had a 6 year break at one point), I keep going. Got my tracks streaming/for sale and that is still a huge milestone that some producers don't reach. Never had a track signed but as an indie at least I am out there. Thanks.

[@gtullymusic]

Thank you Luke!!

[@TobascoMusic]

I thought of giving up several times. But despite the still not existing success, i always started once again. There seems to be a deeper truth inside music ..

[@Thastor]

Been producing 9 years aswell can say all this is gold 💯

[@dda_mstr]

You probably don't remember me but I had the chance to play together with you in the late 90's when you still was playing techno 😊 good memories. Cheers from Limburg

[@BassFunMusic]

Amazing BRO ♥

[@CARLOSBESSERDJ]

30 years and still one of the most humble people I know! Thanks for the amazing advice master 🙏

[@jhabibshade2444]

Dude, you're like the "G" guy on the blue collar trade that knows what's going on in the project! Pure wisdom on your videos for the now and future generations to learn! Been a fan from your music since I got into the rave world in 2013 (I was 15 at the time) and even until today, you still are a legend! Keep it rocking Luke and see you again in San Diego this March!!!!

[@reddepo]

Been producing for 28 years. Only recently more serious. Good tips!

[@Hstatic]

I loved the reference to Turbulence being one of those tracks that a lot of people has connected to throughout your career. It has such a special vibe to it and it’s just the magic of music reaching beyond our understanding. I still remember going to see you play live at Marquee NY for the first time after following your music for so long and I put out my phone with the request for you to play Turbulence and I still remember your face like:”Oh, wow! That’s an old song, let me see if I can find it”. You played a remix but boy oh boy it was awesome. Thank you for these videos you’re making Luke, you’ve been and always will be a huge inspiration for the electronic music community.

[@Vambibuda]

I really needed to hear this today. Thank you 😊 I am an artist producer and sometimes I feel like I am done. Like I want to give up but I am such an addict I run back to it ❤️

[@zoorosh.]

LEGENDARY LBL IN DA HOUSE!! Thanks for the good tips! :)

[@MichelWesterhoff]

Ik produceer nu 9 jaar trance en dacht... ach... laat ik eens kijken waar deze 10 mistakes over gaan. Maar ik ben positief verrast door alles wat je hier zegt! Top video! Zeer herkenbaar allemaal. Dit is inderdaad waar het allemaal om draait bij produceren. Je moet de juiste drijfveer hebben en het vooral doen omdat je er energie uithaalt. Alles wat daaruit voort komt is een mooie bonus. Het leuke is ook dat je skills steeds beter worden en je in staat bent om je emoties / concept met de jaren beter te vertalen naar een productie. De persoonlijke berichten van mensen raken mij ook erg... wat jouw productie heeft betekent voor een bepaald moment in iemands leven is priceless... dat zijn hele waardevolle dingen. Ik wil tevens zeggen dat ik je positiviteit en state of mind erg bewonder 👍

[@PUMPINGSHARK]

This is so great! 10 years ago when I didn’t know dj’ing or producing will become my passion - At a certain point however I knew - Laidback Luke was my go to - my standard & now after all this time - I am only 4th year into producing but attempting to learn asap ! Learning about loudness now

[@tranquilbear3152]

Started producing June 2021 and fell in love. Almost two years now and I’ve made mistakes too! It’s a fun process and it definitely become one of favorite things to do.

[@trevorgordonofficial]

One of the best solutions (to mistakes happening) that I made with production was deleting all the plugins I didn't need, along with sample packs and keeping things really simple. The best solution for Kick drums (for me personally) was using the plugin "Kick 2" where you can create the kick and find tune it to sound perfect - endless options. One big mistake as a producer was being too 'creative' and never having a plan/structure. Now I always have the same pattern/structure every time I start a project so things get done more efficiently and quickly. BIGGEST mistake for me was starting a project with a blank DAW. Starting with a specific template/preset filled with all my favorite VST's was a great solution to this. Audio Mixing is still one of the most difficult parts of the whole producing journey - frankly think that's one of the most important skills these days, as tracks are far more dependent on good mixes. Enjoyed the video, Thanks

[@GRehillMusic]

A good trick I learned was listening to classic rock vinyl records at low levels on a record player etc. before doing my final levels. Something about analog resets our ears especially when everything we do is in a digital domain.

[@adamthurgood8127]

Just started a few months ago. Trying to learn something everyday at work (on YT) to then try at home. Hehe Still no idea what genre hits home/to focus on...AND still haven't picked a name. Your name is your brand and I can't decide...I come up with at least 5 new producer names everyweek and i like a bunch of em.

[@FacePapi]

Respect and thank you! ❤❤

[@selectoruk3749]

Thank you bro for your advice

[@sh-kw2ox]

Nice to see he has an affordable audio interface on show The SSL2 and SSL2+ are amazing for the money

[@BorisBeing]

Seems like no matter who you are , there will be those voices that try to say you’re not good enough or you’ll never make it. Thanks for sharing that it even happens to legends. Super inspiring brotha! 🤩 🙏

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Tell those people you dont care, you do your thing. Alot of the time people dont actually want you to succeed and end up looking better then them they only ever talk negatively, I have even cut off family members for being like that.

[@Drrolfski]

Reason #9 is exactly the reason I liked your music in the nineties but moved away from it when it became too commercial.

[@djlokho]

Been producing close to 3 years. At first, it was hard and I hated being a noob. Kept pushing and now I am making some of my best work!! Feel like your advice is saving me years of mistakes thank you so much!!

[@PoorRoleModel]

Been doing it for a very long time now, and that "being a noob" feeling never goes away. As you progress, you are explore and experiment more, and constantly push yourself into spaces you didn't know before. It's always very humbling to realize that no matter how far you come, you're still just a student to creativity.

[@markreina7034]

Luke as made my genre of music spectacular!

[@TheNextExit]

I would play your track "Daydream Funk" on my radio show in the late 90's and 2000's all the time. Still sounds fresh today.

[@pbanaszek]

As a person after music school, that took really long break from doing anything related with music, and realized that actually making music, or playing around with it is something, that I love, last point is the most important for me. I'm playing already in a band, but I would like to achieve something by my own. I wonder, if I can do it being in my forties :). I've got the feeling, that this is last chance for me to got for it. Producing music on computer was really new area for me, I've learned a lot last 2 years, so maybe this year finally I'll give something to the world. I can not just give up right now.

[@Doty6String]

The moment of most frustration is the moment right before the breakthrough....keep freaking PUSHING!

[@goneastraymusic]

The road to success is paved with people that gave up

[@nofood1]

Producing with low volume is a game changer (Producing 15 years now :) Luke isn't lying !!!!!!

[@GiDS222]

I've been producing for over 5 years and making music/rapping for over 10 years. Music is awesome, even if it isn't successful to the levels I want it, I still have some of the most fun every time I make a fire 16 bar loop

[@ryanoneill4231]

Just starting out myself. Enjoyed watching you fir the first time at Snowglobe 2012! Been inspired for too long, had to take actions myself. Love to hear its a 50/50 split of mysic for you, vs music that “sells” (but is still you).

[@Industryman]

Ever since discovering your music when I was 10, I've been a huge fan of your work, and how you DJ and produce your content. Seriously one of the nicest guys i've seen in this business, and one of my favourites!

[@stevenshaneyfelt]

I’ve been producing for 10 years now and most of it was while in active duty military service which held me back, but some of my favorite music was made in hotels during trips

[@djjansen9601]

Needed to hear this! thank you!

[@Slimeyphuk]

I am at the very beginning of my journey and most of what you said is stuff im already swearing by right out the gate so watching this truly reaffirmed that i have a realistic good head on my shoulders. Especially the part about making music that people will enjoy. Going into this i gave myself the philosophy that my job in music is to use the tools to translate my message in a way the general audience can understand. More simply put, its my job to give people what they want in a way that is unique to me and my sound.

[@anim8ed16]

Been producing for 3 years and it's been a rollercoaster... Sometimes I feel super positive about my music, then I hit a wall for a few weeks and feel like im going nowhere 🤣 but if i compare my tracks from 3 years ago to now the difference is huge so the pain is worth it 🔥

[@MoeeTurbin]

Thanks Laid-back Luke, appreciate the authentic advice.

[@wallygator57190]

2 years of producing for me starting from 0... You are so right in your statements thanks!

[@lacedj51]

Great video. I would add that "less is more". Many young producers think more synths in an arrangement is better when in most cases the opposite is true. Some of the most memorable tracks in electronic music history have just a few well crafted sounds combined with simple yet infectious melodies. In my own case my biggest 90s hit "Take me higher" had 1 synth in it.

[@in_10z]

Yep I've made every one of these mistakes (except the going on tour one....working on that one hehe). Great advice Luke. Thanks. And yes please do a technical mistakes vid.

[@voidlordclues]

I’ve been at it for over a year now. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

[@prodbyma1036]

That's kinda advices i actually NEEDED! Thank you

[@pvugts]

46 years! It's no secret.

[@soundboy6594]

Great video. Thanks Luke

[@GrazCore]

In regards to the producing on the road thing, another piece is to not get discouraged and keep trying. If you think about it you've probably spent 1000s of hours in the same space making music, so its only natural it is going to take some time to get comfortable doing it in other spaces with different types of distractions.

[@HD-4884]

True Legend! Thank you for great advice and support! 🙏

[@TheChiversBeatCompany]

When Laidback Luke speak, I LISTEN 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@thestoicscientist]

This is gold for a relatively new producer like me (just 5 years in) - thanks so much for posting.

[@LennFurnace]

Same here

[@okmenden]

Started watching your videos about 3 years ago, I just got Ableton and I’m super excited to start learning how to produce!

[@Yuainai]

Who wouldn't want to learn technical skills of 30 years from an amazing producer?

[@SakNoel]

this is accurate as it can be!

[@HighlyDecorated]

Luke always giving the best advice.. OG!

[@s.b.605]

Stop worrying about age bro, people love you for so much more. Love from Texas!

[@p5ri3o]

Take a pause, "RE-BOOT"🔇 Not only will you avoid BURN-OUT, you'll have a new perspective when you jump back into the swing of things. Thank you "Laidback💪Luke, your insight and generosity are unparalleled✌

[@elazionmusic]

This video was super helpful man, thank you! Definitely would love to see more like this!

[@realonethreesevens3640]

7 going on years and all of these are so applicable!

[@pedrocanas1162]

Thanks for the video Laidback Luke! Also in 8:34 I think you meant to say it is really "important" not "trivial" to find the right kick drum! Blessings bro

[@dueydreotb]

I like that definition of haters you used and also great video bro good to see your still going after so long

[@who_is_dis]

Idk about the "if it's taking long, leave it". If you're composing your own / not just flipping samples, and you're pushing yourself to create something unique yet good then it can take time, especially from trial and error after you have a core idea or two down. I think knowing when to drop a session and start new is more important, because you could be giving up on something that can potentially be a great record.

[@gahdzuwkz6647]

Usually if you don’t know right away that you have something special, you’ll just end up wasting your time trying to polish a turd. Every producer scraps hundreds of tracks. A lot of great producers will sit down and make say 5 ideas in a couple hours, and scrap the ones they aren’t feeling, sometimes only one or two of those are worthy to pursue and dive deep into.

[@who_is_dis]

@@gahdzuwkz6647 Now I agree with that, but I’d say what you outlined is an entirely different situation. Like I have something I’ve been trying to finish for ages now because there’s something there, and I knew straight away. But yeah countless things have been left unfinished and binned because it just wasn’t “there” like you said.

[@gahdzuwkz6647]

@@who_is_dis yeah if you’re polishing a good idea, getting the mixing and mastering right can take quite a long time. Just speaking from experience, I’ve wasted a lot of hours working on tracks that were never going anywhere. But keep on keeping on, everything takes time, but like he said, some of my best tracks were finished in a couple of days. ✌🏽

[@jbikes92]

Produced 10 years plus... never been able to release anything as I'm too much if a perfectionist lol

[@theaverageguy3884]

Im a Dj but love to produce ny own Techno tracks. What music program would you recomend for a new beginner ? Thanks 😘

[@RealDLMusic]

I made mistake #1 back in 2013. I got back into it December 2020 and it's an incredible feeling to know that I'm making music because I decided it's what I wanna do. Thanks for sharing these gems Luke.

[@markreina7034]

Luke is like No others

[@jonathanthedeceptikon]

Love the advice and energy! Thank you for sharing with us. 🙏

[@cooksonofc]

Love these tips bro, so accurate! Met you at the Amsterdam airport on my way home after ADE and I just wanna say you are so humble considering all the success, I was still badly hungover and running off no sleep, I seen you and was like "I know you" hahaha but I was so tired it took me like 10 seconds to register then said "your names Luke isn't it" :'), we had a short chat and took a selfie but I jus remember thinking how much of a sound guy you were.

[@jossodj]

Thanks Luke. Would love a technical video on producing tips!

[@freshtodeath88]

Great tips! One of my favorite tracks is “Down With The Mustard.”

[@succanproduce]

Nice one dude. My mixes are getting pretty good now. Almost have volume figured out 😅

[@tadeotorres285]

Thanks for the advice Luke. One of my favorite tracks is riddim from your alias Jahmirrahman.

[@MikeyBeckstrand]

Great video! Thanks for the tips @Laidback Luke ! (Just an observation on #4 when you say the kick drum is ‘trivial’, I believe you mean the opposite bc trivial means unimportant). Thanks again for sharing your tips!

[@JuanAntonioKarmy]

Thanks for the encouraging words Luke!

[@EOT702]

Thank you Luke for not giving up and helping me refocus - Supah

[@altromusic]

Producing for 6 years now. Love your videos!

[@richxu42]

Thanks for the tips Luke!

[@Maximoltz]

Thank you for sharing Luke! Loved it!

[@pdxfun4888]

Thank you for showing a glimpse into your insights

[@bLiNdEDM]

I've been producing for 22 years. I haven't really DJd too much even though I produce electronic music, so I am not very well known. I have made thousands of mistakes but I have also been in my DAW over 20K hours. They say you need 10K hours invested in something to become a "master". I even wrote a book on how I make a track a day. I'd love to see you make a VLOG on technical stuff!

[@dj_laylow]

You’re really a master in your craft and a great teacher 🙏🏼 Really appreciate your tips sir

[@fredo69ism]

That snap trick is very clever wow

[@realme6426]

Thxs, just started producing ❤

[@X4SOLE]

I've made all the same mistakes as you. I've learned as I went, like you, that mastering should be minimal, it's the rythym that matters (not the loudness). I produce for myself so to my surprise when first DJing my tracks, everything sounded lacking. I love that you share your life and had found a balance of home-work life. You are a hero. I've learned lots from you. Unlike you though, I always thought of giving it my all (but never have). Thank you for this video. Inspiring and insightful.

[@jeffmukai]

Technical video would be AWESOME. thank you for the great content as usual.

[@MaNuLaToROfficial]

Epic video! I can see myself making a similar video in about 25 years! Thanks for sharing and looking forward to seeing more of your new videos in the future! PEACE!

[@honeymoonarcade]

such great tips everywhere, love the gold tip the most!!

[@ShelcoGarcia]

Love this Luke!

[@d.r.k.o]

I didn’t recognize you at first and after the first five lessons I realized when it said “Laidback Luke” I burst into tears. I was like “oh my god that’s Laidback Luke!” Your early tracks were some of my inspiration to get into electronic music production. I hope you can add that to your list of gold. My favorite was Timebomb in my early EDM days. Thank you for being an awesome producer 😊