Developing your own Unique Sound as an Artist

[@TheVibeDealer]

you can literally feel the passion and energy put into this video through the screen. The fact that this video and your channel is so underrated really confuses me. Keep up the amazing work, you're changing mindsets out here!

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

30 seconds in and its like He is talking directly to Me. No I dont want to sound like anyone else and yes I dont do things that most are doing.

[@Aestareth_]

holy shit i didn't realize he had only 8.82k subs i'm guessing it's because he only changed his style recently

[@darkskinwhite]

good stuff doesnt automatically make people see it bro. I see these comments on like every video lol

[@Lyn-pe2nb]

It’s because it’s not a simple trick that you can use to create an original sound. People too lazy for this answer but ironically it’s the best way to go about it and it is common sense. I believe if we weren’t born in a world that dumbs down one’s thinking through things like TikTok and social expectations then everyone else would also make music like him. Its common sense to do it this way but then the outside world will get you thinking you gotta do it some other way.

[@TheVibeDealer]

@@Lyn-pe2nb this is hard facts man, it really is common sense

[@arcopolarisambient]

You just made this old man cry, tears of joy. I'll be 73 in few days and I began composing when I was 64 and your video has helped me push through a mental block that has been preventing me from developing my own sound. FIKO, you are not only an artist but a philosopher too!

[@fkuchticek]

Lately I feel so depressed and overhelmed, because I'm still not good enough at producing, but at the same time I have less and less time. These feelings have intensified in recent months to the point where I have become filled with an aversion to music. You reminded me of the beauty of it and pushed me to make music my life's passion again. Not my life as a slave to the music industry. Thank you

[@bt1756]

I'm at the same point my guy you're not alone. Been producing a long time now but still feels like I'm still not good enough to be happy with where I'm at. Big props to fiko for reminding us that it's about enjoying the ride

[@David-gp3fd]

comparison is the thief of joy..also clout chasing..i know all the info and learning to speak the way you want to musically is slow, but its just what youre trying to get out of it. Enjoy the process and just make it a hobby and have other hobbies to compliment it if youre not getting results. Its your life, and the music is for you and an expression of you, no one else..

[@feelsunbreeze]

You got this dude! Make for yourself, not for others!

[@ablusent]

keep pushing, progress counts

[@emptycobra]

I genuinely have been so depressed with all of music production, even if I've been barely producing for less than a year, this truly hit me at heart. For me, music is my everything. Nobody truly cares about what you do with your music when you realize that, plus the social media thing of like, being overthrown and overwhelmed because of the sheer amount of success and happiness you see from others, in contrast to your current lifestyle and situation makes you break down and not get up, but now, this I believe has inspired me to go back to it. I've been away from production for like 2 or 3 weeks, and I feel as if something is missing in my life. Now I'll go and start that DAW up again. Thank you, Fiko. Much love from Latvia. =] ❤️

[@JoshuaCalvar]

I'm a audio engineer full time and producer as a hobby this is the best tip ill give you. Don't worry about the mix, focus on the production. A shitty song with a good mix will always be a shitty song but a good song with a shitty mix will always be a good song and also 75% of songs on beatport have terrible mixes. Once you stop caring about the mix and care about what elements, rhythm, sound selection you will get better mix. Once you accept the mix doesn't care you wont be depressed with music.

[@Ilovepinkmusic]

This feels, weird. Im just a starting musician and now i got really inspired for my music making, thank you. Keep up the content, you're doing great.

[@fiko_music]

glad this inspired you , appreciate it ♥

[@jordankress4694]

“The core foundation of being an artist is your music, nothing else.” That is going on my wall. You changed my perspective entirely. Thank you, Fiko.

[@mista8084]

Bro you're such a chill guy! Found your channel a week ago and it almost feels like you're talking directly to me in most of your videos. I'm 39 years old, started producing when I was about 19 years old, and had played piano by ear from the time I was a very young child. In the very early 2000s I found out there was software (Reason, FL Studio, Pro Tools) etc. that allowed producers to easily make music while at home without needing thousands of dollars to pay for studio time etc. That's what made me jump into making music full time! Over the 20+ years of making music, I've learned so much and have met so many people along the way! I've also burned many bridges with friends, family, ex girlfriends, ex wife etc. along the way. About two years ago I finally started getting to the point where I started to feel burned out. I hadn't exactly "made it" by industry standards. I've made money with my music, but definitely not alot. My talent has always been there, but I've never been the business type of mind. I'm a loner. I don't like being around clubs/bars etc. So promoting my music has been insanely difficult/nearly impossible. I also have it bad because instead of just focusing on producing instrumentals, I do every last thing myself! I write, I mix, I produce, I promote, I rap, I sing, I do every last thing solo! I've never had a team or any help along the way! Because of this.. I've never quite mastered any one particular thing. I'm good at making beats, I'm good at mixing etc. But I'm not a MASTER engineer, or a MASTER song writer etc. Because I've spent too much time on way too many jobs when it comes to music rather than honing my focus in on one particular aspect of music. But yeah, I can go on and on and on and on.. but just wanted to drop you some lines and let you know I appreciate you. We need more people like you out there to keep those of us going and it's helpful to hear other producers going through the same struggles. If anyone wants to hear anything I've done.. I have several great projects on soundcloud as well as Itunes,Spotify etc. www.soundcloud.com/mista808 (is the link for soundcloud) #MISTA808

[@greenconcrete8843]

“dont forget to live because that’s where the inspiration is” wow that hit hard

[@aashish2763]

One Thing I learned -When you begin your journey ! We (Producer/ Artist) are overwhelmed with so much knowledge that we forget we came here on the first place i.e. " Love for the music ". Here we are tweaking every single Fucking sound so that, it sounds goods. Nope It won't sound good anyday, It never will. Just do what you love . Just do what you feel . Thank you Fiko fot this video. It was much needed .

[@sasha-hy5zf]

Bro this is the most fucking inspiration I've ever had for music on the past 7 years of being burnt out on this shit

[@playthesoundmusic]

Thanks for encouraging people to not be afraid to create something new. Finding joy in the art you create is probably the best foundation to create art.

[@leeroyglasscock]

I’m a producer and songwriter I have this really futuristic trap/edm sound sound and unique vocal style that, when used in a song, sounds like stuff from out of this world. But I refrain from recording because I live in my parents’ apartment and I don’t want to be judged. I can hear my neighbors talking downstairs and im sure they heard me every time I was recording a song. :/ I consider myself to be the best producer in my town and no matter how much I upload to KZbin or Instagram I get no engagement :/ I feel like quitting and it’s just wasted potential. I just want others to hear what I create because I know what I’m capable of and I want others to take inspiration from me and resonate with the emotion I put into my tracks.

[@999Wayno]

Just do it, no matter what u do you’ll get judged anyways

[@spidey9504]

idk if you'll make it but just do it man, u probably started doing it because if the love of music. I feel music helps you heal and grow, you're gonna move out that house one day or the other, or the neighbor's will

[@smolixmusic]

This video is so good

[@madzimusic]

Holy shit, been a while since I've seen such an entertaining video with so much knowledge

[@fiko_music]

thanks brother, appreciate it : )

[@nickd5342]

you’re such an underrated youtuber man. you find such a good way to combine producer and life as a whole into its own genre of video.

[@antoniomere]

9:02 those oohs in the background gave me chills

[@stevemerbler9793]

Dude, just discovered your channel and I’m impressed. For a young guy you are very insightful and I like your Vibe. I’m currently working to up my skills to the professional level and have enjoyed a few of your videos today!! Nice work

[@fiko_music]

appreciate your words man , thank you

[@anshuljuyal1568]

thank you man , i love you ... u sit there perhaps a million miles away and u solved my absolute beast of a struggle with just 2 of your transcending videos . U dont know me and i just got to know u this minute but fuck bro , i feel like im at the perfect path , at the perfect life in time and i feel that after a long long time . Ive shed tears listening to my idols (flume and skrill ) ive shed tears listening to my own stuff at times and thats the feeling i live for , those times when u know exactly what they or u did sounds so blissful to your soul that nothing in the world could replace the feeling . The times are crazy , Most just love what they have been fed for years , maybe one day as an artist you create insanity in its own shape , maybe no one understands what u were trying to portray but maybe give it some time and the future would sound exactly like what u made in the past . The concept of music is limitless and we dont need no NZT , just keep cookin some music .

[@giannipetrocelli472]

Fiko you are a true genuine guy. Love it. I do music for me myself and I. I don't give a shit on how the Industrie works. I was a dj for almost 30 years and when I started spinning records we dj's aimed for originality. We learned to get the own style. And we rocked the crowed with our style with our flawour of music. Nowadays music or musicians have lost this credo... I produce music since 3 years now. I have one release. If I will have further releases? I don't give a shit on that. I got a passion and that's the important thing. For all out there... If you do music learn to get better in what you do and do it with gun and love and passion. Amen

[@SolViewStudios]

Thank you dawg, i really needed this wake up. I definitely found myself falling into the trap of worrying more about validation than my actual enjoyment.

[@Asper.Official]

arrival is one of my fav movies, props for adding that segment to the vid bc i have never thought of that before.

[@theunconciousmind7314]

I have sometimes heard "you need to cut the highs" or sonething. Later i realised that i actually love that highs and rather like to cut that high mids instead to remove harshness... i think it all depends what do you really love and not just copy because others say you this. You have tl find your taste first and this goes mostly with experimenting and being honest to yourself. Only because someone else doesnt like that highs in the sound does not mean that you also always have to cut them. Analyse your own sound and decide for yourself. And also by trying out diffrent things.. and later analysing your own tracks and see what and why do you like this slund and later remembering how and what you did. And later perfecting it as soon as you learn the details or also called sattle diffrences. And also of corse you have to know what type of style do you like and what kind of mood or vibe and how to create it. Also of corse the mood in the track is defined or created by how you feel. Its just a reflection of yourself how you think and feel.

[@freemanfred6785]

Oh my, youtube suggested your videos and i've never seen something that original like this. You're doing an amazing work, very helpful for every type of producer, from the beginners to the intermediate and advanced producers. Keep it up

[@PEJTGAMER]

Insanely well done video!

[@fiko_music]

thank you : P

[@tauromusic96]

This is the most powerful advice that a musician can caught don’t think to make music for someone else make music for you from what you live in the journey and inspires you to do

[@tshamademuzik]

Yeah it leads me back where i started doing music as a beginner, i had plenty of ideas in terms of creating music as an artist ... there was no limitation. Thanks bro I'm inspired

[@jrgentmusic90]

I agree. Finding your own sound is how new genres are created 💯.

[@naldogomez]

This video found its way to me, you found your way to me for a reason..and I finally understand my calling. Thanks man, best of luck to us, creators. Geniuses within our own worlds.

[@nolanechols9802]

bro I just came across your channel and I fuck with you heavy. I love hearing your passion in your voice talking about music. Keep it up bro. You're a real one.

[@evrypixelcounts]

I have sat down, and decided what elements I want to incorporate into my music, what artists inspire me, what emotions I want to convey. The problem is combining the elements, and achieving this abstract goal. I haven't shared my music online for 5 years. I don't finish tracks anymore. I feel defeated.

[@faultysystems]

Bro I keep thinking about what you said. It's so true. There is so much garbage going around in spotify playlists. My gym plays the same absolute soulless trash tech house every day, spit out by the music industry. Same loops, same structure, same tricks, same shitty 90s remixes. The more familiar I get with the music industry the more I realise that it's just another business model. I am not even gonna care about plays anymore, I'll just do my thing and enjoy the ride. Great advice!

[@dalamabeat5865]

This type of organized thought piece is fantastic. You're on the right path of making music and video that standout.

[@ightoaks]

You are a special individual Fiko, bless ya soul, amazing words of advice

[@ZXR_music]

This video is a big step ahead in comparison to your other videos, I really enjoyed every single part of it and I also got some inspiration. Can't wait for more videos like this one. Keep it up!

[@natetalley522]

your perspective is golden. so happy i found this

[@ryanbeholder7584]

Hey man! Glad to see you back on YT Channel! I have one question: where we can watch your old tutorials? This things help me a lot, and i think many producers would like to "rewatch" your archived stuff!

[@youngkizzi9944]

Yeah, miss this tutorials...

[@fiko_music]

Thanks. Yeah I just reuploaded some of the old stuff : )

[@JJLofficial]

this was so incredibly helpful to me, thank u so much and im glad ur back!

[@fiko_music]

appreciate it jasper ♥

[@FlowTrick12]

This is going to be one of those videos that i will watch a couple of times a year. Thank you man ❤️

[@coober0_0]

i really mean it bro been so caught up tryna please other people thinking to hard on how to get followers. when i look back too my old projects they where worse but they had this touch of like more fun to them. i remember spending hours not klnowing what i would but it was fun. now im doing all this " top 10 thngs that will makee ur mixing game forever ' been wanting to give up. this reminded what the point was. thanks you

[@user-en1oc8xn8q]

needed this today

[@SomeGoodMusicS]

same :D

[@nathanebbing]

Your delivery is impeccable! Big ups!

[@w33dlmusic]

"write down what inspires you" -> me literally writing fiko on the paper xD Btw. THANK YOU for uploading again, finally!

[@fiko_music]

haha ;D ♥

[@MrBumpalicious]

hit me to my core. I wont forget this video brother. Thank you for it

[@SomeGoodMusicS]

mate, watching this video felt like listening to my own mind. It's good to see that some people still try to have their sound/musical image. I think nowdays everyone just want to make money or become famous, and they see music as a "fast and easy" way. I'm from Italy and compared to the past our music is dead like only a couple of artist are still making something new or personal. btw i'm very glad to had find you, and yeah this is annoying but I'd appreciate it if you'd check out the few tracks I've posted so far.

[@elijahwalker7662]

Love how real you are fiko 🥺

[@fiko_music]

appreciate it brother : )

[@kidscatstory]

Dude just explained every single thing, I absolutely love the effort you've put in this G, this is awesome.

[@fiko_music]

♥♥

[@zallarin8955]

What I did for finding my sound was to screenrecord all small details that I feel a conection to from a teqhnical stand point. not the melody itself but more the layering and combination and build ups etc.. Keep them all in a folder for instant insporation. can be for other genre of music as long as you feel inspired from those 10 sec.

[@Present_PastFuture]

Words of true artist, glad I found somebody like you, keep doing what you are doing, it’s f*cking good!:)

[@iixmusic]

This channel is so underrated!

[@korzana9662]

This video is insanely well made, ily fikardo! Thank you for changing my mindset

[@fiko_music]

lvy broski ♥

[@xpose044]

so happy to find you on youtube. keep going! this video made me feel better ❤️

[@chiblast8]

that last segment really opened my eyes, just do what you love because you love doing it🙌🏼

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

0:30 are you reading My mind man? That sums Me up.

[@therealjohngalaxy]

Very inspiring. Thank you. I like your no bullshit attitude and style. Stands out. I like that you mentioned movies and other sources of inspiration.

[@fet0logy]

The most inspirational video I've seen from an absolute stranger

[@dtnipper]

Thank you for this! I've been in the process of "rebranding." I needed this. Thank you

[@realchix]

best video I have watched on music production hands down!

[@sebasgamer6988]

This is actually really good, super underrated

[@peterkalyoncu6869]

Absolute mind shattering advice. Thank you for your inspiration and reminding me why I set out on this journey.

[@Ron_Pollack]

so glad somebody made this video, i almost thought i need to make this one.

[@meusince199]

This guy keeps it real. You're a real one Fiko. I'm a new subscriber.

[@tshamademuzik]

Yeah it leads me back where i started doing music as a beginner, i had plenty of ideas in terms of creating music as an artist ... there was no limitation. Thanks bro I'm inspired 11:05

[@TantuBeats]

This is too accurate

[@pispxz3697]

No one told about your editing bro, it's just inspired me

[@mayssamhadhbi8897]

this video is so relaxing and hypnotizing it changed the way i view things thank you forreal its realy helpful

[@cvrrionmusic]

In the past few months, I've been stuck in this vicious cycle where it's all based on how others should look at your music and I couldn't even find a voice for myself in my own music. Many of your videos managed to break me out of that cycle, and I really appreciate it that man. Keep it up.

[@Abraham_tv]

Perfect video bro

[@luisvallejooo]

i hope your message gets to every music artist, u inspired me so much with this vid bro

[@fiko_music]

im so glad to hear that :) hope it does too

[@arkab.an06]

Bro took a break and came back as the Hamza of music production haha. I love this. I need more of these how to improve tutorials.

[@babyfacerizzo]

At the end I genuinely felt like, why can I not like this video twice???

[@exzen8259]

Most relatable video related to music so far!

[@fiko_music]

🫶🏻🫶🏻

[@Myll.o]

High Quality! Blessed by the algorithm. Subscribed!

[@fiko_music]

welcome to the fam ♥

[@catnipcloud4445]

Did anyone else also these points for yourself? I would love to hear yours! Here is mine: Vibe: -Being in nature -Fantasy world -Euphoric melancholy -A state of trance Things that inspire me: -Meditation and higher states of consciousness -Forever growing and taking care of myself -Daring to be weird and different and meeting people who do the same Instruments: -omnisphere -serum -ableton simpler -My guitars -My vocals Effects: -Trance gate -Kickstart -Izotope nectar 2 -Izotope ozone 7 -Soundtoys bundle -Abletons built in delay -Abletons built in eq -Abletons built in compressor

[@coober0_0]

OMG UI DINT EVEN KNOW THIS WAS FIKKO NO WONDEER UR SONGS ARE SO GOODDDDDX

[@Nuke_Skywalker]

thats why i finish most tracks i start and also make a unique cover art for each one. they may sound kinda shit but they're special to me. thanks for this vid, mate.

[@justisac]

Really well edited video man! This was a lot more helpful than I thought, hope to see more of your videos in the future 🙏

[@_ed00_]

Sometime ago i made one beat for a friend and the lyrics that he wrote passed a very saddly and hopeless vibe, so i tried to think in something that could add there as a mark, one thing that represented me and matches with that vibe, so i sampled the monologue from bladerunner and put that on the beat, my friend loved that sample, he doesn’t even knew the movie

[@drductape]

I've always thought that deconstructing art and seeing what makes it work on a molecular level was the best way to build it back together in your own way, and you explained that extremely well in this video. Spectacular job.

[@kenzomee102]

Never stop watchu doin bro ❤️ bringin inspiration to many

[@AUTOSAD777]

I think Fiko may be my new favorite music based channel.

[@youngkizzi9944]

This video is just a whole new level, Fiko. Man, you're so insane, damn

[@fiko_music]

thanks man, appreciate all your support from the start of my youtube channel. Thank you.

[@lukerobinson8991]

My favorite movie is the arrival as well, awesome video I hope to find my sound as an artist.

[@southpawsuni]

I found one of my favorite ytbers, real recognize real. Keep pushin bro ❗️

[@SuperRandomizer2000]

So far ive been playing instruments and making instrumentals for 10 years now and i can calmly and confidently say im more confused about music than ive ever been.

[@ericmosh]

Just discovered your channel, it's gold!

[@11Moi11]

Thank you for taking the time to share your insight. On my fifth year of production and I started to slip. Very inspiring man, I hope nothing but success for you. ☮

[@soanllie]

Your channel's a gem man!

[@igorovsyannykov]

You're a G bro, keep creating. Amazing video.

[@benni.rosinante]

Thanks for this video 🎉 I love it. Especially: "you do you" zen style ✨

[@Philbrazil]

Damn. This was deep yo. Just found your channel and I'm going down the rabbit hole 😂

[@Ocelotik398]

Based on some of your favourite movies I can recommend you Blade Runner 2049, Interstellar and mini-series called Devs. I guess you've watched the first two ones, but maybe you haven't seen Devs. I really liked this series, the soundtracks are absolutely stunning

[@jas_bataille]

About 5 years ago I really started to dedicate myself to music. Even tho I have been playing for a long time I had never really produced anything of my own. So, I asked a producer friend to help me with some plug-ins. I thought I needed a lot. Low and behold he given me free copies of all the Fab filter suite, all the other trendy plug-ins at the time, plus the full iZotope Ozone suite, Nectar, Serum, absolutely everything, legit and 100% free. After about a year I deleted ALL 500 plug-ins. Then, I started from scratch with "only" what's available in Logic Pro (hint : it's still a whole damn lot btw). Using simpler plug-ins, I really took the time to understand each aspect of synthesis and how they really worked instead of jumping from one to another expensive gadget looking for some magic pill. After 3 years my sound really started to get into a good direction. Then 6 months ago my Logic failed I lost all of my file path (and they make it over-complicated to retrieve it). There is additional content that you need to make it work properly however, I simply *cannot* for the life of me make it work, I tried well over 20 times and it just doesn't. So instead I started working with only what's available without the additional content, meaning most VSTs aren't available. Here's what I discovered : Modelling synthesis is absolutely *insane*; super simple sounds are immensely enjoyable (like a Mellotron with a single mono voice); You can use ridiculous chains of FX like sending an amp to pedals back to another amp, make a sound shift around 360 with a ringer and auto-wah (yes even only in stereo the illusion can be created on headphones!!), use a filter, delay and trem combination to make an arpeggiator... It reminds me of how people would devote years of their life to master maybe a dozen piece of gear top, like Prince only used Linn drums for years and some keyboard players or producers would swear by a single analogue synthetizer, and sound engineers would have that one console they mastered for a decade plus. The same way, if you have 7 projects at the same time you're never going to be successful at any. Don't listen to the "cool kids" who think they are successful because they are busy with many unimportant projects to make them feel good so they don't have to do any real effort. Now I may have an offer for a feature-film score and one of my band made some really high-level connection for potential serious, big record deal. Work in the shadows and people will not believe it.

[@fiko_music]

the trasition from having all the plugins and then deleting them was probably one of the best decisions you've made in your life man. Every single line you wrote here is 100% true. It shows that you've put a lot thought into this and it's amazing. Appreciate you for expressing your thoughts ❤️❤️

[@richardwollyce]

Thank you for making this video, and for telling out the truth that most of the music producers from any "genres" are too afraid to tell or to face it. And congratulations for your energy and open-minded perspective about music, your songs are really great, congrats again!

[@prodcjay9953]

fire video bruh. im taking notes

[@dinfluence30]

Thanks Fiko. Truly amazing empowerment video.

[@mgmthegrand]

Your last comment hit me: "Why do you wanna be unique? You get to make music for yourself and you enjoy the f*ck out of it. That's the whole point of doing music. Not to have genres dictate the way you produce. Not have labels tell you what to change on your f*ckin track... YOU DO YOU!" I tool a break from the industry for a long time. When I came back I initially focused a lot on mixing and mastering because I realised that it was a gap in the market that I could provide a service for other musicians. When I finally decided to get back to producing again, I found that I couldn't create as freely as I used to when I started out years back. I soon realised that I was allowing what's out there to dictate what I was doing. I was trying to make the next best song within the most popular genre. I was so fixated on sounding like everyone else that I completely lost myself. And with collabs being so much more common than they were 10 - 15 years ago, the competitive nature of the music making process dominated my approach - like Fiko said, I was more focused on trying to impress other producers as opposed to making music that I like. It wasn't fun anymore. I'd forgotten to experiment, try new sounds, think out of the box... Ultimately we all wanna make a living doing what we love. We want to generate an income making music. So it's easy to get lost in the rat race of being the fastest, using the most popular sounds, getting the next placement, making the next hit, etc. What we've got to constantly remind ourselves of is that the most memorable music is the most unique music. And if you can differentiate yourself from the oversaturated market of bedroom producers that are all conforming to the rules of a specific genre, you're that much closer to making unique memorable music. So let people decide what genre your sound is or what category it fits into. Just focus on making good music that you like. You Do You.

[@bwah9481]

This really applies to all forms of art

[@Yunikomusic]

Bro keep blessing with your videos, i appreciate you🙏

[@WakingsCall]

Subscribed. Beautifully articulated man, A year ago I was on a grind creating content on Instagram and writing music, really pushing myself to make music. I quit the social media side to fall in love with music again, it had become chore, something I was doing to be liked by others. What you laid out here isn't rocket science, and it looks to be powerful, thanks for this, excited to continue playing and writing authentic Music.

[@teepana6323]

I just discover your channel, that the 2nd video, it seems that you are what i need. Thanks life, and happy nnew year man