How To Make An Indie Pop Song | Make Pop Music

In this week's video, Austin shows you how he produced an Indie Pop song with guitar, retro pads and synths, hard hitting drums, and huge vocal production for the artist, Landon Austin!
Listen to "Till I'm Out of Stars" by Landon Austin Here:
open.spotify.com/track/7wFzdk...
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Timestamps:
Preview 0:00
Intro 0:21
Listening to the Initial Demo 1:54
Laying Down Verse Guitars 3:30
Programming Verse Drums 4:47
Verse Synths and Pads 6:15
Verse B Section 8:55
Producing the Pre-Chorus 11:16
Building Up The Chorus Drums 13:45
Chorus Guitars 15:17
Chorus Bass and Synths 16:16
Chorus Vocal Production 17:25
Adding Tweaks for Verse 2 19:57
Additions to the Second Pre-Chorus / Chorus 23:00
Creating a Bridge 24:10
Final Chorus 25:10
Crazy Chorus Vocal FX 25:38
Finishing the Track 27:20
Outro 28:10

[@melatoninboy]

i swear every song you show on this channel SLAPS

[@MakePopMusic]

we only making bangers over here baby

[@dhruvil_2662]

@@MakePopMusic Agreed 💯

[@MakePopMusic]

For anyone saying this isn’t Indie Pop, please go to Spotify and look at the songs and artists on the indie pop playlists. You’ll see artists like Lauv, LANY, Chelsea Cutler, Jeremy Zucker, etc. This is along the lines of that. I didn’t invent the genre names and I don’t really care what it’s categorized as, but for the purposes of naming these videos, I go based off of what playlist styles the songs fit into. But this is 100% in the field of indie pop, at least by playlist standards and comparisons to the artists named in the video and thumbnail. I understand indie pop is a broad genre and everyone has their own interpretation, but going along the lines of the parameters I explicitly give in the intro, this fits into modern indie pop in my opinion.

[@DavidRocano]

why would anyone argue with you, when you are bringing the content that extends what the genre is presenting? odd. don't mind the haters, fuck 'em.

[@chrisrios802]

The thing is those playlists are created by someone subjectively. I feel you tho

[@anselmuseko8574]

Why would people like you believe this guy who doesn't even know what indiepop is? We're not haters we are not comfortable how this guy presented this rubbish mainstream music and he called it indiepop!

[@reynaluv8949]

Yet another amazing tutorial! Austin you give so much value in every upload, it's a tragedy how underrated this channel is. Deepest thanks for the awesome content, I'm a newbie at production and have learned so much thanks to your vids!

[@gabriellagenz]

Please do a general sound design tutorial. I can’t seem to find good presets in my synths and have a hard time making the sounds

[@MakePopMusic]

It's all just about learning the basics of sound design, learning how to tweak presets, and learning how to train your ear to recreate things you hear in your mind. Honestly, learning basic synthesis is much easier than people expect. :D

[@gabriellagenz]

@@MakePopMusic Thank you. I will look into learning more about it

[@emillauridsen4447]

@@gabriellagenz if you want some great tutorials on basic sound design check out InTheMix. He has a series going through how to make different kinds of generel sounds, but with a focus on learning general synthesis. I think he does them in serum, but you can probably follow along in vital (great, powerful new FREE synthesis on par with serum)

[@chris-ib2lc]

@@emillauridsen4447 what's the author's name

[@gabriellagenz]

@@emillauridsen4447 Thank you for the recommendation. I will check out his videos

[@ILOVEVIDEOS901]

I loooooove the idea of going from the demo to finished tracks

[@blackkjeans.]

Thank you so much for this tutorial, Austin. It's a big help for someone who's addicted to this genre ❤

[@felixbuch8099]

The vocal prossesing on this fits perfectly

[@theq937]

Wow incredible video. Thanks for taking the time to put this out for us novices!

[@JaedenLuke]

Awesome video like usual Austin, super informative. Love the arrangement!

[@lunaasteri]

I was sooooo waiting for thissss🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@markushassel2737]

God daaaaaaamn this is so good. You're so talented. Thank you so much for these

[@anselmuseko8574]

Wow you are such an indie pop expert! Thanks for your tips , now I know how to compose songs like Sarah records!

[@angelocasio9871]

This is EXACTLY what I needed. Istg you can read my mind, thank you!

[@mattpeterson7604]

You are the man thank you so much for everything you do. Immensely helpful. PLEASE DO NOT STOP!

[@The21GreenDayGuns]

Great as always! That 808 is filthy good in the mix tho

[@josealfonso5260]

YES YES!! what i exactly needed thank you!!

[@chrysvurgese7405]

Austin can read minds I believe, he puts up everything that I think about

[@reynaluv8949]

Love your "How to Make A [X] Song" vids! Could you do a tutorial on how to make an alternative/post-rock type song like Echos? Their music really hits you and the production is 🔥 Something along the lines of their song *Saints* and *Guest Room* would be amazing. Thanks for all the value in your vids, keep it up!

[@georgemalcolmtv]

Sooooooo soo muuch better.. amazing process.. learnt a bunch..

[@yasha_j]

you are so cool THANK YOU SO MUCH. this channel is GOLD and helps me a lot

[@Polynasian808]

Phenomenal. Thanks for this bro🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@skylermichael641]

Awesome video! Watched the whole thing!

[@Jonthebard]

I'm a metal head...... yet I find creating pop songs is way more fun in terms of creating and production. Also it's been a not so guilty pleasure of mine listening to Justin Bieber, Lewis Capaldi and others. Watching you is teaching me a lot. So thank you.

[@justwang7339]

Great stuff man thank you for sharing

[@simon_esse896]

Sounds awesome

[@justinvidal2545]

So great.

[@orrinbynum5978]

Hi Austin. Today was the first time that I have watched a video of yours to the end. This was wonderful. I really enjoyed it. I am learning how to use Cubase now. I think I’m doing well with it as far as recording the instruments. I am very weak in the area of vocals. Would you please give some pointers on what your are using to make your vocals sound so well. My name is Orrin and I would really appreciate it if you could share with us what vocal presets or plug-ins you are using to make your vocals sound so professional. I wish you continued success in all of your musical endeavors. Thank you for the enjoyment you gave me today. I hope you get a chance to respond to my wish. Have a wonderful day.

[@RealJannK]

Amazing work! Thank you

[@deepspacemusicofficial9671]

Loved this

[@biebiekei3798]

Indie pop is becoming one of my favourite genres now 😁✌🏻 and I'm coming from punk and metal.

[@RestLer-]

Really cool stuff on this channel..

[@amritgillredhotflame]

This guy is gnarly man

[@alexwall4294]

Hi Landon, when creating an arrangement, do you select the instruments for the recorded vocals and process them with plug-ins, or do you first make the arrangement and then do the vocals?

[@TheAdamSmasherMultiverse]

Love this guy!

[@DavidRocano]

You know he's been waiting for ever to say " So I added in my roland juno , no midi "... lol... love it... what a b-day present for sure.

[@MakePopMusic]

This is my Juno DS 88. Not the new Juno 106!😉 the new one will be in videos soon!

[@itskdn]

I always think you deserve moooreeeee viewers/subscribers 🥺

[@Cwadroon]

🔥 great job!

[@8dioproductions]

So talented!

[@musicbykanon]

I fkin love your videos learning a lot! :)

[@HarrazHilmi]

next time i need those NIGHTLY,THE 1975 vocal production style esp for the reverb

[@MakePopMusic]

Got that coming soon!

[@SaeOfficial_Music]

@@MakePopMusic definitely looking forward to this! Those 80s vocals production

[@SaxMiris]

Hi Austin, I really enjoy and appreciate all of your videos! One theme I’ve noticed across your compositions is that it’s often better to have fewer elements, yet have multiple layers of those elements. Your mixing videos go over how to separate elements really well, but I struggle to understand how to mix multiple layers of one element (for example, having several synths and pads layered). Do you have any courses or materials for purchase that would cover this?

[@BradleyProulx]

Great job man!

[@sleepyxboy]

Amazing

[@samuelsantana5648]

Dance pop next? Something like the chainsmokers or zedd?

[@_ConnorEdwardsMusic]

Good idea!

[@shannonjohncantos1578]

I'm up for this

[@MeesterGgaming]

this

[@blacklist5834]

Super bro love it

[@thebigpicture2455]

Skillz !!

[@evenskaland2411]

This channel is so genius! Can u maybe try funky/disco pop like ellis/howen?

[@rayanmendez2805]

this dope

[@nicolecallirgos674]

sick

[@aLoudSi1ence]

Indie Rock next PLEASE

[@josiahsavino]

You are so insanely talented I am mind blown.... What a gift u curated brotha. Would love to collab. How do i make this happen?

[@khazapeyaritamanna6347]

Which software you using btw loved your work keep up the good work

[@KingDaveTV]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@miheehan5724]

thanks a lot!!

[@dlmc2451]

Please do a video on Harry styles type production🙏

[@jitendradewangan9485]

thaNK U

[@dylanlundgren]

TIME STAMPS! WOO!

[@MakePopMusic]

we big time now

[@dustobeats4449]

That juno pad hits different 🙏🏿

[@MakePopMusic]

It doessss. Wait until you hear the vintage Juno 106 I just got. It'll be on some videos soon and it's a whole different beast!

[@switterbeet]

Great video as always man, i got a problem, most of the time when i made a beat and layered some melodies i liked it, but when i listen to it later it sounds shit what can i do

[@sanacha9455]

Wow

[@krizjr5746]

Thanks Austin great tutorial 🥳👍 Austin can you do something like Shawn mendes from the wonder album it had a pretty unique production songs like teach me how to love n higher like that thank you Austin your tutorials are very helpful ❤️

[@AdonisAurelius1]

Hey, I was wondering if that kick sample was in one of your sample packs or if you found it on Splice? Thanks. Love the vids and they've helped me a ton with my own production and vocals.

[@MakePopMusic]

I can’t see what exact sample but I’d be willing to bet it’s either from Indie Pop or Hip Pop 😁 I know the kick layer and the rim hit are both from Indie Pop 😁

[@AdonisAurelius1]

@@MakePopMusic thanks so much 🙏🏽

[@thedrivereraworld6033]

How to make a track like "love to lose" by sandro cavazza and georgia ku maybe?

[@DogukanAydnMusic]

Bro Hi! I have some problem. I have Apollo Twin Usb. My speaker crackles when I run two vst-plugins. I have i7700k and 16 Gb DDR4 Ram 1 tb ssb 1 tb hdd. do you know why ? Please answer...

[@simmeonsradiorock]

You should release a vocal temple series for all the daws on your site. And song templates too. I’d pay $100+ for it especially a vocal one.

[@MakePopMusic]

Vocal templates are hard because not everyone has the same plugins, and a vocal chain is SO dependent on the singer, the song, and the mic. We try to teach people the tools and techniques, and the mindset behind creating a vocal chain for their specific song at hand :D

[@KirbySings]

Excellent my man. How long does it take you to go from Demo to This?

[@MakePopMusic]

A session to get the main fundamentals, a session to do the mixing and final touches.

[@_ConnorEdwardsMusic]

I had no idea that processing was available with my Slate Bundle

[@stevenradley1732]

how to make songs like Harry Styles on Fine Line

[@MakePopMusic]

Loveeee that album.

[@stevenradley1732]

@@MakePopMusic same, I love it:)

[@gomusicago]

@@MakePopMusic would love to learn that too

[@QuoteKingYt]

Do you have experience with British pop rock? Tracks like That sound by Sam Fender or Pacifier by Catfish and the Bottlemen

[@unique8721]

hey bitly link for midi keyboard your using not working

[@Samuel-jv4hu]

Which software is this?

[@zephaniahaethelbardbuenavi9784]

whats the free guitar plugin called?

[@lilian5443]

can you please do a tutorial on the japanese house?

[@Eilivmusic]

What plugin did you use for the acoustic guitar?

[@MakePopMusic]

A mix of live tracked guitars and Ample Martin Lite (it’s free!)

[@annablaze-they-them-1387]

hey your website is down if you didnt know

[@_ConnorEdwardsMusic]

Hey Austin, where did that piano sound in the 2nd pre chorus come from?

[@MakePopMusic]

Juno DS 88 😁

[@_ConnorEdwardsMusic]

@@MakePopMusic got any affordable recommendations for something that could replicate? Kontakt libraries maybe?

[@MakePopMusic]

@@_ConnorEdwardsMusic Honestly, pretty much any piano from Komplete would work. I'd either try Grandeur or Alicias Keys

[@RonanPortela]

Amazing process! I’m curious about why are you calling this “Indie Pop”? Sounds like Trap Pop... thanks!

[@RealJannK]

The trap 808s and other elements are now in almost every genre. And the vocals are Indie style. I think that's why he called it like this

[@MakePopMusic]

This sounds like trap pop? It's light and bubbly and fun. We have done trap pop on the channel and it's superrrrr different than this.

[@MakePopMusic]

Yep! This is definitely Indie Pop. If I threw on a trap pop playlist and it went from Post Malone or Drake to this, I'd be hella confused. If I was on a playlist and it went from LANY or Nightly to this, that would make total sense to me.

[@RonanPortela]

@@MakePopMusic I’m aware that the music is constantly changing and genres are fusing but, personally, this shouldn’t tag under Indie Pop, bands like Miami Horror, Anoraak, Holy Ghost, Roosevelt are Indie Pop... maybe I need an upgrade of my system 😂

[@RonanPortela]

@@MakePopMusic That’s a good point but that depends on what’s your vision about Indie Pop and it’s tottally different than mine! Thanks for taking your time for this ✌️

[@wortyle]

The spotify link to the song in the description is not working!

[@MakePopMusic]

Well shucks! Just fixed!

[@cosmonauteable9151]

Does he have a how to make retrowave?

[@zybe4541]

7:22 i wish my wife would do that. Amazing from her

[@IblisticK]

What would be so cool, How to make Kpop like music such as BTS or so on, the music can be so different and intricate. Just sayin'

[@rogermccannon5513]

PLS DO HOW TO MAKE KPOP SONGS THAT WOULD BANGGG

[@emveemusic]

Specifically BLACKPINK !!

[@rogermccannon5513]

@@emveemusic and bts and nct!

[@shannonjohncantos1578]

Can you do some kpop next??

[@hassen6046]

Hope you focus more on Vocal Mix .... Keep going Bro

[@quesadillamusic]

Please make a video on how to make songs like Harry Styles

[@zachpitt9249]

Better than paid courses

[@HRLDmusic]

just sub... still trying to create a pop music

[@abdallahaddad620]

Please do something like Harry Styles

[@simon_esse896]

Would be huge if we could download the raw stems so that we can mix it ourselves to improve our mixing skills.

[@MakePopMusic]

I can’t give them away since it isn’t my song. 😞 stems are coming with our next video!

[@simon_esse896]

@@MakePopMusic Your production style is very special. Where did you learned that? I wish you would offer something in FL Studio 20.

[@manuchalud7455]

Man, an advice, you should seriously consider activating auto return function in cubase

[@martinoplaya7805]

idk music vocal sound not clear in preview, but maybe it's ear fatigue since im listening in evening

[@LemonwoodOfficial]

The Mellotron strings at the beginning of the demo were ironically the only authentic part of the song, I think. At this point I even briefly felt real feelings.

[@jaykay__jaykay]

2:38

[@jaykay__jaykay]

7:31 juno brass 8:04 analog lab 9:31 reese 10:05 11:43 12:17 12:34 13:31 15:34 16:09 16:25 16:50 17:09

[@jaykay__jaykay]

19:44

[@VincyBlueX]

I literally looked on KZbin "how to make indie track" 2 minutes before this video got released. I'm genuinely scared.

[@MakePopMusic]

I literally thought on Monday "what is Vincenzo gonna search at 9:58 am on Friday" and that's how I came up with this video.

[@razzidaroc]

thank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank youthank you

[@edwelthrope9197]

Can you imagine if he spoke the same speed as normal people, the video would have been an hour and a half

[@MakePopMusic]

Truuuu

[@izmar]

Your private community link in the description is broken, FYI.

[@MakePopMusic]

Fixed! Thanks for the heads up!

[@unplanned8873]

I just made 1k🙂

[@GabzBeats]

How to make Kpop song?

[@indonesiaukulele]

Rang us ko indi x g kya the pains, yuck, real estate, alvvvvvaiz gt sich bg?

[@walter7054]

Alternate answer: listen to AJR