Overthinking is Ruining Your Beats

[@bachaun]

I often overthink my beats and I feel like it’s starting to hurt me in the long run since I don’t release my stuff cause of self doubt.

[@tyler6722]

Only way for it to take off is to put it into the world man. Hell release stuff under a pseudonym until you build the confidence

[@southwestkinema9149]

Get your shit out there. Where is it?

[@NineteenEighty8]

Very relatable.

[@Digamortis]

I've fallen into that cycle as well. Slowly getting better at overcoming my inner critic. One thing that helps me is making beats and just throwing them into my music folder without any mastering. Helps me move onto the next project and when I go back to the old beats they sound fresh.

[@dylanscott3279]

Right there with you!

[@astralhousefly]

Being a "Stranger to my music" resonates so hard with me. I don't think I've heard someone talk about that phenomenon but like you said, it induces decision anxiety.

[@jonmakesbeats]

It’s a big one. Have to spend time with what you’re doing

[@bachaun]

I’m a fan of you explaining your process and showing in depth the beat creation! More like this Jon!

[@gravitygal47]

6:30 "Sometimes that's the situation, where I'm going, 'Oh, this is going too fast.' I'm not familiarizing myself enough with the materials that I'm pulling from, or the, you know, the chords I'm creating, I don't know where to go from here because I'm a stranger to the music. I don't know if that makes sense. That might just be me - you know, old man yells the cloud moment - but that's really how I feel." No way, this is one of the most valuable videos on music I've ever seen! Those little shifts in perspective and the patterns you establish in your brain can make such a profound difference in execution. Really cool to get such an introspective view into your thought process.

[@MrOddEO]

Definitely agree with this! Not even just about creating but releasing too. Everytime i finish a project or get halfway through its on to the next one. Goal this year to stop being a perfectionist and just release shit and improve with time

[@jonmakesbeats]

Be easier on yourself and funny enough you'll make better music

[@chosin1843]

I literally just went through this for months….life changed and my inspiration changed. I tend to be a perfectionist with every lyric and every instrument. “Listen as a fan and not the artist” Thank you for the clarification

[@aidanduffy5443]

This is both a very valuable look into a pros philosophy and creative approach, and a masterclass in sample chopping and making a beat

[@Zebasbeats]

I love your humility and honesty. Seems like most channels are prepared and ”how to make ___easy” while you just tell me ”this took me 15-20 minutes while doing the chords” Thank you for being you, I think you are exactly what hip hop nowadays needs. Thanks for the knowledge for the day. You’re your own man🙏🏼

[@titanium_jones]

I've really been trying to make it a point this year for myself to stop hating so hard on the beats I make and to stop comparing myself to others. Seeing and hearing you talk about your mental process as you actively create music is one of the most valuable things I could see in a video for where I'm at in my musical journey. You really touched on everything I find myself going through - thank you so much for this!

[@mikulamusic]

I feel every word you say and I couldn’t agree more, that this vid was actually quite wholesome ✨

[@fatbat089]

I don’t comment often, but you’ve been a huge motivator for me, so thank u for the gems and sick beats

[@thestinkyweasel6297]

"Listen to yourself as a fan." Lightning moment, thanks Jon. I hear that, I'll try

[@calebcolledge]

This is literally the best video of all time on this subject matter. Your decision of showing rather than listing off things is the sign of a true artist. Love your work Jon!!

[@MrMarcLaflamme]

Making a decision and sticking with it, not looking back, second guessing, or creating a constant safety net are the things that I need to work on 100%. Nothing derails my flow faster than realizing if I commit this to audio I can't undo... People who grew up with sampling have this flow ingrained in themselves. I want to be like this, it's just so damn hard to change. (That and committing to finishing a damn song instead of starting a new project again and again)

[@oblio10]

Loved the longer workflow process! Also shout out to Jon, I feel like he's really learned his machine and doesn't buy the latest device to use. He's learned his instrument well and knows how to work with what he's got! My uncle suggested that and gave me a similar word of advice when I started tinkering and making beats!

[@scorpio1200]

The waveforms on the tv screen in the back are blowing my mind.

[@schnoodlevideo]

I couldn’t stop criticizing my cutting of this episode! Then I just followed Jon’s advice…thanks for watching everyone!

[@jasonhackett7217]

Just wanted to say, you do a great job editing these. Love your style @schnoodlevideo

[@spaceemanspiff]

The GTA "BUSTED" bit was hilarious

[@Jus.freekhz]

Thanks schoods!

[@Poopdudeification]

"okay" The face in the screen messed me up for a minute. Wasn't expecting that. Nice touch.

[@3030tube]

Damn, nice work man!!

[@UnDEADBishop138]

I used to produce beats in high school & college but my self criticism reached such an extreme where I was not only hindering myself from making new music and enjoying it but also began getting the urge to completely give up and erase everything. One day I was in a particularly bad state of mind and pulled the trigger to permanently delete all the music I ever made. That has become one of the biggest regrets in my life because I loved a lot of those tracks, albeit amateurish, and would do almost anything to have them back. Hundred of hours of work gone, so many "ah-hah!" moments erased, and so many memories deleted all because I let the overthinking overtake me. A tale of caution: Don't let the negative thoughts overwhelm you and DONT DELETE YOUR MUSIC, even if you think its junk -- its worth going back later. Thankfully I have managed to save a few tracks from archived emails and such, but so much more was lost. So glad to see this channel going strong and Jon giving out priceless advice.

[@TrumpVirus-b2l]

People give up on music too fast these days. Everyone wants instant gratification, validation, and fame/clout. Always comparing ourselves, and wanting to be what we see on television, and now the internet. What happened to just making music for the love, and experience? Beat making has become a pop-culture nightmare online, and a toxic market of consumerism from companies trying to sell you the hottest new piece of gear that you don’t need. From all the gear influencers on YT fishing for clicks, and likes, to all the amateurs posting selfie “look at me” beat making videos online….Music has taken a turn for the worst. It has become a “look at me” YT, and Tik-Tok fad with everyone, and their dreamers disease nonsense…Everyone wants to be famous, everyone raps, everyone makes music now…And when they don’t “make it” or have a high following or make a career out if it; people give up, and stop making music…Music is for life; This isn’t some kind of get famous /rich online fad……Music is dead in terms of the Music Industry, and for real artists that once used to make a living from creating real albums…..as we can see someone like Jon who has came from making real albums to now resorting to streaming online to keep a fan base. It started with corporations, and the RIAA controlling sampling to streaming services online that have now hi-jacked the way we listen, consume, and share music. Music is for life. f*ck the internet, and yt/television BS

[@recordingonthego9651]

This rings with me

[@thomaslichman5365]

​@user-rg4mm6ln6o I feel you man. I remember when I first started making beats and YT was just a teaching tool, I'd spend hours learning about sound design, digging for obscure samples, but I watched it morph into this "Type beat" "buy my drumkit/courses" nightmare. It felt like before YT tutorials were about explaining the basics of any given VST or musical concept and you'd take what you learned and experiment, do your own thing. Now it's literally "use these chords, with this type of synth, and these drums". It's like they're trying to gamify music making. DAWs are not video games

[@Payzant]

The timing on this video couldn’t have been any better man. Thank you so much for this.

[@CanadianReset]

Man it's super cool to hear your process. You are not a old man yelling at a cloud. Sometimes we are provided with such a cornucopia of options we can't make a decision.

[@SousaphoneMusic]

so great to see videos about actually making the music. Maybe it's my own browsing habits as well but i've been getting loads of content about gear and the anxiety of whether my gear and skills are enough to make music. it's kinda eye opening to see you work and see how much there is to the creative process. sometimes it feels like everything is supposed to come together naturally into a great song, but in reality second guessing yourself and backtracking and working through that doubt is just as much part of the process.

[@jonmakesbeats]

It’s just how things are. I agree I’d like to see more music making process videos rather than videos about a product, although I love and watch both

[@braveheartsbeardstudios]

I really love seeing pros describe their inner thought process!

[@ghfjfghjasdfasdf]

@ 5:45ish I get it, it’s more satisfying to chop your own loops. I feel the same way with organizing things for my music, from samples to presets, etc.

[@DadAmongMen]

Your sincerity and clarity are so refreshing. Thanks!

[@jonmakesbeats]

Thank you this means a lot

[@KennyZhao]

I really appreciate your "old man rant" about taking your time with the samples and music. These are tracks we are actively building a relationship with, it can be easy to rush the process and look for results before we even know how we feel about the materials. I'm currently working on a project where this is the case - where I have a single good idea and haven't done a deep dive on what else is possible with the raw elements. Thanks for the reminder!

[@nova_harbor]

I remember seeing your sets at Low End Theory when I was a teenager. I had no clue you were making such great educational videos these days. I'm really grateful to find these, so that I can continue to get knowledge and inspiration from the legacy of that space.

[@mrfuriousmother]

super inspiring for you to give commentary on not just objective thoughts but your emotional thoughts as well

[@remyvegamedia]

Hits so close to home... I need work on making and sticking to creative choices more than anything else. I'm a proficient keyboardist and arranger. I learned keys from a couple of my keyboard/piano heroes. I've made a whole career producing, and playing and teaching piano... yet I have practically no confidence in my playing once I start recording and producing haha. It's absurd to me, but it's been years and I still battle with it. I have moments where I feel like I'm making progress, but this is almost always going on in the background. This video was so eye opening and helpful, being able to hear your actual thought process in this context. Thank you for the reflection time.

[@EntropicSpore]

You are incredibly talented at making music. But your awareness of the psychology behind making music and your ability to convey it is truly a special thing. As a musician who's put out 4 albums and never made enough money to pay rent, but has a decent following online, I applaud you for finding a way to do what you love and profiting off of it. People dont pay for music anymore, so my vinyl just went unbought besides at live shows. Im a filmmaker by trade and wish music was my trade. Im starting to think I could marry the two...but Im not as good on camera. Might try something creative where Im not needed on camera... Idk, I need 2 give it a go. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@koilakemusic]

This feeling when you upload a beat you seem to like and then listen to it on youtube and realise you could do better. And this thought just stucks inside your head and makes you hate your music. Thank you for your videos, they really help sometimes

[@totaled_camry]

A lot time I try to bounce my beats to wav after I come to a decent stopping point - got an 8 bar hook or a verse or something, then I will play it in the car on the way to work, on the phone speaker, etc and I'll have a lot of ideas for how to alter it when I come back to it.

[@fatlenny9361]

@@totaled_camrythis is my go to method, ita nice being able to work on my stuff away from home

[@Dubstep8cheese]

I've found myself making vip's of my own tracks when I think I could do better and I'll upload it aswell then it's like little a progress report 😊

[@1000-7AMV]

i listen to my demos at work and take notes of everything i want to change then when i go back it usually goes pretty smoothly/not too overwhelming ​@totaled_camry

[@thruzero]

Dude this inspired me to actually get tf up and work with a goal for the first time in a longgggg long time, thank you so much ❤❤❤

[@jonmakesbeats]

That’s big! This is why I do it thank you for sharing that with me

[@DandyAnnieTime]

It's so lovely to hear you enumerate your creative process. The familiarity with the music you mention is especially fascinating and something I'll be giving myself the space to feel in the coming weeks.

[@madd2377]

Please do more in depth explained beatmaking videos like this one ! The duration the explanation the beat.. everything was great

[@simonyricools]

You are such a positive force. Love from Oslo.

[@madd2377]

Thank you for this. Usually I prefer shorter videos but this one being 30 minutes long was the right decision ! It became a daily routine of mine to watch or listen to your videos to get inspiration

[@spikerzombie]

My biggest tip is don’t expect anything out of what your making. Just do what’s most natural🌞

[@a11pu1poj]

This is good stuff Jon! You knocked it out the fucking park with this one. What an interesting way of describing your process. very very good

[@philipferrari1]

You’re an inspiration. Long time fan of your music and message. This continuation of your authentic and joyful self expression is amazing. So psyched that you’re continuing the journey with all of us aspiring creatives.

[@skylartownsend8299]

Thanks for the good advice, it helped me over the hump of self doubt and helped me with using the step sequencer on my mpc. Also, Rap album two is one of my favorites, and I still have it on vinyl

[@capsuleghost]

Great bit of artist therapy here! Appreciate you giving up a peek at the thought process behind the decisions. Big respect for wanting to demystify the process and share it with people that feel intimidated

[@jonhollinsworth8785]

This is an amazing resource for people learning to make music with sampling!

[@Roland_Tr909_Swing]

Subbed becuase this is the thought process of a musician.

[@NineteenEighty8]

Perfect time for a new Jon video. I needed more inspiration today, thanks.

[@tinkyy4516]

I think this is honestly your best video yet. And I've been feeling that way about the last several videos. Noticeable increase in quality. LOVE

[@TimbahOnToast]

I just say Jonwayne, you're a very good producer and rapper. But you are a natural youtuber in a way I don't think I've seen done well from anyone else who's transitioned their art into social media

[@Max-gh6px]

The less i have thought about my music and the decisions I am making, and instead settling with ideas because of how they made me feel over how they might stack up to music that i like, has freed up so much mental energy and has allowed me to finish more music than ever before. There is a techno producer called Chälr who has spoken about this, we're trying to capture moments and thinking too deeply about what it is you're doing can really have an adverse effect on retaining those inital feelings. Godspeed people, make something cool! :)

[@A_G_H_A_N_I_M]

Thanks Jon. That last 2 or so minutes are what I honestly really needed to hear right now. I'm trying to complete my first music project and I have all these stems of ideas but I'm just so scared to let go and just let some shit happen. The few times that I have let go, the results have actually been great so I think hearing that letting go is the right thing to do from someone else really just put it into perspective. I need to stop overthinking and just have fun again. Thanks for your videos man.

[@calebscalzo]

That mixing technique on the bass was crucial

[@jammin5252]

started listening to your rap couple of years ago, you madly talented! Super raps super beats, big luv

[@eamesgraves]

Piano melody at 15:00 sounds like the “Volk Tape” from Suspiria.

[@Its_Frank_Franchini]

This has been really helpful. Right now, I'm working in a rock pop album where I'm restoring 60 tracks and sometimes have been really difficult to cope with the self-criticism and just do things thinking or listening as a fan of the genres that I'm working with, Greetings from Mexico City!

[@DangerBruce]

Another great one Jon. And props to @Schnoodlevideo for the usual top-notch edit, smashed it👊🏻!

[@jonmakesbeats]

he always does

[@schnoodlevideo]

:) thank you!

[@okinawa1312]

Not only a great rapper but also such a good teacher. Big Up!!!

[@GranolaMusic]

Realest beat making video I’ve seen in a minute

[@MookieFlex]

This was great, love the deep dive session and seeing your approach! 👏

[@ChannelTomsMusic]

Totally agree with you 🙏

[@keithprice1950]

This is the needed antidote to all those "I made a beat in 10 minutes" videos.

[@jonmakesbeats]

"I made a beat in 10 hours"

[@JACKSTAY]

@@jonmakesbeats”I made a beat in 10 hours and cut it into a 10 minute video but I promise I did this all on the fly”

[@Endle185]

Yeah u can hear it’s made in 10 mins

[@NIVstrumentals]

Man!! Definitely needed this. Makes ya focus on having fun with being creative instead of worrying about perfection. Good sh!t, bruh!! Fire 🔥 beat!!

[@kid.forever]

You're the man Jon. 🫡

[@nicolas.lalonde]

Word! There's a book called The War of Art that focuses on the concept of ''resistance'' which correlates to what you shed light on in this video. Truly appreciated pieces of wisdom and practical examples. Cheers

[@AlbertoBalsalme]

Word. Can't recommend it enough to anyone who appreciated this vid's subject matter and struggles with some of the debilitating self-judgements that Jon is helping is overcome here. The book offers insights on the nature of the sketchy thoughts and emotions we have about our art that hold us back, as well as how to go to war against the spirit of Resistance which they serve - the part of our psyche that, in wanting to "garanty" our safety, will prevent us from growing as a creative and a person by making us afraid of embracing uncertainty, take risks, challenge the status quo, take the unbeaten path, etc. Some of the ideas in it may be a little out there for some people, but the point isn't that there is a literal enemy living inside of us, separate from our own mind, but the almost mythologized way of representing those inner conflicts that have prevented us from becoming what our souls knows we can be and longs for, is helpful in getting fired up and going to war on what separates us from all that we treasure the most, and from our destiny. Jon, thank you so much for all that you share with the world and especially for this one right here. There's countless beat cookout vids out there (and always love to watch yours) and tutorials on music production, yet this type of guided journey alongside you as you create while focusing on your thought processes is such a refreshing and helpful concept. I have no doubts this will be profoundly helpful to a lot of creatives, and hope to see more content in this vein in the future, exploring the psychological side of making art and the "inner game" of creativity. One love

[@gustavost86]

Awesome video man, I loved your track

[@kitwarren2493]

Thanks for this man! All about getting your ego out of the way

[@adityatadoori8989]

Hey, just saw your set on le mellotron, mad respect for spreading knowledge bro

[@chrisgdawg]

So helpful. Makes me feel my process of making choices and trusting my tastes can work, even if I doubt my skills when not creating. Thanks!

[@crodduan]

appreciate you sharing your process and the way you explain stuff is kind of meditative. great tunes! cheers 🎉

[@Sneezus420]

Jon, i love you man. Ive been a fan for a while and suddenly found your channel through the algo. Your voice is incredibly enjoyable to listen to and your videos are excellently crafted. Thank you for bringing me even more inspiration to sit inside the studio.

[@EricRaymondSF]

Great video, Jon. Thanks.

[@endeiks]

Awesome beat bro!

[@chriscipollone1246]

i like your content jon, i feel like you are just being you and you seem genuine and i like how you teach people and you have some great energy and good music

[@KelMckeown1]

Great video. Love your open-ness and awesome to see the fun you have producing. Been a fan of your music for years and years and didn't realise you had some production vidoes on youtube - just stumbled across your channel by a comment you left on a Benn Jordan video :)

[@synthphilosophy]

I was way too hyped about that 90's sounding drum though ^^. Again, love your work and the way you bring peace to mind with your explanation. Like, it's ok to just do you. Sometimes we all need that advice on every aspect of life. Thank you ❤

[@KANEMUSIC7]

Dude this is why i subbed.. you remembered me of something great man.. got a couple video’s of you saved up in my learning playlist!

[@enforcingpidgeon]

ive been making beats for over a decade now and im harder on myself than ever, i absolutely love performing and making people happy with my music. its kind of my life at this point. but ive been having a really tough year in terms of music, i havent touched any daw in a while now, its really bringing me down. but this video is giving me some much needed inspiration. really glad you are doing these so consistently and the quality is super fire. so dont stop jon im sure your helping a ton of us out man.

[@ghfjfghjasdfasdf]

Good stuff, cool vid, solid beat. Keep jamming

[@Cheddar_Jesus]

Great tutorial! Walk through your process really helps a lot. That beat turned out niiice. That bass is smokin’!

[@mickpattison7489]

Beutifull stuff mate, thanks for sharing !

[@yetitrackz]

Yeah, John!! Way to make the "process" so laid back and cool... Feels good when you do it, right? Just gotta listen and make adjustments to what you are feeling to make it "right" 😎 And that should be for YOU!! Big ups, yo! Lean into that Vibe yo❣️

[@rize-again9249]

Thanks for sharing your process & showing that you are indeed human. Lol. You are seriously one of the greatest to ever do it.

[@dustinevans]

all about enjoying the process 💛

[@joshuahogg7303]

"I do it raw from the nerve, if I don't get it in a single take Then I don't deserve to say the words And maybe that'll keep me hidden from the herd But I'd rather hear my head than turn deaf to be heard" Practicing what you preach. Thanks for this video I needed to get out of my head.

[@morair]

Needed this video this week, thanks Jon!

[@nolancraw]

@ 27:09 I started really really feelin in. Crazy sick. The murder keys really sent it home.

[@MrRexBaron]

just spent a few days on a track and i pretty much ruined it at the end... well that's how I feel now after listening to the mixdown.. then I come to youtube and find this! Thank you.

[@guytries2634]

I loved this video Jon man

[@EZBOT_]

Very well said.

[@beatsbysolace]

I was just thinking about how you having this conversation with yourself is probably helping you make committed decisions as well! Asking yourself these questions internally is an effective decision making tool as well

[@fredcrewneck]

this video was amazing man

[@ClearBlueHipHop]

This series is PURE GOLD. These are the videos I wish I had when I first started making beats.

[@louiehudson7915]

Super underrated channel! Thanks for this bro

[@somnambulist916]

that flow state you described after u get the main bones down on a beat, I could sit there all day lol. hard not to. the srr on the digitakt is a gamechanger for one shots

[@Buildermusic612]

Love you brother! I watch all your videos, but today you didn't let the beat breath so we can hear what you are talking about. Cuts didn't allow me to hear the changes as I would like. You are brilliant brother.

[@fleshkrumblez]

Delay and reverb is a creator's best buddy or trying an effect that you would never ever touch, such to shake the negative vibe that enters your mind if things are not panning out. Not sure if this has happens to anyone/everyone, but I found that those two can sometimes save me from myself. It has taken me in totally different directions, where I start out BoomBap and nothing is working, I add the delay or reverb and somehow end up moving into a Bossanova meets BoomBap beat and just enjoy what has decided to manifest on it's own. It is the greatest gift you can give to yourself, allowing yourself to create and creating for yourself first and foremost (Take note: You have to believe in what you are creating and enjoy it).

[@ritofuturito]

This is excellent! Very entertaining and educational 🎛🚀

[@musicbyethan]

Great post my dude.

[@spaceghost9440]

Bro you better stop looking so cute 🫄

[@TrumpVirus-b2l]

He looked better with short hair; that low end theory in SF look around 13 years ago….start doing some sit ups, and push ups. Sheeet son, wifey would have to keep the thots away from him!

[@bentsound]

Love this one! It gave me all the good feels! Thank you

[@slowestjabroni]

im gonna watch this 100 times today and hope it sticks

[@fityfive]

man this is such helpful and inspiring stuff.

[@justinraymund]

Good gawd jonwayne… that joint is nasty.

[@beyallluv]

Lovely

[@traitortotheliving]

Enjoy your videos and just overall vibe. Good stuff man