Music producer Oak Felder’s guide to producing a viral song

In just 15 minutes, music producer and songwriter Oak Felder demonstrated how a hit song gets from nothing more than an idea to a multi-layered sound experience.
Onstage from Recode's Code Media conference, Felder recreated the technical process of how he produced the hit Demi Lovato single “Sorry Not Sorry.” Starting from a blank canvas in the music production app Logic Pro X, he said his first job was to create a “vibe” before the songwriting process could begin.
“The people in the room are looking at you for the initial spark of inspiration,” he said. “You are the catalyst, you are starting everything up.”
You can watch the full presentation from Recode’s Code Media stage.
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[@lukabilbao5098]

No Gucci, no diamonds, no iced out watches... straight truth. GOAT

[@benja303]

0% nuDitY 0% vIoLenCe 0% pRoFanity 100% taL3nt

[@Walperion_Music]

He forgot to mention the most key element to write a hit song: Be friends with Demi Lovato, Usher and Alicia Keys.

[@anjinbeats]

he did make a big point of it to begin with doe lmao

[@ProfessorSaibertin]

Everybody would use such connections. Good for him.

[@dufflebagbeats8809]

@@ProfessorSaibertin Agreed. Juice Wrld and the producer (can't remember his name off the top) made 'All Girls Are The Same' in a bedroom and it became huuuge as everyone knows. If you look at this craft as such, that without knowing someone who's notable already you can't make a hit.. You're only holding yourself back man. You could have the next Demi, Usher or Alicia right beside you just trying to have fun making music and be a completely huge part of that creation. That's the beauty of this art, my friend. Don't mean to sound rude, just hope to inspire! :)

[@dufflebagbeats8809]

@@enregalia5033 Yeah! can't believe I couldn't think of his name lol

[@zxtmasmith9883]

That’s how you make it in this business though. It’s an industry based in friendships

[@anwyllonmusic]

Such a humble guy.

[@EliteOnTheBeat]

Thats why he's so successful.

[@cewinhuh4528]

Crycyc dig ttgvtt TT tv gtttt tv-tittarens. Åt cg ttttv T TV-guident. G. Tvåt dkTtctå gttggtt Gbgtgtvttåtc två tthttt typttkczcåt

[@RealDJBeatMasta]

I totally agree with you!

[@dillaryclump4018]

He's so humble he was humble bragging the whole time 😂

[@samlee2562]

droppin names like they're going outta fashion

[@NewWaveFlex]

I think its cool producers finally get the credit they deserve

[@jeaangulo]

Amen

[@jakib]

His public speaking skills 💯

[@Diamond88keyz]

You love it too.

[@ZacharyAghaizu]

808 basses are one of the best electronic instruments. mumble rappers wouldnt make it without it

[@gregorymcnair5195]

i wonder how people say mumble rappers when every rapper has a lyric page for their raps and if you download Tidal HiFi you can hear every word and not the auto-tune roll (mumble)

[@AnymMusic]

I actually really dislike 808s lol

[@archologyzero]

Also...99% of the 808s you hear aren't 808s. Sine waves are a thing.

[@maccagrabme]

808 is classic but am sick of hearing that sub bass in everything nowadays. Like you say, if you took the bass out of those mumble tracks there wouldnt be much left.

[@plexurium7597]

but it's a little bit the cancer of music No!( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@yusdrum91]

he's awesome! but Recode, do you have more pixels?

[@Chowyanh]

hahahaha very true.

[@nyunno]

The problem has nothing to do with pixels.. its the bitrate that is trash.

[@es2kaaay908]

Livestream problems

[@thomasandon2539]

Wanna fin out the exact plugins he used

[@lifeinasitcom]

*goes to splice and downloads all the IQ samples*

[@Walleggwp]

Yes yes, very good. RELATABLE 🔥🐍

[@RobbyFischerMusic]

How do I get these sounds? How do I find that exact 808 on splice? I want THAT EXACT one!

[@DubzCo]

that bass is such a simple one, why sample it when you can make your own in most synths?

[@archologyzero]

@@DubzCo But why care of it sounds the same? 100% wouldnt have known if he hadnt told anyone. Its just humble attitude. Why use a drum machine at all when you can carve the wood from a tree, and farm goats to use their skins to make your own drum?

[@ArgosyofIntrigue]

knowing nothing of theory I agree, but using samples does not make you any less of a producer? finding and chopping samples is an art in itself, I actually believe writing your own music nowadays with all the tools available is easier than making a quality sample-based track.

[@Marvintosh]

What a nice guy... very inspiring too

[@EllOPARK]

TØSH Yoo love your channel !! I subbed Spread the love ❇❇❇❇💟

[@michellew.3691]

Wow he is one of the first very grounded and to the point focused presentation I have ever seen. Without any unnecessary word in it. Really thought through. Maybe thats why he is doing his job as quick & enjoyable as he is doing - day by day. Thanks for the insights! 👍

[@michellew.3691]

Roel Inu maybe he wanted to make a point!? 😉 Thats the part of life thats fuels the music factor. Afterall he is there to entertain on the presenting stage. I know presentation without laughter weren't so engaging than the ones with them to listen to. 😊

[@DanielSalazar-nf4kr]

Wow.. every time I comeback here to see this video it still inspiring me to create music. Oak, you're an amazinng producer who has a really beautiful way to see life through music.

[@333musicllc7]

We just started our label last year and I can truly say chemistry with the writers and artists can be what makes a hit. If everyone likes each other and has fun with what they are doing it can be magical. Find those people you have a connection with and watch those hits fly!

[@charnechantel949]

I love this so much he is so honest and humble and actually know what he is talking about thanks for the inspiration

[@jeshvinvisualgraphic]

Such a great and chill guy!

[@obichristianobi]

I am so impatient with videos and he just kept my attention for 15mins. I'm officially a fan !

[@omeralkan9507]

That humble yet genius like manners... He is Black Turk from Istanbul. Proud of him.

[@2380062]

I really LOVED this talk. Thank you so mucb!

[@its_just_marvlus]

"you are killing this right now", every musician has that mentality that its gonna be a good song until somebody says its decent and then you think "i need to do better :("..... LIFE. TECH. MUSIC.

[@Sekhuhadjo]

This is exactly what I teach producers about where inspiration comes from, and how it can give you a Grammy award winning track! Respect Oak--SG-1 Tha Piecemakerz

[@revishon]

Life does create music!!! Getting to put your soul into art is one of the great wonders of living.

[@lonelykid7691]

I'm going to make it on the spot *suddenly brings in stems that make the whole song*

[@ttrystt9413]

Lonely Kid lmfaooooo 😂

[@Stoneeeeemo]

Hey guys I did a little stuff off camera, not much * drags the main vocals, backing vocals and percussion *

[@joepetty5316]

808, chords, and a snap and that’s a hit. Music is the best 🤘🏼

[@stratomason]

which daw is he using

[@MonroeBeats]

@@stratomason logic

[@arpitthakur45]

can u make the melody or singing composition that good...808 is worthless if u dont have a great vibe composition

[@MichaelOhkayy]

Awesome video! The beat is very simple yet so impactful. This goes to show that if you know what you're doing, you can turn any simple melody into a hit song if you just do it right. Especially if you've got a strong vocalist/lyricist on board. Do what you love and have fun doing it, pour your thoughts and feelings into it; if it's true to you then it's bound to go somewhere.

[@getdagist1]

Well said

[@unkwnofficial2027]

Damn he has 2081 credits on splice.

[@MannyXO]

Unkwn Official lol I checked too

[@33tek25]

There’s not even 2081 sounds worth having

[@sebastianstam1900]

33tek there totally is

[@davidhill9041]

he had almost 2300 credits

[@trebletroublebass2032]

@@davidhill9041 lol currently on mine I have 2100 its not expensive

[@davide.valentini]

That pluck/piano is amazing.

[@alfredosanmartin244]

Great presentation!

[@IndyVisuals]

Amazing. Every producers goal

[@fast4u]

This is super inspiring how you should do work. Be passionate about what you do. Thank you Oak

[@EliteOnTheBeat]

When i first started producing beats i always knew less was more but the more experience i gain producing the more I am realizing how true that statement really is. Simple is powerful and easy for the listener to catch on and to later remember the song. Just think about how many songs have 4 chord progressions.....? Simplicity sales!!

[@MDOTDASUPA]

Sick presentation!!!

[@EllOPARK]

Prod. By MDOTDASUPA Yoo cool channel !! I subbed Spread the love ❇❇❇❇💟

[@shrags1]

This is dope!!! Thanks for this opportunity I love you Oak Felder! I wish I can get to record to you sometime

[@thesunnyunderground4526]

Good to see the people behind the hits sharing their stories!

[@ArtByTrahnay]

I got soooo excited to see he uses the same DAW as me. Sometimes producers and engineers will do these things and although I understand I can't always find what it is they used specifically in my DAW. Super excited to continue watching.

[@FearFox]

Tamyra Trene yea ikr same here!!

[@bandobeats9254]

Hell yea logic is dope

[@flipsergio2985]

Me to I use logic and pro Tools

[@ThatOneGuy8199]

too bad it's a very poor choice in daw

[@gxneby1840]

Tamyra Trene Https://soundcloud.com/user-724665689 i use caustic

[@RunOuttaSpace]

best sample tutorials... blessings. Hope you have a great bday and I wish you the best for your future!

[@DebraDukes]

Very much enjoyed. I remember watching you two working together in a Video and glad I watched. Truly Amazing and soon as I heard loved it. Thanks for sharing meant allot. You are both very talented. Deb. 👌👍

[@FPINTO1000]

Mr Oak you are the best. Love the way you arrange material. i am impressed. thanks

[@CraigsCuts]

Damn I was geeked from the chords 🤘🔥

[@GHOSTGRIMM001]

I love splice. Im always insecure about using it, but i love hearing about high end producers using the program.

[@damini3822]

he is such an amazing person.... because of producers like them...artists r famous..but he says that he is lucky to work with them....when the singers would hv said that

[@AllThingsSerene]

The production is crazy wish he woulda showed it all like the bass slides piano ect.

[@kaseymcdowell]

Dude I can relate to this so much...

[@lighteyes214]

His production on Demi Lovato's latest album, Tell Me you Love Me, is kick ass! Demi's talent is so underrated. It's cool that Oak has been able to fly under the radar. He's produced so many great songs yet not a lot of people recognize him.

[@foxybrown2]

you are so right . Until this video i have never heard of him.

[@joseitsme]

Demi didn't even have a demo. Bring a demo first, the producer challenges the artist to make the sound better. To polish it off basically.

[@kingkylie9655]

@@joseitsme she doesnt need one bro

[@joseitsme]

@@kingkylie9655 All musicians should have a demo. It's the part of the process. If not, then are clearly don't have a sense what to make.

[@jml19221]

Internet is a blessing for this sort of thing. Thanks to all the producers that share their creative process.

[@digitalsketchguy]

Reaper wow! Nice to see a Pro Producer sharing tips and workflow. Seems like a humble dude, bags of talent too.

[@shavemangin]

This guy has so much knowledge it’s crazy. His abilty with sounds it insane

[@marcogiordano1207]

David Gindis ahaha lol yeah

[@Walperion_Music]

Yeah all his sounds sounded good straight away. Mine never do. ) Like he didn't say the most important key - how to make them sound good?

[@all20790]

@@Walperion_Music a lot of it comes down to the samples you choose

[@entyce66]

Good personality

[@AdrianAntoine]

Un gran productor, un referente para mi en esta época. Salvando las distancias, estamos en la misma sintonía tratando de producir y transmitir nuestros conocimientos.

[@JurijFedorov]

This is amazing. I could watch this for hours.

[@lxxanderfans267]

omg this is so dope

[@kyngkai3942]

Oak is a really awesome person aside from his musical mastery. I’ll continue to support his endeavors and soak up the game he drops 🐐

[@vanddergmail]

‘That people can then go and listen to and feel a similar emotion to the one I felt having the conversation or when my wife felt having a conversation with me that day’ - music and tech miracles, and of course a lot of talent man!

[@neoaureus]

Amazing how he speaks so well about what he does.....and he's won Grammys !

[@miss.antidote]

Top Dude and Great Talk

[@magneticproductions7066]

"its that low boomy sound you hear in a lot of music" lmao

[@davepaulsaunders]

Great a clip. Cheers for sharing mate - Dave from Adelaide, South Australia:-)

[@TravisHuff]

ABSOLUTELY love this interview :)

[@lorikaimadison9361]

Wow! A whole hit song composed in less than an hour! Incredible!

[@jojoe9427]

THIS SONG HIT DIFFERENT WHEN YOU WATCHING HIM MAKE IT!!!!!!

[@iden4467]

It's pretty basic

[@radofficial4672]

What changes everything is the vocal. Most of us come up with production ready backing tracks "concepts" easily these days.. the clincher is the melody that envelopes the track, the power of the vocal and the quality of it.

[@victornikora2857]

Great seminar insight man! Thank you for sharing your knowledge bro!

[@crieverytim]

when you're fighting w your wife but hanging out w demi lovato making sweet music. daaamn

[@ollipolliver5888]

how to be a producer: tell the audience several times you are a producer

[@nicholastoo858]

olli polliver 🤣

[@eman0828]

He's real Record Producer not a beat maker. A real Producer collaborates with the Artist and Engineer in the studio that oversees the entire creative direction of the finished product from A to Z like Quincy Jones. That's why Oak Felder carries the Job tittle Songwriter/Producer because he's wearing two hats as the Composer that composes the beat and Record Producer role when he's collabratiing with the Vocalist in the studio or where ever the recording sessions are conducted at.

[@jakemitchell3506]

Eman 08 he is definitely a beat maker too...

[@zxtmasmith9883]

The idea is that he can do everything

[@indransubramaniam763]

luv it man...thanks for the inspiration....

[@cuberious1419]

Oak Felder has the best public speaking skills of any producer I’ve seen. I can see why artists want to work with him.

[@yonilebenfish1283]

this is amazing. just being able to watch a professional do things almost the same way I do it right now gives me hope that one day ill be producing my own "Sorry not Sorry" :)

[@patemery1960]

My dream Job !

[@realjcoop182]

Just got Logic Pro X and I am excited for the creation that will take place. I am an indie artist voted in the game on Sway in the morning and featured on HNHH.

[@petef15]

that initial chord progression is awesome especially over the 808

[@CJBeatzProductions]

#LogicGang 4 LIFEEEE!!!!!

[@simonsvanbergsalehi4976]

Yoo my guy CJ what's good!

[@kfr3sh416]

Mozart used Abelton

[@stevejobs7989]

@@kfr3sh416 no he used fruity loops studio

[@xxgimpl0rdxx22]

STOP IT REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeee3eEeeeeeeEE

[@LivermooreJesse965ud]

Broke boi fl gang

[@JAMHuiMusicVideos]

This guy the Neil degrasse Tyson of producers lmao

[@jda2ndz231]

😅😅😅😅

[@kyleog17]

LMFAOOO

[@laurencebellinger3350]

hilarious af!!!!

[@brentvincent2950]

Holy crap! I was just thinking that same thing! I'm happy to see your comment about Neil, that someone likeminded thought the same thing!

[@Kevinschart]

lol that's the best compliment he could ever hope to receive

[@davidefant3045]

Loving this guy! Great personality, super awesome work!

[@akhilaalakshmin8286]

So incredible, great valuable info for self taught producers.

[@avav7223]

I'd be gobsmacked if a single person in that room didn't already know what an 808 is

[@brendanphillips8448]

God I love that word.... Gobsmacked...

[@tdwl2802]

I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t. Most people know little to nothing about music production lmao

[@djnxsua]

TDWL2 some reason it’s barely known to most people

[@JoshJoshMusic]

This is why i wanna make musics 😇

[@Walperion_Music]

Why exactly? To be successful with Rhianna and Alecia Keys or to enjoy the music you're making? There's a big difference and I can't seem to decide for now what is actually better.

[@dennispowell6591]

Wow, it's been a long time Oak glad to see you are still at it and going strong. DXP. Remember. Hope to see you soon.

[@djkmkzi5735]

This is so inspirational, thank u!

[@messiahblack4816]

At first glance i thought this cat was Plug two from De La Soul...

[@1masterfader]

When creating a track in front of people always start with the bass. I was in this situation where i had to do a track in front of one of one of stevie wonders producers for kid he was producing. Kid got signed.

[@xznilloalexander6166]

I love how he says all these great accomplishments and the crowd is like... ok and?

[@oeunouch]

This guy a genie!! He grants wishes!!

[@abrahamkhanna6433]

production starts at 4:07

[@JaydeYang]

He's such an inspiration ✨

[@mikhailamosov6360]

Awesome!!👍

[@jaykingston2171]

Absolutely phenomenal! Just goes to show that all the self proclaimed experts on the producer forums over think the production process way too much!

[@andersbeider]

The camera that is recording must be from the mid. 90s.

[@carlostorres1171]

The Spotify peak date was my birthday. Happy birthday to me!

[@adamjpd]

Don't lie

[@sandeepsugunan7570]

loved his simplicity. great guy. also i liked the pixel effects in the video.

[@sashasymone7271]

Your so dope and inspirational never stop doing what you do! Of course you love what you do and it’s part of your purpose so I know it would be hard to stop but I’m just saying you make a big difference

[@TheBrightLow]

how to make a hit song: make it and wait

[@flowapot]

marketing does not work like that

[@onesong2001]

Memphis You have to pay the radio stations to get a hit. It's a farce.

[@SashaDae]

Memphis. Methods xxx

[@planetbeatmobb1762]

She's distributed by UMG dawg, big budget.....nice song and all, lots of talent, but without millions behind it...wouldn't have been heard by many people. Didn't hear anything about what the title is about at all.

[@jaykingston2171]

Someone's jealous lol.....

[@planetbeatmobb1762]

@@jaykingston2171 I'm distributed by Universal as well

[@user-vx1ib1er1j]

ok

[@arpitthakur45]

u might suck

[@heythere6983]

welp its the truth, there is a reason you only hear big label musicians on tv and radio, they pay for it and have leverage because of attaining the connections by controlling radio and also streaming services, KZbin aswell with algorithms

[@z1rphynx]

Quite an impressive resume! He should be getting a lot more ovations. Valuable knowledge. Suscribed...and watching intently...

[@itslogeyyy]

love this guy!! You're LIT, Oak!!

[@messybabyyoda6248]

One day, I'm going to thank this guy face to face.

[@lazyskull7949]

The key to making a viral song is using 808s, kicks, hihats, and snares. or just a select few but always keep the 808. of course, a melody is important too.

[@johnsnook6084]

and get some vocalists that have a huge fan base to sing on it

[@Walperion_Music]

@@johnsnook6084 Yeah that's exactly what I wanted to say as well ) Get some world-famous singer to sing your song! So easy for all of us!

[@jonathanulery1610]

Very inspirational man thank you!

[@NoahHornberger]

that hypercolor bass pack was designed by 813. Makes me feel like I have good taste to know I was following 813 for a few years and already decided that was one of the best sample packs on splice. In a way 813 defined the sound that made this track feel popular and 'in the moment'

[@davidfontenelle80]

The most humble person I've ever seen 🙄

[@Walperion_Music]

Yeah. He was relishing in his namedropping not longer than a mere half of the video.

[@SweezyKiDBeats]

Sneak my chords back in there Lol, fun to watch.

[@FRANKRICECOLD209]

Great Show / Lecture As a Producer You Always Need inspiration Thanks

[@byronp24]

ABSOLUTELY! AMAZING! 👍🏾