The No1 Scientific Reason You Can't Finish Tracks

[@bismanjitsingh1975]

he is not the philosopher we want, but the philosopher we need

[@whendoesthisend]

I just made this wonderful discovery. Im so stoked to look at the rest of the videos. Im laughing writing this. Thank you sir for the video!

[@jl9205]

"Done is better than perfect."

[@kieranmchugh172]

Letting perfect get in the way of good enough.

[@blakecasimir]

Perfect is the enemy of good.

[@arassenova]

done exists. perfect doesn't.

[@TRVladdy]

I've gotten pretty good at finishing beats and have almost fully adapted the "finished is better than perfect" mindset. I feel like I could release a new song every few days, if it weren't for the fact that I suck at writing lyrics. Every time, I might finish one verse, but after that I can't finish anything. I'll see if I can adapt some of these tips to help with that. Thanks

[@ELopez]

Just gotta tell you that you are my favourite production channel on KZbin, specifically because of how you always seem to answer the questions I didn’t know I had. Your videos have been a huge boon to my producing mentality and in helping me address my fears with putting out own music!

[@FreeDooMusic]

And here i am with over 400 plugins and no problem knowing which one to use and when. But since i started focusing more on learning mixing and mastering and further develop my skills in sounddesign, i started becoming less creative because i have less energy left to be creative so im sort of more of a mix and mastering engineer than a producer at this point since i find it so hard to finish my tracks. And when im designing sounds it always turns into a track between one or two minutes because i begin with a more or less complete track in my head before i start working on it. So im bruteforcing it, always trying to do too much at once inside the DAW. But i do work very fast but not for long enough. It usually ends up with a mixdown to share with some friends though. I knew from the day i became sentient that i wanted to make music so its always been a part of me. But getting it out there and pursuing a potential career, now that is intimidating to the point where i don't even want one. I just feel mentally and physically burnt out by the thought of it.

[@Bthelick]

Yes you definitely need to split into sandbox sessions. I would recommend ear training sessions in particular. Because if you can reference well, and recognize good sounds to select, if you shouldn't have to mix much, if at all. Or Master even. It's far faster and easier to be creative if you can skip most of the engineering steps. That's how I do it any way.

[@MoonbaseDiscoRecords]

I think choice paralysis is the biggest enemy of up & coming producers. it also makes it harder to find our own "sound". I can make, super groovy and complete tracks just using a Korg Volca, while I get instantly lost trying to produce in Ableton jungle. I love 90s House Sounds and I realized, what I like about that era is amazing creativity and simplicity due to the lack of tools and resources. and even after watching a plethora of tube videos, mimicking 90s hardware on daw is hard :)

[@eArtrash]

This is very powerful for me and I'm sure everyone else. You've done a great job of breaking this topic down.. I feel instantly motivated to get my laptop out and finish this track I've been "improving" for years.. stuck in the paradox you mention. Needless to say - great content as usual!

[@jornl9177]

Great video and truth spoken. I think one point is missing: as artists we are fascinated by the unknown thus art beyond our crafting. This leaves us bored by creation we would have adored some time ago. So in my opinion we have to get inspired by our art first and finish it regardless how bored we get. Anyone with me here?

[@bradfordsmithmusic]

I always knew I had a superpower, always watching for threats, but unfortunately it was just my amygdala keeping me finishing the track.

[@Trentcast]

Amazing video, thank you. I’m 20 years deep and I believe I just recently got passed “The Dip” and everything said in this video resonated me to my core.

[@olliestaples5337]

I don't know how you manage to do it, but you always seem to give me the advice I need right at the moment I need it. Muchly appreciated.

[@reptilejesus829]

Thanks for making this. Even though I've heard all of this before I needed to hear it once more.

[@erikbosgra1775]

It's nice to only hear you speak. There's less distraction and more concentration. That pays off in absorbing your great information. 🧡🔥

[@spr1334]

You have created a fantastically useful channel. The best at demystifying what appears to be massively confusing. A goto channel.

[@MK7357-mk]

When it comes to struggling with finishing tracks, my solution was setting up a goal of uploading at least 1 track in a week and time frames throughout the week to work on my music and solely focusing on that. It's not going to be perfect anyway, but the good side effect of it is that you'll improve over time. Also getting stuff done is more important than trying to make a track perfect and it's quite a healthy approach (at least for me right now) Thanks for another great video :)

[@eliosix]

You’re my compass I always resort to when I find myself lost. Your “rants” are always golden. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@AVT_Music]

This is what every beginning producer needs to see! If I would have seen this when I started out within my first year and took this to heart. It'd be A LOT further than I am now. Thank you for this video!

[@NatrollJM]

keep having to take off my headphones. im watching this at half past 2 AM and your new stereo effect sounds like its blasting around my room!!

[@Bthelick]

Oh really? Stereo effect on the music or voice?

[@shoppingcart238]

I can hear something with ur voice, it feels really wide or something @@Bthelick

[@Bthelick]

Oooooooh sorry I know what that will be. To make the meters more interesting while I talk I put a phantom haas delay on , but I must have forgot to cancel it again after the meters 🤦‍♂️ sorry.

[@shoppingcart238]

No worries! We ended up with a little trick of the trade on top bc of it haha @@Bthelick

[@NatrollJM]

@@Bthelick Voice. music sounds fine

[@thepope9648]

that “5 stages” graph is brilliant. true for all producers. likely applies to everything in life

[@EchoesOfMelodicExistence]

Great talk! Now I know what my problem is and I needed to hear that. In fact I released my first track and video yesterday and it was a tough decision. "It wasn't good enough", "it had already been done", "there are others out there that are much better", etc. In my head I had a gazillion reason not doing it. 😳

[@doubleslitenigma]

I started producing in 2005 and in 2007 released my first track, in 2014 i remixed for Hemstock and Jennings. Ive done nothing since then, ive finished a couple tracks but just left them on the hardrive, i play around with 16 bar loops and dont seem to enter the arrangment stage becuase i dont feel im good enough. Another great book that touches on this is The chimp paradox- Steven Peters

[@Andrew-rz7qt]

We're on a journey but we have to keep moving forward to get too where we are going. Make your next tune simple just a beat, bass and a melody. Just 3 minutes long render it , put it out and move on.

[@ITST-CHO]

teacher, doctor, legend. Absolute legend B!

[@Resign1991]

since being diagnosed with ADHD and medicated, my prodeuction and drive to make and finished music has nearly tripled

[@KarimZelenka]

Amazing inspiration to keep it all moving, we can only show the world where we are now! Thank you!

[@DennisWilliamsDJ]

Love this video, love the happy go lucky tone, love the useful information; thank you!

[@logamaguiar4970]

That was fantastic. Thank you... I'm usually just goin from vid to vid, but for some reason I stepped and listened. It spoke to my specific issues so clearly ..wow .. Thanks again

[@tourmalineghosts]

"All we can do as artists is show the world where we're at, right now." -Bthelick Move over (maybe) Da Vinci, we've got a new sage of wisdom spitting facts. What a motto to end on, I'm definitely keeping that one in the big brain. Thank you for all the different ways you make us sit down and look at this process of art.

[@RolledInARaw]

Amazing to hear to solidify what im trying to implement ! Thank you so much.

[@trox6512]

bookmarked this video, im gonna come back to at whenever I'm stuck, thanks much needed!!

[@vishie10]

You are amazing. Thank you fro sharing your thoughts and these concepts with the world.

[@andrewrossy]

Oh my. This is just so inspiring! Would love to see this cut down to 60 second short that I can watch to shut down that lizzard brain prior to every session!

[@Mtaalas]

I did this song for a contest in 2015, worked on it months and the last leg of recording violins, last touches on the structure and mixing was one of the most intense weeks I've ever done, I was sure we had a great track... Then when I was about to submit it, I started to panic. Thinking it wasn't good enough, mixing wasn't up to par all that... I almost didn't submit it... We won the competition by the largest margin in the history of the event. So yeah... that cleared away my fear of releasing... I also recommend taking part in Game Jams (Annual Global Game Jam for example), there you have 48 hours to make and release game, they're always short on musicians and sound designers. Thus you need to work on your ability to make the minimum viable product for the specific game you're making with the others, then use the allowed time to make it better, but you have to release within the time frame. That'll teach you to be faster, teach you better working methods, to not get caught into weeds of knob tweaking and instead focus on the track itself etc. Highly recommended.

[@MattShelley138]

Another classic video B - another call to creative action!!

[@wusulu-yc7sl]

It seems like many of the creative people are also into psychology and philosophy , I like that. So big book recommendation: The Status Game!

[@Trikshaw]

Fantastic video as always! Would love to see a video or livestream of you breaking down that “plotting” process a bit deeper, seems like a really useful technique!

[@Bthelick]

Noted! 👊

[@Ace_of_DiscaL]

I like you. A very invigorating, factful, and honest gentleman! SUBSCRIBED

[@djse]

Closing your laptop during turbulance is actually a really good idea, not because it will interfere with the plane, but more because turbulance can sometime cause a little "drop" (don't know the technical word in English) of the plane that will make everything going up. That's why they ask you to fasten your seat bealt, and that's why closing your laptop (and even better, putting it back in its bag) is safer, for you and your laptop. You don't want that coffee cup from the seat behind you droping on your beautiful keyboard :)

[@Andrew-rz7qt]

Turbulence is the word you're looking for. Great name for a track.

[@sburton84]

@@Andrew-rz7qt And the name of a classic DnB track by Moving Fusion.

[@Andrew-rz7qt]

@@sburton84 can you tell me who made the song Hold On?

[@carldubcats3385]

ha ha, I thought this was an advert for the 1st 5 mins and then I thought this is a bit long. Great video. Wise words. Focus focus hocus pocus.

[@ThePhantomJack]

No.1 music philosophy teacher.

[@arthurpedro7480]

Thank you so much, aways on point!!

[@scottpatrick801]

Ultimately, no matter what, Don't Give Up on what is in your heart. We, by nature, have eternity in our hearts, so nothing in this world will satisfy, but it is possible to find some fulfillment in getting outside yourself. Creators are in essence always putting themselves "out there". We all have different motives for creating, but when it comes from the soul, it can be the most liberating, life enhancing key to finding purpose within passion, especially when centered around helping others grow and learn.

[@Thassodar]

Always dropping some knowledge. What you said at the end of this video resonated with me like your video about "Why Does Your Music Sound Amateur". Specifically on this video: You can only show people where you're at now.

[@Bthelick]

Thanks. Yes that part came from someone on that very video saying they were still improving 🙏👊

[@BrosifMcJoseph]

best music channel hands down

[@RockBoBsteRMusic]

I hit that button sometimes like 5 times a day so I can hear what it's really going to sound like on other speakers. I don't know why it would be so hard to click for you.

[@Maxmachtmusik]

Well explained, thanks 🙌

[@JezreelCutestory]

that was super helpful and encouraging. thank you.

[@Shibuiaa]

damn. what a great video! almost every example applies to me. thanks for the tips on how to deal with it!! : ) regards from switzerland

[@Planeta_Majmuna]

@Bthelick I would suggest to check the book “Thinking, fast and slow” by Daniel Kahneman.

[@MIKENOIX]

Thanks as always Mr.

[@puvendranpillay8802]

Amidala was the main reason why anakin skywalker became Darth Vader. Could you show us how to do a "plot" session?

[@thanos_k]

Love the video man as always great content! One question, when we are done with a track and we hear it over and we know that there's sth that can be improved, like you are not satisfied enough, do you think we should spend more and more time trying to improve it or just export it and move on to the next project? Thanks :)

[@Bthelick]

Depends how complete your vision is for what that something needs to be. If it's "improving" because it's bothering you but you don't know the solution and you're just guessing trying other things, then I recommend setting yourself a deadline. When I'm in that situation I move on to another track, spend a week away from it on other music so I forget, and then give it one more fresh ears session, whatever comes of it that session is it.

[@pixelrancher]

"I am not a doctor. But I play one on KZbin".

[@GamedevFred]

Thank you for this vid! 🙌

[@Andrew-rz7qt]

I have a cure for writer's block. Take a few days or a week off and go do something else, put music out of your mind. After a good length of time away from music you will get this sudden urge as your mind fills with ideas. Then you're ready to get back to work. Writer's block is lack of ideas and no directions.

[@CPowerslave]

Great advice! Thank You 😊

[@SvintMvrcus]

I like these vids because this is my biggest issue my lizard brain is way too loud and and has said all those things to discourage me. I finally got myself to shut it up and finish a track last night but I had a couple questions: Do artists really release remakes of their songs because they weren’t happy with the first one? You briefly mentioned that in one of your longer Q&A videos. Also should people who want to dj their music produce with that structure in mind or do they just gave the master and chop and arrange it for that purpose ?

[@Bthelick]

Yes people (re) release new attempts all the time. be it remasters , mixes or new edits and arrangements. You should absolutely produce with structure in mind if the main intended destination of your track is a dj set. Even for pop tracks which are intended for Spotify I will try to name a separate dj version that isn't just drums on either side, but less vocals, (probably only 1 verse in the break) and different drops structure. I also think differently about the instrumental version and tik-tok edits as the way people use music is completely different depending on the platform

[@SvintMvrcus]

@@Bthelick first of all thank you for this info man 🙏🏼 do you also release your dj versions or would you keep that in a hard drive specifically for your sets? I don’t even know where to start with TikTok edits there’s so much to it now it’s almost overwhelming.

[@SvintMvrcus]

@@Bthelick also would you recommend dj versions being mono? I usually make stuff for casual listening and I always try to make it as wide as possible but I don’t think that would translate well in a mono system.

[@Bthelick]

@@SvintMvrcus I don't DJ ,l but I do write for DJs. Yes all my edits go out. the extended mixes release on beatport usually. I don't leave anything on the hard drive it all goes out (because it's impossible to predict who will like what). The 2min quick instrumental edit always goes out first both speed and legal reasons, Then I have a giant list of tracks that need Spotify/radio edits, extended and instrumentals.

[@Bthelick]

@@SvintMvrcus regarding mono I wouldn't advise to release it as mono no. I still release as stereo but they are designed to work in mono. You don't have to guess just have a mono button ready to go at all times so you can check often. If it sounds like a completely different mix in mono then don't release that version for club / extended. Only headphone and HiFi users benefit from proper stereo, everyone else on phones, TV, sound bars etc is practically listening in mono so I think it's important the track works in mono not just for clubs

[@rosslansberg6323]

Thanks for the lovely video

[@fpirecords7028]

Please,what is the name of the track in the background?

[@Bthelick]

There are 4 tracks I've put links in the description. (Not sure those are the same edits but those are versions of them)

[@mendeleev_9H2PDsgXu7NmphCUEH]

I really liked your streams! Will you stream ever again?

[@Bthelick]

Yes I stream every month, on the last Sunday of the month at 6pm gmt. All the streams are uploaded in the live section.

[@Mikeoliver1]

More Monday Motivation. Thanks. ❤

[@datapusher-]

THE no1 rule of finishing tracks (not exactly mentioned here in that last tip): Stop falling in love with your loop, or that ONE sound. Dont make it precious!!! Stop replaying the loop, and just keep pushing forward.

[@GamedevFred]

Do you have any videos on the process of making plots like you mentioned in the video?

[@Bthelick]

Not specifically yet. My stutter house ingredients videos go over the sounds from the session shown in this video. It's not something that's simple to teach in an easy how-to video, as many base elements have to be in place like ear training for both pitch and sound design. I could do one as a more advanced video for those further in showing how I use it for workflow purposes maybe?

[@GamedevFred]

@@Bthelick that would be great.It's certainly very good practice. I've learned a lot from trying to recreate some sounds in Left to Right, as you're suggesting.

[@rectify2003]

Hi there - Are you able to post the backing track please or point me to where I can get it please? I am using FL Studio Thanks Subscribed

[@Bthelick]

I've put links in the description 👊

[@rectify2003]

@@BthelickThanks

[@matthewdemetree6743]

also when you said option paralysis I have been facing the same issue as a beginner because I have way too many sample packs and I get overwhelm. do you have any advice on this ? I feel like having too many samples can be bad. do you recommend the plug in you have to search for samples ? or ,maybe just limited myself to use one pack

[@Bthelick]

Yeah try limiting yourself to a single pack. or set a 2 minute timer picking each part, like bass, kick, etc. The sample selector I use is XO by XLN but that only helps group samples into similar types. So if you don't know what you're looking for it doesn't help much!

[@AlexSchulzofficial]

thank you for this ❤️ such a nice video!

[@Emiran_music]

love all of your content mate

[@tasenova2717]

To me, I am getting my feet in the water by working with others, having consistency on what they tell me needs fixing and do it. All I want, is consistency. I'm getting very close, and mixing it or singing on someone else's idea or their deadline of showcase is way easier to get on board with.

[@Bthelick]

Yes definitely. All my first major finished projects were for others. And it was getting paid enough times in a row from those that helps calm down the imposter syndrome too. The amygdala loves a check list! ✅

[@AudioBotnik]

My bus hits a speed bump and that's my turbulence for shutting my mix down.

[@puvididdle]

thank you, great video. if i make a song, i'll come back and comment.

[@dougel]

Thanks for this. GREAT name for a Track, Amygdala .... on a side note, because of your videos and pro-active talks i have put a track up on all platforms, ( it is not perfect, but it is finished. ) Cam

[@Bthelick]

Incredible news well done Cam. Keep it up 👊

[@tallandsman6780]

Hi, i have a question about setting levels...any tips more then listening to a reference track. - on reference for mixing:is it better to choose just one reference track or use a few? just for fun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZCwfKpjaN6Cp80 still just using referance for mixing. - refreshing my ears every 20m and doing my own thing(not matching directly).

[@Bthelick]

I use a few references usually. It gets you a better idea of the ballpark of sound as opposed to chasing specifics. As for setting levels ,just use your ears to match the ref. Do you mean total levels? Because I leave the ref and my master channel at zero. My video on "how Not to master your music" shows why I do that, and why you can't do it by meter levels.

[@tallandsman6780]

@@Bthelick appreciate your time and generosity to help us improve.

[@spencertate4671]

great advise per usual ! Thank you

[@Bthelick]

oooooo look ☝️ my first telegram bot!!! I'm officially famous!

[@birdmanchandet6984]

I am not good at languages But I use translation to watch you every video. It made me understand many things. Because in my country, most of these things no free thx u

[@rosslansberg6323]

Okay but should I cut below 62hz? Beacuse the human ear picks up everything below "0db" so 42 hz is still audible? Idk , I see your oscilloscope peeks not much lower than about 60hz , when I used to do that my tracks would be much clearer and had more space 😅I might go back .

[@Bthelick]

The spectrum you're seeing there is of my voice. No I wouldn't recommend cutting below 62hz unless you're in a genre with light kick, the key is B or above and the chords progression only moves upwards!

[@i-never-look-at-replies-lol]

the victimization of ourselves continues...

[@MF_Plissken]

nice. i add one thing. i didnt release ANYTHING anywhere. in fact i wasnt even doin anything i wanted to do so desperatly, as i was so obsessed by the idea thst everyone will copy my stuff and be successfull with it before i am. this is a tricky mean one :D. i managed to hammer that gordian knot and all the others. now in year ten not givin an eff about success or else, just doin the thing. no writers blocks , no excuses, no copying for fame no more. no fear. i never was more productive and open.

[@Bthelick]

In the 70s Atari had a problem where every time they released a game sometime would clone it. So they made their company the most desirable to work for. Offering lots of vacation, regular parties and good pay to staff. That way only the best programmers came to work for them and could work at a pace faster than the competition. They stopped spending time suing the copyright infringing companies and instead just stayed ahead by making the best games first continuously.

[@ivanbrankovic9965]

B is our voice of reason.

[@westbeats3604]

Great video! Thanks!

[@DMAO_Music]

Not sure where else to ask this, but do you have a favorite free granular plugin? And beyond that, a list of the plugins you like most, free or bought?

[@Bthelick]

I either just use vital or ableton's granulator these days. I used to love Steinberg's padshop, but not enough to buy it outside of cubase. I'm still playing around with grainbow but not sold yet. As I'm not doing many exposed textural soundscapes, like a game or chill soundtrack might call for, I only really use granular on pads tbh, and between vital & labs in not wanting for pads usually.

[@DMAO_Music]

@@Bthelick I appreciate the response. I'm looking to mess with a granular plugin for creating interesting sounds to use in my tech house tracks. Unique sounds pulled from other sounds. Just basically going wild on something and seeing what becomes of it. Lol

[@jorgecastaneda5076]

As always great video!

[@ISOwav]

Bthelick voice has better stereo correlation and higher LUFS than last skrillex album 👀

[@Bthelick]

🤣

[@lozarmusic]

Thank you as always 😮

[@DJeMo]

Great topic to cover, nice one 👊

[@GingerDrums]

The biggest compliment I can give you: you are the dan worrel of dance music production

[@Bthelick]

That is the biggest complement thankyou!

[@GingerDrums]

@@Bthelick High IQ professional speaking from experience: that's you! I make a living from music production, mixing and mastering, and I often send my artist to you to upgrade their work

[@Bthelick]

@GingerDrums Aw thanks 🙏 good to hear my experience lines up with other professionals too.

[@sikemper]

That was very helpful and I’m 25 years in.

[@koalemos1679]

Not me with an Octatrack and an Electribe 2 Sampler banging out tune after tune. Limited sound design. Limited tracks. No export button 😂

[@Bthelick]

That'll certainly help!

[@salvatorefanara482]

Hi. Can I contact you as to why I haven't finished my track??

[@Bthelick]

you're contacting me now!

[@salvatorefanara482]

@Bthelick ok thank you. I've sorted my problems out yesterday, but will be seeing your channel 👌🏼

[@JensMelhede]

1st class advice as always!

[@ItsWesSmithYo]

Good one B, I’ll get back on it tomorrow 😂

[@sebrosamusic]

LEGEND ❤🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 THANK YOU!

[@robbdj]

plase keep this things up! love the content

[@maXXer00]

Love this lad ❤

[@2bepower1]

1 track a day? holy moly... i wish xD even during my most creative and productive phases i couldnt keep that up for more than a week. at the moment its more like 1 track per week. and i hate myself for it. not only do i have problems finishing songs, i also just lack motivation in the first place. sometimes i watch streamers and they just grind like crazy everyday and that just seems impossible to me. i wish i could be more motivated but i also dont think it would help if i would force it! it just sucks that i wont be reaching my personal goals if i keep making 1 track a week, because i do want to improve.

[@Bthelick]

Well you gotta love it. When it changes from hobby to work you have to put things in place like I mention.

[@smallpeople172]

I once had a scriptwriting teacher in college, he flat out told us writers block does not exist. You must merely begin writing, literally anything, even if it’s total gibberish, and it will go away

[@atibakojo3478]

Have a question for u. I have DJ who wants me to send him my wave file directly to him. Should I do this. He's got me in his playlist and he sent this request. Any advice.

[@Bthelick]

Is the song already released? You mean they are already playing your track but as mp3? If so hand it over. In general my advice is so everything you can to facilitate the spread of your music. Wav is the uncompressed original quality, it's always preferable to have over an mp3.

[@atibakojo3478]

@@Bthelick well he currently playing it in his playlist I believe. I've seen the numbers from him so he is doing it. I'm just trying to protect my property. I want exposure but not trying to get ripped off either. Thanks for any advice

[@atibakojo3478]

Yes the song is released on sound cloud

[@Bthelick]

@atibakojo3478 well if they already have access to your track how is holding the wave file hostage a protection of your property? When I say is the song released, I don't mean uploaded, I mean is it released onto stores? or is your upload to SoundCloud its only public existence so far? Is the wav version how you intend to monetize the track? Also, are downloads enabled for your SoundCloud track?

[@atibakojo3478]

@@Bthelick SoundCloud is the main release but it being streamed on other services according to my data. I did mean hold hostage I just don't want to get ripped off for what's mine.. I am new to this so learning how the business works. Yes the down load button is on my account but I currently have the free version so not sure if that works for me. If you feel it cool to do them I will he is a DJ maybe he wants to use it in his set? And I have SoundCloud for Artists so it's monetize tru that

[@Hogboy345]

I have one very important question...what rank are you in Rocket League?

[@Bthelick]

🤣 Perma stuck in Champ1 - 2

[@Hogboy345]

@@Bthelick Same here! Still love it though

[@vminus7505]

another great video

[@DaveChips]

I swear to god... Until 4:50 mark... i thought topic will be "New project button" xD Then my brain connected the dots, that tha must be sprobably most used button in your DAW.

[@thisisdjprana]

Nice one!

[@xrabbz2010]

Yessss B uploaded 😀