Week One: making & releasing 50+ songs in 1 year

Thanks for joining me in the journey of creating 50+ songs in a single year. Week One was such a different week than I expected to start the year. Would love for you to follow along in the journey - Episode 2 is coming out next week!
If you wanna follow me on Spotify you can do so right here 👉hypeddit.com/nathanjameslarse...
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
4:05 Starting Day One
11:37 Morning on January 3rd
14:44 Producing on Stand by Me
19:16 Adding Vocals
21:46 Mixing Stand by Me
26:21 Working on Hymns Project
28:34 What is "Risen"?
34:57 Continuing on Hymns Project
41:00 Wrapping up the day
42:16 Morning on January 4th
45:33 Mixing on Stand by Me
51:26 Notating Strings
55:10 Working on Our Fight
1:00:43 Finishing the day out
1:04:42 Morning of January 5th
1:06:05 Cover Art / Odds and Ends
1:09:05 Working on Our Fight (Adding Choir)
1:11:36 Finishing up
If you wanna dig deeper in learning production - you should watch my free Workshop where I cover How I Create PRO Quality Music at Home - and How You CAN TOO here: produceracceleratorcourse.com...
💥 Check out my gear through my Sweetwater Shop: imp.i114863.net/3PEb0A
My Studio Gear List:
--------------------
I personally purchase my gear from Sweetwater and have for over 12 years -- these are affiliate links, meaning you can support my channel by using Sweetwater. The reason I trust Sweetwater is because they have the BEST customer support I have ever seen, two year warranty, free shipping, and they have they best reputation in the industry. You will never see me recommend buying pro audio gear from Amazon
Check out Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/MPRz3
--------------------
G-Drive SSD External Drive (storing sample libraries): imp.i114863.net/MPRz3
Logic Pro X: (use the app store)
Antelope Audio ZenGo (not affiliate link - Sweetwater doesn't sell them): en.antelopeaudio.com/products...
Komplete Audio 6 (audio interface): imp.i114863.net/jNJbe
Presonus Eris E5 (monitors -- you'll need to buy a pair): imp.i114863.net/kyJ6z
Komplete Kontrol S88: imp.i114863.net/mLode
Komplete Kontrol M32 (my mini controller): imp.i114863.net/Yg193B
Presonus ioStation 24c (FaderPort alternatively): imp.i114863.net/mgz5Va
Presonus Atom SQ (another MIDI controller): imp.i114863.net/KeJj3y
Lauten LS-208 Mic: imp.i114863.net/MPReJ
Avantone Pro CV-12 Mic: imp.i114863.net/d25dM
JZ Mic Black Hole: (Producer Accelerator members get 50% off - not sold on Sweetwater) usashop.jzmic.com/collections...
Shure SM58: imp.i114863.net/2oVmz
Audio Technica ATH-M40X (headphones - I have 2 pairs): imp.i114863.net/BNRL1
Novation LaunchPad X (also compatible with Logic Pro X): imp.i114863.net/0gRaM
Furman for Power Strip: imp.i114863.net/QOJy3x
Sample Libraries / Plugins I HIGHLY Recommend:
_____________
Native Instruments Komplete Ultimate (this is the BEST bundle you can buy - I have the Collector's Edition): imp.i114863.net/OkyDz
SkyBox Audio's Hammers + Waves (FAVORITE PIANOS): www.skyboxaudio.com/?ref=qSSI...
BABY Audio Plugins (love ALL of them): bit.ly/babyplugins
Arcade: output.com/products/arcade
Signal: imp.i114863.net/Qa2DA
EastWest (Hollywood Orchestra): imp.i114863.net/PemxY
AutoTune Pro: imp.i114863.net/qnA4XN
Spitfire LABS (free): labs.spitfireaudio.com/

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Thank you for joining me in this wild journey - I cannot express how much I enjoyed making this video for you. If you are not subscribed - then you should do that :) Episode 2 comes out Monday 9am CST January 15!

[@sourcefor]

Love these day in the life style vids keep it up!

[@joshuadelaughter7968]

Excited for this series!

[@coreyryan9703]

I must of subscribed a while ago but sort of lost touch with the creative stream and space .. felt like some deeper work within me had to take place .. prep work ? Lol … anyways .. felt randomly drawn to click on the notification and see where your coming from - less than two minutes in and I’m stoked to bear witness with your SOURCE of passion and the intimate posture your setting your sails in ! Feel like theres an incredible shift taking place and a deeper calling for us to step-in ..beyond the hustle and bustle and anxious realm of “ life as we’ve known it “ and to really tend to the deeper cry of our heart .. and to truly express from a newfound awe and wonder ! Healing and restoration is the wavelength our nation and the world needs - doom and gloom and the shallow survival mode will fall away and be exposed as dynamic heavenly expression RISE UP ! Releasing from the kingdom that’s dwelling within ! … now we get to learn how to TUNE-IN and draw from that deeper well - a place of restful power , a place of true delight .. expression that breaks the mould and releases paradoxical reality that shines beyond any temporal limitation ! We’re already seated on the heavenly side of any perceived contradiction - may we be more expectant and available than we’ve ever been .. for such a time as this ! God bless you bro - you’ve got my attention 🙏🏼📣

[@majorwaveproductions]

Just realised, you finally upgraded your computer!

[@UncleBoobieCosmicOverlord]

Mate, next time you feel bored editing music 😴 remember me as I do a 12hr night shift in a factory making medical filters 😂 Come sit on the production line with me.. I'll show you boring 😂 Fortunately I have content like yours to keep me sane teaching me loads!!! Ace videos man!! I'm learning loads!! Very grateful for all your efforts. Thank you 🙏

[@hildebrandt111]

Your tutorial on making midi strings sound real with Native Instruments helped me write and produce an original song for me and my wife-to-be’s first dance ❤. I’m here for the journey brother

[@yacovsmilowitz474]

Low key the most inspiring music production video on KZbin! so real and relatable!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Aww man thank you so much

[@hepthd5245]

Hey Nathan, just wanted to say thanks for posting this. Its so real, no bs. I feel like the process of makig music nowadays has been sugar coated by tiktok in terms of 30 second clips that never really show the hard, boring but necessary stuff needed to make hit records. Excited to see where this series goes :)

[@GamerAJ-1025]

hey! I love the raw, authentic feel of this video. you’re showing everything about the process, which not only makes it valuable in itself but also serves as a great guide for others trying to do what you do! keep paving the way.

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Love this comment - thank you!

[@jamesbush-compozerscafe]

Great job, lifting up Ruby in prayer for her procedure. 🙏

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Thanks so much... means a lot. Tomorrow's going to be an emotional day.

[@lameerjhontv6860]

You're an amazing producer bro! Your string arrangements are just so beautiful and cinematic. What your doing is already helping me and I'm taking notes! Can't wait for week two, and for the album drop!!!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Aw man thanks so much!! Appreciate it!! String writing is my ABSOLUTE fave. Week 2 is gonna be insane... the work today is already 10x more fun than all of last week combined.

[@TheLionsDen]

Love the hymns Nathan!

[@RhyceRecords]

That bass note bounce, flip, distortion and tremelo was SO GOOD!!! Awesome work Nathan - love learning from you in this new way!

[@audioedges]

This is amazing man. Look forward to following this series. Congrats on Week One!!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Thanks dude!! Appreciate it!

[@TheSoundChronicles]

Finally, thank you for releasing your own music. Wish you all the best James ❤

[@brandtreppond2167]

Excited for this. Thanks for your effort!

[@12vpowercord]

Back at it baby! Can’t wait to follow along on this journey with you 🎉

[@chicagospots]

You're a great musician and a great teacher, Nathan! Thanks!

[@jadzz2810]

This might be my favorite series on KZbin this year! So inspirational to just keep going!

[@heartshinemusic]

Off to a good start, Nathan. Fascinating and inspiring to follow your journey throughout this year. I bet this series will become an invaluable document in the long run... Marathon pun intended :-)

[@abrahampena1681]

I love the aesthetic of your videos and I especially love your tutorials. keep up the good work!

[@skullinprod]

You're doing the right thing! Keep it up, we believe in you!

[@masonthomassax]

Love this new video format, keep it up dude!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Glad you liked it!!

[@mario_k]

I love how you put in all these little personal bits. Makes this feel like a video journal and more real. It brings us into the mind of a full-time producer. Looking forward to next week!

[@JulianFernandez]

love this!

[@Pax30001]

Awesome!

[@Mupuckl89]

I'll watch all weeks :) keep going, thank you!

[@MsMay32]

You're amazing, Nathan! Love being in your courses.

[@eldenvmusic]

This was very inspiring 🔥 Will definitely tune in every week!

[@malachibasoah8213]

INCREDIBLE! I needed this vid man!

[@Kitsune4547]

As an aspiring composer myself, this start of your creative journey was very insightful. Thank you and can’t wait to see next week. Cheers!

[@user-eo3zn7bl9n]

SO good!!!

[@michaelbrumfield4394]

I can already tell I'm gonna like this series 😀

[@from.the.basement]

This is literaly everything i always wanted.. like a studio and lofe diary :))

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

Thank You

[@ahashtaghope]

Hi Nathan, this video was so cool, and I'm super excited for all that's to come with this docu project. I'm working solo on a big project and I have to fight fears that I can't do it, and it's too big for me - you often help to give me encouragement, and ideas and tips/ techniques to help me along, so thank you, I very much appreciate it. We will remember Ruby in our prayers tomorrow xx

[@richardgharrod]

Awesome - I love content like this - really looking forward to the rest of the year!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

That is great! And I am toooo

[@dustin.mitchell.guitar]

This is beautiful, and I’m loving it. Learning a lot, too! Thank you, Nathan!

[@jeremytodd77]

Hey Nathan! I knew when I saw your last video talking about doing this every week that you were gonna knock it out of the park and here we are! End of last year I'd already decided to keep pushing forward writing, recording, and most importantly releasing music this year and you've already given me more inspiration to do it. I'm happy you are getting to finally do what you should be doing with your KZbin channel and just like PA it's going to help a lot of songwriters. I hope everything went great with your daughters surgery today my friend. 🙏

[@rashadshamsan5955]

i love your videos, you teach me a lot, thank you and keep going🌹

[@joobastudio]

What a great voice and composition. I enjoy this new journey. Thanks for sharing !

[@nateh9917]

I am so excited for this series. I've been getting into production seriously over the last year (really just a guitar player for a few years prior to this). This kind of in depth, long form content that shows all of the steps and what I'm actually getting into is incredibly valuable. Thank you!

[@musole7104]

I am excited to be part of this journey

[@hanley_music]

I don't think I could love this video any more than I do!

[@RJEnriquez]

So far so good Nathan. Loved every minute.

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

YES!

[@theleek7486]

Really real and cool! Love it

[@bonjuvi05]

I was waiting for this day! Thank you. Watching it now!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

That is so cool!! Thank you!

[@stephenpowell850]

I’m loving this content. Thankful to see more behind the scenes and for your vulnerability. See you in the PA community! I’ve been a lurking member lacking in drive to get started. Seeing this is really motivating and inspiring. Thanks NJL!

[@themultimusicman]

Thanks for sharing your journey!! Good luck with all your great projects. Greetings from Switzerland.

[@linukozukum1660]

Thanks for the inspiration 🤝

[@rizzbod]

I love this weekly series. I love this weekly series. I love this weekly series. I love this weekly series. I love this weekly series. I love this weekly series. Thank you Nathan

[@madulone]

Wow. This is definitely the most honest and personal video about music production. You’re such a great musician. Thank you for sharing your workflow and giving your valuable time to produce this video!

[@musiclore]

Great content, very nice to experience things that are less produced “shiny” videos that make things seem perfect and easy

[@adowilke]

I wish you the strength to carry out the project positively. I look forward to the videos.

[@digital360]

Dude, for those of us who are struggling or newer to the production side of songwriting, I think your content is going to be invaluable. Thank you for your willingness to share all of this!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Love that - thanks so much for watching and I hope it'll be inspiring and helpful!

[@djs4Him25]

Such an awesome video. Can’t wait to see more of these. Will be buying your Risen album and will be praying for your daughter! ✝️🙏

[@AlexDMast]

hey man, i dont speak for eveyone but im gonna set a new years resolution to follow this journey as long as i practically can every week

[@Mystic_Marval]

Thanks for sharing your journey. This is a wonderful milestone to experience and be a part of. Thank you. Looking forward to seeing the unfoldment. Keep being amazing brother!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Appreciate it! Looking forward to the growth this year

[@peterchamplin8767]

Great first weeks video. Praying your daughter’s surgery goes well.

[@Philenix]

Love your work so much, you are inspiring me a lot to make my own songs and motivate me to get better at what i am doing. Really appreciate this series and to have the privilege to see that detailed into the life of a professional producer. Keep it up and i wish you all the best for 2024 ❤️💪

[@johnhazlett3711]

The change to epic sounding I'm, "It's time to fight", is really awesome.

[@Anonymousyt082]

I am learning a lot of things through this video.. Really enjoyed this video, keep making this type of content

[@FreestyleGalaxyNMore]

Praise the Lord 🙏

[@joscayaa]

Thank you so much for this video! I am also doing this „Challenge“ this year and I am looking forward to learn so much more as I go.

[@juniorosita5135]

I love you man u pushed me in to music too. ❤🎉 And this year is my year

[@JeyFreeze]

I love this series ! 😍 thank you ! It is sooo important to show the reality of music producing 🎶 thanks Nathan James ! 💕

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Appreciate it! And I agree... I thnk this will help people see what it's really like,.

[@MombaFam]

❤❤❤love your workflow Amazing

[@jewelrosemusic]

I have 3 kids too 🥰 5 years, 3 years, 6 months old. I have been writing and performing for a long time, and this year I want to learn to produce for myself. Thank you for sharing your journey!

[@rmp3yt]

at first i make music to share to people how great music can be but this episode made me changed my view of making music, tell people who i am and help them express their thoughts through mine. Thank you Nathan. You influenced me a lot.

[@rizzbod]

I love these series, because as an artist who loves to be alone just with music and instruments, it feels better to showcase and open up ourselves

[@music_ethos]

This is awesome. I will be watching all of these. Seriously though I am trying to get better at production and am a logic user so this is very helpful!

[@chadchamplin9528]

This sounds so interesting! I'm so anxious to see and learn more about your workflow!

[@christopherjansen5135]

Love the backstories on the Doxology album. Nice to see how melodic patterns are thematically implemented throughout. That’s really clever - and emotionally connected.

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Thanks for sayin' so! I definitely like "giving things thought" on stuff like this so things are really "on purpose"

[@bradsmith7017]

Love the journey…singing…overcome with emotion…then gotta fix the timing…frustration…then gotta try to finish task at hand…so real. I can relate!

[@ChaseNDA]

with this video, I can clearly see how next level you are. how advanced musically and all the theory. wow, just wow. thank you for the video. this is truly what I need to move forward.

[@cissalaval]

this series is so important for noobies like me, I'm learning a lot just to watch you working. I'm a songwriter and a producer in progress trying to break the loop on mix tutorials thanks to you.

[@EricRennerYT]

As someone who can't put together a single track after years of trying--I'll have plenty of fun watching this every day at work haha great stuff!

[@evenmegan]

Well... Sat down watched the whole thing and now I'm inspired. So glad there will be 51 more of these

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Yay!! Thanks so much Megan!

[@epicusmusic]

For someone trying to go full-time music this year, this kind of inspired me that it is possible. Thanks so much, loved the songs and the video!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Commitment and consistency wins.

[@johnhazlett3711]

Nika has an amazing, soft buttery voice!

[@TheLionsDen]

I love this Nathan!! This series is gonna be so great!!! I'm so happy that you are pursuing being and independent artist! I'll be praying for you my friend! If I could recommend anything, it would be the NDPNDNT podcast, Nic D's book, and frdi for artists! Those three alone will give you SO much valuable info that will help you succeed! Gonna check out your music!

[@jheeg]

I love that you are doing hymns!

[@jheeg]

Also can I let you know that Jesus is a healer and we can even believe for and respect healing today! The doctors told me I wouldn't even be born, and yet I am here by the grace of God. I hope you'll believe in that same healing power for your daughter :)

[@tuseemusic6269]

congrats bro

[@nofilterpedris]

Proud to say I've been following your work since those Finale tutorials! Keep it up, Nathan. Cheers!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

That's crazy!!

[@smithmusicstudies]

Love the hymn project idea. Reminds me of Mendelssohn's use of A Might Fortress woven through his Reformation Symphony

[@NickBDesigns]

Great content- definitely will be watching this journey

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Welcome aboard!! See you next week :)

[@WhoIsJayNation]

You Can Do This! I Believe In You

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Thank you!

[@n2dgroove]

Loving this, Nathan! Prayers for your daughter's surgery!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Good to see you Ray! Thanks a bunch - tomorrow is gonna be an emotional day.

[@n2dgroove]

@NathanJamesLarsen I have been lurking around in the background...listening and following along. Been back to live gigs and writing new music. Loving the new stuff you are putting out there. Thanks for sharing your talents!

[@halfbee7886]

This series will go down as the best series on music production on KZbin this year, at least to me personally.

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

I mean that'd be sick.

[@xelmer]

what a ballsy vid, love the concept and execution! this is the right antidote to our short attention spans!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Love this - thank you

[@blakeconner313]

Bought the producer accelerator course and been slowing making my way through, back in the day I actually made a video every week for a year too! Way different material at the time, but I respect how ambitious of an undertaking you're taking on. Super stoked to follow your progress and see how the series develops and evolves, I've definitely learned a lot from your course and all your videos. Cheers!

[@ShilohKeeling]

I wanted to let you know because you said this in the beginning of the video that you aren’t sure that anyone will watch this and I can’t describe the amount of excitement I had when I got the email saying you were doing this. I hope this changes my LIFE and my path cuz I’m so tired of struggling. I lost my uncle he was a producer/ musician and his music was never heard by me or really anyone besides family passively listening and I can’t let this continue in my family and 11 year old me will thank me when I get to where I’m going. I don’t want to pass without people hearing what I’ve made. It’s unfair to start this that people would love to witness and just throw it away. So thank you for this video series I’m REALLY PUMPED!

[@PlusMusicOfficial]

This is really helpful. Sometimes I just don't know what to do. After like 3 videos, I had so many ideas. Just wanna say "Thanks :)"

[@akshayjarodia540]

This is what i need in 2024 tbh as an independent producer/singer. And your daughter is in great hands she’ll do amazing

[@Iprayagmusic]

really appreciate your had work sir ..........love from INDIA

[@ashishs227]

Love from India... You are amazing

[@coreyryan9703]

Wow - stoked to hear more of your heart and resonate ! really feeling the Lord highlighting “ the key of David” and the blessing of heart sensitivity but also the bold focus of a warrior ! This is the realm that I believe men need to witness today ! I feel like for generations in our culture .. those who are sensitive hearted have been made to believe they have to suppress their genuine heart expression and have struggled to see the honor and passion we’re wired for as men . “ sensitivity “ has been made out to be a weakness , but there’s a wholeness and terms of security that runs far deeper than surface appeal . Feel like the Lord has been raising up a massive army that’s been largely hidden , and a changing of the guard taking place ! - elevating those to hold positions based on their honor , and the value system of their heart. ⬆️🔑

[@michellemonet4358]

Awesome. Thanks... Im writing a Musical and will be recording all my songs soon. Learning orchestral cinematic parts is my newest challenge.

[@bonjuvi05]

This is the greatest idea. Like watching a customized movie to my favorite topic. Documentary of daily life of music producer. I would not mind watching this for 10 hours. Easy! Thank you so much! Amazing stuff!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

AWWW YES! Love that!! Well, by the end of the year it'll be like ... a whole long season haha

[@Amira_-_]

dude I've been watching your videos for last 2 years (maybe more) and I really enjoyed them always, but I just wanted to say that if it's fun to you to sing, sing some songs. your voice is actually pretty cool. ❤

[@bwashburn1972b7]

I think its cool your mainly doing this for your babies My granddaughter comes over and says paw paw lets make a song, and though im nowhere near the songwriter , producer or engineer, basically ground level its fun to just create. She teaches me to just have fun with it and shes only 6. Our first song was called sleepover cause she was having her first sleepover with her friend. I let her make the choices and i tried to arange it the best i could. No matter it was fun and time well spent. Thx for doing this 👍😎

[@heghog-xz4uo]

I've actually been planning to do something similar too, releasing a few tracks a month, but probably minus the documentation, because I don't believe that I have the time to edit -- even though I think progress vids like these are not only good content but also meaningful. Which is why I'm so amazed how you're able to do it, and curious as well: do you have an editor? Cuz you seem like the person who does everything, even including the tons of footages and editing them. Massive hats off Nathan, I'll be here till week 52!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

That is awesome! Go for it! I have had editors in the past, but to be honest - I miss it so for now I am doing the editing... I think eventually I will need to hand it off in some capacity, but my plan right now is to do the editing for the first three months. That way I can really figure out how to edit them and the format before handing it to someone else. I love story telling and filmmaking so it's a good 2nd creative outlet for me - heck that is why I chose to do KZbin... I love videos. Fortunately, I have a good organization method and I can edit these videos surprisingly fast.

[@lostsoulsoftheabyss1771]

looking forward to this series. im doing a song bi-weekly also !

[@a-wil8716]

Here for it!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

llessss goooo