Why you can't finish more songs (and what you can do to change this)

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MY GEAR:
DAW (Music making software): Logic Pro and Ableton Live
Studio monitors (speakers): Yamaha HS8's
Headphones: Audeze LCD X (open back)
Camera: Canon 80d
Computer: Mac Studio with M2 Ultra chip and 2 TB hardrive
Midi controller (keyboard): Komplete Kontrol 61
Interface: Scarlett Clarett 2 pre
Desk: a cheap one from ikea
Chair: also a cheap one from ikea
My favorite plugins that I use the most:
XFER Serum
Sylenth 1
Nexus 3
Kontakt
RC 20
Valhalla Shimmer
Valhalla Vintage Verb
Shaperbox 3
XFER OTT
Fab Filter Saturn 2
Fab Filter Pro C 2
Arturia Pigments
Baby Audio Comeback Kid
Output Thermal and Portal
LABS Soft Piano
Hardware that I use behind the scenes but not in videos:
Elektron Octatrack (my fav)
Elektron Digitakt
Korg Minilogue XD

[@Baywood]

Your EDM bootcamp changed my life.. I have over 400K streams on the song I made during it. Reference tracking is my favorite tip from you. Made music fun again!

[@jonc8561]

bot

[@zerosoma33]

But did you write it? If you didn’t, you can’t take credit.

[@crimsoninterceptor]

I'm a 42 year old man coming from a very musical family, and were introduced to music and instruments at a early age and was told I had a great talent for music. I've been so frustrated my entire life for not having "patience" and tenacity to continue practicing and become good at it, despite encouragement and praise for being talented, my brain just got utterly bored after a certain point. In resent years I learned my struggles comes from undiagnosed ADHD, and learning about that was like finding the content of my user manual I've been lacking my entire life. I recently stumbled on to your channel and you really inspired me to learn music production, and that just hit the tone for me. I just cant get enough of it, and despite being "old" I think I've found a new path in my life I definitely want to pursue. I really love your uplifting tone, your ability to motivate and explaining things in a clear and understandable way. Not sure if you've taken courses for it, but you have great pedagogical skills, inspiring me for a deep dive into the field. So thanks for all your excellent work and content! Not sure if you're ever going to read this, but if you do, do you have a tip for a starter course learning music production in a systematic manner? I've seen you offer your bootcamp, but doubt I'm eligible for that with my limited experience.

[@NiniRockX]

I read it and your story reminded me on my own life. When you are interested to learn Logic Pro X Charles Cleyn on you tube is a good one too and he sell his course. I have the course too. ( sorry for my English )

[@rhythmace1]

Hey, I'm 45 and getting back into all this after a long hiatus - and we are not old (even if my body feels it, haha)! I do wish I'd persevered more when I was younger, but never mind, the key is to gain pleasure and fulfilment from creativity, and there's no age limit on that :-)

[@duende3530]

What did you do about the ADHD? Do you take medication?

[@jolandapaebes-fm6dx]

This is the only Producer that keeps us going...no matter what❤❤❤

[@sovka8394]

I haven’t finished one single song during my 7 years of music production…Can you imagine how frustrating it is?:(

[@camilocarranza5896]

I'm on the same boat man, fuck me

[@benjaminmanuella1519]

I can relate to this..

[@fabriziojee4716]

Me too but in 20 years 😂

[@jlega18]

Weed my friends

[@Ghost_on_the_beach]

6 years and only around 10 songs without mastering...

[@cheskoxd]

And yep, that's me with +50 projects with no resolution

[@florynn2490]

Same😢

[@charlesmaclelland891]

Yeah I'm looking at like 100😢

[@florynn2490]

@@charlesmaclelland891 😭😭😭

[@aaronkozak7144]

Me too.

[@mikemedusa]

Rookie numbers

[@Mononoken]

You are a wonderful teacher. If I hear one more lesson that I’ve already been trying to teach myself, I might just have to pay for your class.

[@zachary_attackery]

#3 helped me out a lot. I'll take a song that sounds similar to something I want to make and basically do a cover of the song and try to get it as close as possible to the original, then I start changing melodies and instruments and the structure to turn it into my own song

[@mayureshrawal]

I have stopped producing, lost my spark due to responsibilities but i always want to make music till my last breath. Watching your videos gives me spark each time. And i hope one day going 20% each day I would reach a 100%. Lot's of love to you Mr. Alex you are the best music producer teachers out there.

[@KadinWhitney]

I love writing music, and you are definitely one of the main people who I have been inspired from!🙂

[@SwedishLatino]

Man, I needed this so much.. Thank you so much Alex

[@tristanjoao3464]

Hey man, youre really good at what you do. Engaging voice, very good stuff!❤

[@SoraFilms]

I really needed this

[@phantomphoenix5136]

You're always incredible with your information... I was just having this problem yesterday and this video opened up my eyes a bit 😊

[@pete9688]

O M G! I’m so glad I ran into this topic. I thought I was the only one that experiences this! Thanks bro.

[@eplayer009]

Wow thanks for the extra advice man. I'll be sure to put in everything you said in the video. Everything you told in the video is really helpful and some of them I've heard before but listening to you speaking about it just helped me see the truth more.

[@noctiva]

Dude, you are a total god-send. I needed to up my game, and up you popped in my feed. I needed to hear this.🙏‍🙏‍🙏‍

[@roflstomplolmao]

I really like this style of video - more of this!!

[@neargrog685]

Nice tips. Have subscribed. I was actually doing a few of these tips already but it’s good to see them all laid out into a solution for finishing tracks. I definitely fall victim to the death cycle

[@iamtuku1169]

You deserve more viewers and likes for this golden nugget! Thank you so much for sharing this! I appreciate you and your talent! I Liiiiiiiiive!!!!!

[@abbah43]

true advice....thanks alex🎉

[@thesedandyyeets]

Thank Alex, I went on KZbin tonight as I was stuck on a song for days now, and the funny thing is your video showed up, perfect timing. I'll try your tricks and let you know how it went. Love your channel btw!

[@MikluOffiziell]

helps a lot to get reminded! thx mate

[@valentino2195]

thanks so much for this video, I NEEDED IT

[@brassardmusic]

my guy, just out here dropping a video that solves every single one of my production issues at the moment. much thanks sir

[@TommyGrayDrums]

Real talk. Thank you.

[@johncitizen8828]

Man you’re a great teacher. Thanks!

[@spiritvoys]

Thank you sou much for your edvice its hepend to me many times !❤🙌🙌

[@austinlooney5667]

thank you for this

[@paulshelkov7956]

It's been a loooong time since ive finished one, but today I am getting back into this one yet again even though I have no idea where to go with it next. One thing thats helping me stay motivated to do that is realizing how much more fun and epic doing the later parts will actually be than starting over. That feeling when you make your first bassline is cool, but notice how its even more cool when you find the perfect beat that goes with it, and even better when you put the melody on top........ and even better when it all builds and then even better when it drops. The same should go for all the later stages too. Stopping now means missing out on all those next-level moments that only happen when everything comes together -- when theres a new breakdown or second drop that adds upon the meaning of the first drop... and then hearing it all shine as you clean it up and hear it at its best when you mix. Is all that really going to be less fun than starting over and repeating the same old setup in a slightly different way? Also one of the main things that turns me away from continuing is that the track feels like old news. Ive moved on and gone through changes so i feel stuck in the past tied to this old vibe. And youre right for thinking that -- youre supposed to express something new. You want to change it up? Put in the next part of the song. Unexpected changes are exciting. Thats why music is played over time. Youre going through changes on a daily basis and so are all the listeners... thats why itll resonate and feel right when you do that.

[@dakidfromknowhere765]

Alex that jam tip made sense

[@iamthefirsttosecond]

This is all great advice

[@djsplice1]

Hello Alex...nice video.. everything you said make perfect sense to me..I have so many unfinish tracks in my computer..and even when I re-visit them I still have no idea where to go next... I struggle with a lot of stuff..sound selection.. layering sounds..ect.. but using a Reference track it's a great idea...

[@jeremiahlyleseditor437]

Great Video. Great Tips. I use a reference track even if it's only me humming into the phone or whistling. Might be terrible but I can remain focused about the direction and completion of the song.

[@roadtownboy6679]

I'm gona try it

[@morganravy]

good shit i needed to hear this 😭

[@neantony1987]

Good video! Thank you

[@mvrkaba5133]

yo. this is only my second video and you're already my favorite producer lol.

[@MusicMan-er9sv]

Thank to reason #1 I have been more productive in the last 30minutes before teaching my Uni lecture then I have been in the last week of mostly holiday, thank you so much, you are a treasure.

[@taylorguwin4659]

ilove the video bro i got beat block but so many great LOOPS!

[@ivokrushkov2674]

thank you

[@ricomadden470]

Brother your absolutely correct this is me all day long I’ll get an idea and start laying down ideas may finish a song may not then the daunting task of trying to mix which I suck at.

[@joriksson]

Really great tips, thank you! I think the Reason #3 is most significant - at least for me. I had a dozens of unfinished projects, and in the best case I may have use them as a reference to myself or use some elements/riffs/melodies in a new projects. But most important thing is that my last two successfully developing projects (currently on pre-production stage - before vocal and guitars recording) are both referenced to existing songs. One of them was actually written as almost the exact copy with slightly changed chords progression - and then it evolved into the new song. So using a reference might be the core for the new project - and even not to mention that having a reference itself is very helpful during mixing and mastering. P.S.: great thing is that most of your advises (I mean not only this video but on your channel in a whole) are very universal - I'm telling you as a producer of electronic/industrial *metal* songs and cinematic ambient intros to them - quite far away from EDM genre, but most of your tips still works for me :)

[@Baywood]

LETS GOOOOO watching now!

[@sethymorningstar]

Thank you... just, THANK YOU. I was loosing my mind because I don't use "Reference tracks". I thought it was more like if I was taking other's music for my own and it doesn't sound much original. But your conseil is going to change my point of view about this, because I have many demo songs to use as reference tracks now. So, Thank you so much.

[@shaneofgames3825]

:) thanks, Alex.

[@tidywats257]

This is excellent advice. I just got my PC and DAW a month ago and i'm almost done with my first track. Whether it will be played at the next EDC is anyone's guess ;p But that is the sort of confidence I have when following these kinda tips. Might just need to spend some Christmas bonus money on Bootcamp to ensure it. Much love from South Africa.

[@frankyoualot]

This is superb, thank you! I don't fine myself limited by rules though - if something sounds awful, it's not good and vice versa, that's my only rule really. Easy to get bogged down by rules but I rely on a necessary freedom that makes me finish mine. Hope that helps.

[@rommynine]

True bro! It’s most important thing. Like, when someone song inspired you just follow you favorite artist to make you own! Simple. Boom!

[@hejnickhej]

2:02 I had dreams about being active selling beats. That never came into fulfilment yet. I feel exactly what you're talking about. Coz you been through it all yourself most probably. Creating music is stimulation, but to me, these days it's meditation. I just try do create something BEATIFUL, something that I am PLEASED with. I love your tips, tricks and the motivational content. You're a good teacher.

[@KISHORRAWATofficial]

Very interesting 👍

[@Soulbalmers]

Don’t focus too much on the end goal!! That is so true. Focusing on the outcome kills the creativity.

[@danieljohn4014]

didnt he literally tell us to focus on the end goal

[@isinduravin]

Good topic

[@jawvees2585]

perspective changer bro

[@rhythmace1]

Whenever I give up on a formerly-promising new track because I find it too hard to finish, I congratulate myself on my dedication to practice 😆 Point taken, though: genuine practice may be less bounded and take you further beyond your usual comfort zone than when you're trying to achieve a particular aim. As long as you keep in mind that it's important to experiment and do things you perhaps haven't tried before.

[@XeniusChannel]

I'm just so exhausted after 13 months of hard work in the studio. I want to make a EDM album but have no goddamn clue if that is what I actually want to do.

[@wbkbeats8724]

Someone asked me how I got good... I got better with Logic Pro X and was inspired because of Alex Rome! I told my friend I had to give you a shoutout! I would not be here without your tutorials! I would love to collaborate with you! much love

[@bmx13andit52]

What you’re describing regarding your formula of creation and completion; Silent Planet is a prime example! They’ll leave you guessing the whole album but what they write is unmistakably THEM ❤

[@GaborKmetyko]

Reference tracking is a great tool indeed. Just imagine, when Mozart wanted to do a symphony, he knew exactly what pieces he needed to put one together. "Only" had to come up with some good melodies and then he followed the structure and voilá, a new piece was done. We can do the same following a track that is popular or fits our taste.

[@alexveramusic46]

Awesome video man🙌🏻is your course EDM focused or a more general approach to music production?

[@tinkot]

Over the years I finished a couple and I didn't even release them. I'm too shy to release them,big task

[@discothequeplus]

I learned by myself: If I can't finish the song is because the song isn't good enough. So I start another one. I like to start with random inspiration. I stopped being perfectionist. If you listen carefully to old songs and hits like Beatles, you can 'understand' they found the perfection not doing perfect songs, Today we keep fighting for the best sound, but why? Some songs sounds "powerful", but souless. Too perfect, too mastered. And ephemeral.

[@JamesTheobaldMusic]

peacefully. lol. interesting word! hah. love it.

[@diox323]

In the past year or so after starting 10+ songs and not finishing any, i almost lost motivation to even produce music anymore. I remember it got to the point where i would open Ableton, do nothing, close it and repeat that like 3-4 times a day.

[@dianat.6426]

what helps me out of being stuck 9 of 10 times is doing a simple or boring task like finding a bassline - often this takes it through struggle to finish

[@samjrmusic]

great video, where can I find your songs, do you release them under Alex Rome?

[@houmangf]

Something that doesn't work for me is starting a song from the middle, like making chorus or drop...firstly! This may look so easy at the first moment, and I'm sure more than 90% of ppl do like this , but this is also the reason why they stock in that loop! I personally start from the beginning of song and this really works for me , so give it a try!

[@aeonATL]

why have I just now found you 😭

[@Hey_me]

That's me with a computer full of projects deleted and still stacking

[@xGorefieldx]

I struggle with using a reference track. It's like I don't want to. I want the track to be entirely my creation. But at the same time the tracks that I have actually released, did use a reference. It's an interesting struggle lol

[@UncleVGaming]

I've never made any dope beats until I saw your channel❤️ you're honestly the best teacher in music production, sending love all the way from South Africa🙏keep it up, you're changing lives

[@user-jv1pg1tz6v]

I get that Finland is nice and all, but why the obsession with finish songs

[@JoeyGodsey]

Felt like you were talking to me personally for the first few minutes, but then I had to remind myself we don't know each other in real life. 😂

[@guzvier]

❤

[@judahmashup]

what stopped me is that i dont have a team. i do everything by myself to the point its tiring.

[@Us_Sad]

Why this video has so small amount likes? its a very simple but also all words is true

[@jonathanf3rrari688]

this is true....

[@skrabio]

Yuppp. Zero clue what I’m trying to make. I bounce between what feels like 20 genres only to land nowhere and realize there’s little room to sound uniquely me.

[@n2mbacon]

Where is Alex's music published? I need jams

[@thomasdavis177]

love your videos. Forgive me but I don't know your artist name. I would like to listen to your tracks.

[@staysmuth]

that #1 point though. Everytime I open a DAW it's to create a song, I've never opened a DAW and said "let's practice 10 different drum genres in 30 minutes" hell yeah man.

[@beatsbychurchil3485]

Dead cycle is horrifying

[@kahyui2486]

6:12 do u usually pick all your sounds and vsts before u start or u pick as u go?

[@nishandeb2054]

Can anyone tell me which emotion(s) can describe spaghetti western music? I m trying to create a western music

[@misusedchair]

dunno why youtube brought me here but this is probably gonna be useful later

[@halivudestevez2]

"Why you can't finish more songs " - I rather end up listening music, or like now, learning about making music.

[@christophermartin3618]

How do I find your bootcamp?

[@ShilohKeeling]

I get about 80% finished and it’s when it comes to lyrics and vocals that I end up “quitting” cuz I plan on coming back but I can’t…I can’t seem to..but I know I can.

[@dannypeeters130]

Thats what i miss a lot: having a structure.

[@Nipuuuuuuuu]

Hlo sir

[@Biajuuu]

It's been 4 years since I learn FL Studio, have 10+ unfinished song, just because I'm too lazy to record and proccess my vocal lol.

[@lukasnyman8296]

The only way to start finishing songs is to start finish songs. It will get hard Sometimes but do it anyway. It will sound bad sometimes, do it anyway. There is not shortcut, as an artist you will need to be able to develope ideas into full songs. That is the job as an artist. The more songs you finish the better you’ll become at finishing songs.

[@deadbydeezy3438]

I get the reference but what if you are trying to almost blend 3 sub genres and create something new?

[@AlexRome]

That's a good move, however, the more ideas that go into a single song, the tougher it is going to be to develop one solid idea for the arrangement. I'd pick one of the sub genres as the core idea for the song, then, take a couple ideas from the other two and add them to the song. Last thing you want is to end up with a song that sounds like three different songs. I find this to be a common outcome with less experienced producers.

[@deadbydeezy3438]

@@AlexRome Yea that's basically what I'm working on. I can get one of the elements from the beat and some of the lyrical content. The other style from other lyrics, adlibs, modulation, and effects. Then the other style is peppered in between samples and vibe.

[@cheskoxd]

First ❤🎉

[@DSWL_]

finishing songs is easy. finishing actually decent tracks is tricky af.

[@ApexArtistX]

Music finishing machine 😂

[@MonTadas]

Well, this video intro does not really touch me. While I do create some new projects occasionally, I mostly do my best to work on those that have a possibility to turn out good. But I can't really come up with continuations or melodies to finish them

[@ItsMeLynx10]

Nah ini can't finish my song cuz my laptop will explode before i finish my song

[@pawansambyal4921]

🙏Love INDIA 🙏 Can we Gel 🙏 No option atleast fr me !! Language may differ but who cares...Music has no Language Barrier !! But we r hitting an icon anyways....just let me experiment!!

[@BitcoinBitz]

Jump Genre's too like ones you would never listen to usually

[@margvelasquez6960]

Mmmmm😃