

Nothing wrong with this approach, but it can cause you to get stuck, because… We end up avoiding what we’re NOT comfortable with This lends itself to a loop-based workflow because you follow a process that looks something like this: Many producers find it easier to program drums and basslines than write melodies and chord progressions. So, what causes us to get stuck in the loop trap? We do what we’re comfortable with You need to move beyond it, expand it, and have it evolve into a full song. What shouldn’t be acceptable is remaining stuck in the loop. To get out of the loop trap-and to avoid it in the future-we need to understand what causes us to fall into this trap.įirst, note that creating a loop is not a bad thing. A good strategy if you’ve got a great loop/idea but you’re stuck.ĭownload my free cheat sheet to help you implement the strategiesĭownload free cheat sheet Why producers fall into the loop trap Best for producers who consistently find themselves in the loop trap.Strategy #5: “Different instruments, same idea” technique.Best for producers who make loop-based genres and enjoy starting with a loop first.

Best for producers who struggle with arrangement and aren’t sure where to put certain instruments or sounds, or what each section should sound like.Best for producers who get overwhelmed at the prospect of producing a full song, and want to work slowly step-by-step but not get stuck.This is the approach I most strongly recommend Best for producers who want to focus on the underlying composition (chords, melodies), and do the heavy lifting up front.Strategy #1: Single-instrument composition.These strategies will help you either avoid the loop trap or get out of it when you find yourself stuck. There are 5 key strategies that I’ll run you through step-by-step with a video breakdown. In this guide, I’m going to share what I’ve learned. Well, over the past few weeks I’ve been experimenting with ways to avoid and get out of what I call the “loop trap.” It’s easy to produce a great sounding loop – what’s hard is taking that loop and turning it into a finished song. 4 bars… 8 bars… maybe even 16… but a loop. Everything’s sounding good.īut it’s just a loop. You’ve written a solid beat or memorable melody. It’s easy to make loops, but it’s hard to make full structured EDM songs.Ī scenario: You’ve opened your DAW.
