The real work is in your head
How we think as artists is far more important than the tools we use or the specific settings we choose. Whether in music production or any creative field, emulating the mindset and thought processes of successful artists is what makes us more adaptable, creative, and capable in any situation. Learning a single technique might be helpful in a specific case, but knowing how to think will help you navigate limitless situations with confidence.
When it comes to music production, the options are endless. This open-ended freedom is both a blessing and a trap. A seasoned producer has developed a small set of go-to tools and techniques that provide a foundation, allowing them to experiment beyond those tools when they want to add new textures or excitement. But a less experienced producer might struggle with these endless options, trying to figure out which one will help them express their personal style—and that’s often because they’re still learning how to think independently.
Avoiding the Trap of Emulation
In the beginning, most of us learn by mimicking our favorite artists. This can be a valuable phase, but it has a common pitfall: it often leads to the habit of chasing someone else’s style rather than discovering our own. If you’re constantly seeking new techniques or tools in hopes of building a unique sound, you may end up feeling stuck, hopping from one style to another, never fully landing on your own voice.
Emulation has its place in learning, but those who truly master their craft develop the confidence to think independently. Many successful artists started out making music long before they had access to today’s tools and techniques, yet they created songs that stood the test of time. Their sound didn’t come from plugins or presets; it came from how they thought about music.
Shifting Focus from Gear to Thought Process
If you can let go of the urge to obsess over other artists’ specific tools and techniques, and instead start thinking about why their music resonates with you, you’ll have a clearer path to developing your own style. How does a particular element in their song create an emotional impact? Why does a certain arrangement or sound choice feel powerful? The more you focus on the why behind these decisions, the better equipped you’ll be to achieve a similar effect with the tools you already have.
The truth is, many iconic sounds were born out of limitations, not endless options. Artists didn’t have the luxury of a million plugins, so they got creative with the few tools they had. This approach often leads to a distinctive sound because it’s based on deep exploration of those few instruments and a willingness to think outside the box with them. By doing this, they were able to problem-solve creatively and develop their own sonic palette.
The Confidence to Problem-Solve Independently
Great artists eventually stop looking over their shoulders at what everyone else is doing. They gain confidence by solving problems in unique ways, which gradually builds a toolbox of skills that is distinctly their own. The more you allow yourself to solve production challenges on your own, the more your solutions will define your style, not someone else’s.
So, rather than trying to reverse-engineer every sound you love, ask yourself: What about this sound moves me, and how can I recreate that feeling with my own tools? This shift in perspective allows you to innovate rather than replicate, creating a foundation on which you can build a style that is entirely yours.
The Art of Using Influence Without Losing Identity
It’s important to recognize that borrowing ideas is natural in any art form. However, if ten artists with distinct styles use the same sample, each would still sound unmistakably like themselves. Why? Because the sample doesn’t define their sound; it complements a style they’ve already developed. Once you embrace that it’s you—your decisions and your mindset—that shapes your unique sound, you’ll realize the gear is secondary.
By focusing less on the specific tools and more on how you think, you’re paving the way to finding your voice as a producer. Remember, the real magic is in your mindset—everything else is just a means to bring it to life.
Happy music making,
Jason Timothy
If you are benefiting from these posts, you will absolutely love my 2 bestselling books:
The Mental Game of Music Production
The Process for Electronic Music Producers
To level up your Ableton Production Skills: Ableton Courses & Instruments
Take the Free Music Production Mastery Assessment Test. Discover your current strengths, weaknesses with your music making journey. You will get a personalized response directly from me as well as your next best steps to help you reach your goals faster. https://musicsoftwaretraining.com/evaluation
Happy music making!
Jason