Does your music sound AMATEURISH? Pro Composers tell you why. 

I want to chime in on what the Spitfire guy said about using live players. Using live players doesn't always improve the track if you don't choose the right player. Case in point: I was working as a music producer in Germany at a local studio in Dusseldorf. We found this young artist from England whom we wanted to produce. It was just him and his acoustic guitar, and he would sing his original songs in front of you...and you'd be gone. Fantastic songs and talent. Anyway, we record him and decide to overdub his guitar playing with a pro session player as this young guy's playing was not perfect: hesitant, timid, and not all strings strummed at the same time. We thought we could improve on that. So we hired this famous german session guitarist that, apparently, had been playing session guitar on almost every hit on the radio. His techie came up a day earlier with a van to set up. In the van, over 100 guitars, some of them costing tens of thousands, many, many old famous amps, microphones (U78s, etc) and also his own matrix switching system so that he could dial a different sound from the control room. When he set-up his amps, he's measured the distance of the mic to the amp with a measuring tape. You get the picture yet?... So he starts playing. The songs were not difficult technically speaking, so he played them faultlessly, even when double-tracked or triple-tracked, it was perfect, utilising the perfect guitars, amps and microphones. Perfect. Yet, after he left (and got paid solidly), his tracks - we realised - were totally inadequate and soul-less, and un-usable. Why?...TOO perfect! Cut the story short, we went back and re-recorded our young artist, with his hesitant, shy, vulnerable playing style. It was magic. That's what the song needed: this vulnerability and innocence and "analog" imperfection, so much so that I even kept the creaking sound of the bar stool in his booth just before he started playing! Food analogy: it was like the crust of a fresh French baguette... Choose the right human player, because any player - just a player who's human - might not actually improve the song, that's my point.

Even with basic gear, you can create a helluva sonic landscape. Limitations breed creativity.

I think learning to copy is awesome. For me, that's how I got good at everything from bass to drum programming. I'd say, "how'd they get it like that?" And go deep into the rabbit holes until I could recreate it. Then you can put it together with other stuff. This is all such great advice and feels fantastic to hear

As someone coming to this from the opposite end, a total hobbyist, having fun learning, these insights are great. Help me understand why different parts of what I record sound like different shades of dog snot.

Music is felt, not heard. Good players will always create a feeling that's unique and special. Great talk, appreciate it.

I still remember buying an album of a popular artist the day it came out (back in '98) and got a surprise ticket to a back lot concert the next day (behind the store). This was an artist who had sold millions of albums previously. Anyway, he didn't have his band with him so he played his own guitar, but then the song had a piano part and he literally slung the guitar behind his back with a short pause in the music and started playing piano. The song on the album was professionally recorded and mixed, but here he was playing two different instruments, like, "hold on, let me switch." it was great.

Thank you for pointing out that gradual growth gets you there. As a hobbyist, wearing all the hats can be daunting and you have to give yourself some grace in the process. There's a lot to learn about singing, songwriting, playing various instruments, arranging, tracking, mixing & mastering. Labels hire a seasoned professional to handle each of these tasks. Weekend warriors like myself will keep moving up that in-the-box production hill slowly but surely. 👍

Right on, Jon. I gave this video two "Amens" and and "Atta boy!" out loud while watching.

Jon, your videos are not only extremely informative but SO well made and a pure joy to watch! That’s why I always prefer your vids over others. Thank you so much for your efforts! Best, Andy

I appreciate the camera angles you chose, your videos are always composed so well. And thank you for all of the tips!

I think a lot of the comments were probably based on one’s own insecurities and obstacles they’ve overcome (including mine). We are hyper aware of our weaknesses as artists and it’s easy to spot those in others. What I like about this video is your ability to discuss the journey of the artist and how being “amateur” at something is actually a strength because it creates space for learning moments. Continually showing up and working hard at whatever one feels needs attention in their craft is perhaps one of the most important aspects of being creative today.

Thanks for spending the time to help us all out.

For me definitily playing mistakes are the worst. Bad tone quality is one thing, but the first things my friends always noticed when I started making music were timing issues or other mistakes. The most important thing I learnt was not to be lazy, practice my stuff, do as many takes as needed and edit every thing that is bothering me.

Another great topic and video Jon. You’ve got that “fireside chat”, homespun chat thing pretty much nailed. Your sincerity and down-to-earth experience approach is a breath of fresh air

Your chill vibe but wealth of knowledge is rare. THANK YOU.

I myself am a home studio nobody, my biggest issue is everything will sound great in the DAW but the mix always sounds vastly different on different mediums. Car stereo the mix sounds awful, one pair of headphones sounds amazing, a different brand headphones the mix sounds awful. It’s always blown my mind that a professional recording somehow sounds great on all mediums but my home recordings mixes can sound so vastly different from on to the other. I never know which source to trust, so I don’t trust any of them and just assume my mixes are garbage.

A good mix starts with a good arrangement.

This is the best defense of a question, and a great distillation of philosophies. “Tension” is a great word.

Another great video Jon. I’m currently tackling the whole EQ Muddy v Thin mixes. It’s reassuring for me to know I’m doing some things right. The more I write the slightly easier it gets.

Tremendous information, Jon! Thank you for wrangling all those comments into some powerful and productive content.

this was really informative, thank you. for my fellow hobbyists: don't try to cram all those cool new musical concepts you learned about and all those sick ideas you had in a single track. Keeping things clear and focused is really important. At least thats what I've learned from my experience. Oh, also make "breathing pauses" in your melodies even whe making instrumental music (you don't always have to, but it's generally better this way).

i only play unprepared live improvs daily on live stream - this not just a great creative outlet but also tremendously helped to fight perfectionism - most thing wont be perfect in this situation but we just have to keep going & build on that. great video, great insights / tips

As an amateur composer this was so interesting to watch. Tying to achieve a balanced sound is one of the things I find most difficult and your pyramid trick just made so much sense when you mentioned it- will definitely keep it in mind moving forward! Thank you for sharing your insights ❤

great advice, and a thoughtful and beautifully shot video!! 👏🏻

WAIT WAS THAT ME IN THIS VIDEO?! This was an amazing video, Jon! You put a lot of good time and thought into this topic, and I'm super glad you put this out. have a good one!

Your vibe, production quality, and content is inspiring and superb. Quickest subscribe I’ve ever hit. Keep it coming.

Excellent video! I learned more in the video than a dozen others. Thanks for putting this video out.

The pyramid of mixing is such a great visual analogy! Great video and advice!

The editing and presentation of this video is perfect, well done.

I'm glad the algorithm has blessed me with your channel today. I already feel it's going to be a tremendous source of information ❤

All the new camera angles! It's been a real joy watching your channel get more "pro." The lessons you describe here for music apply in this world too... and you keep getting better and better. Great work, my friend.

That was food for creative application. Thank you, thank you, and thank you.

This is one of the most usefull video’s ive ever watched thank you

I would add the slight caveat that sometimes composers mock up pieces with string or drum plugins and don’t spend a ton of time making them sound realistic because the person they play it for knows it’s meant to be re-recorded with real instruments. So I’d separate demos / mock-ups from music that’s presented as final

The upside-down pyramid way of looking at a mix is super handy and eye opening. I've watched a lot of videos about how to mix, and this is the first time I've seen something like that. Thank you!

First time watcher on your channel. I love your perspective on this. The good general walk-through of the topic with real tips and suggestions sprinkled in along the way, that anyone can put to use right away makes for a really inspiring and useful video. I especially found your suggestions on the topics of production and mixing really good and easy to put to use. (This might be because I'm currently trying to improve my understanding of mixing for the N'th time :) I will definitely be checking out some more of your content.

This video was my introduction to your content and your channel. Good stuff, I subscribed!

First time watcher. That was amazing. Definitely subscribed for more.

Incredibly helpful video. I love the production of your video, and just everything. So wonderful, thank you!!!

There's gold in this video for all musicians and producers

My gosh! This was SUCH a beneficial to watch/hear. As someone just starting as a media composer, I found so many valuable nuggets. You have a new subscriber here👍

Rarely do I comment on videos, but this was a fantastically informative little discussion. Gained a new subscriber, good work

There are literally no people born with these skills. Even if you have composition talent, technique is technique and it takes years to develop.

Thank you for sharing your years of experience with us.

Wow pretty much everything about this video is fire. High high quality thank you so much!!

This video is amazing! Thanks so much for making it.

Thanks for the insight 🙏🏾

I just discovered your channel due to your Hearth and Hollow reviews. Great teaching on this one. I'll be working my way through your past takes. Thank you!

Awesome video. Some good points.

Very good straight ahead talk demystifying things , greatly encouraging for those who could use practical advice - thanks for sharing!

thank you so much ... your style of talking and teaching is fab, i learnt so much thank you again!

Super helpful video! Venus' reply and your discussion of it its super helpful.

this is pretty solid advice for every level of making music

Excellent vid, really practical info, thanks Jon 🎉

Sick video man. Thanks:)

Didnt think this video would be so good... but it was :) Thnx for a great run-though on this topic 👍

I like how this is more about the overall production before the mix. Whatever you know that will help me learn to produce listener friendly music, that's what I want to know.

Good solid advice. Just stopped by your website. Impressive. Some really great work done here. I love your family choir really useful and a great backstory. Love the drums, and I play. Nice to meet you Jon. Best of luck..

I will leave the detail topics to others as I am learning... I will say your set and editing is very good, your use of warm lighting vs. blue LEDs strips, is like watching honey baked video 🍯

I had horrible mixes at my home studio when i first started. Didn't have the internet like we do today so i interned at a music studio that had an analog room and a digital room. I learned in the analog room and you could literally get a different mix each pass. But learning the long form mixing helped my digital mixes tremendously! Many of the tips here I learned the hard way.. nobody was feeling my music. Then my issue was too much polish and my mixes weren't gritty enough lol.

The tweet was fine. As an amateur I am extremely interested in what can make me improve. Pinpointing to something concrete to improve is INVALUABLE to everyone that would like to further improve their skills and abilities. If you can't take criticism, you won't ever improve. It took me years to learn this, but now at 52 I am much better at separating my ego from my music and responses to it. I often disagree with feedback, but never sad or offended. I in part learnt this by being in studios with producers and engineers who didn't put up with any crap. To paraphrase what one of them said to me: "I don't care how you feel, we need to finish this song. And you need to play the part or we'll find someone who can." We finished the song and I eventually learn my lesson; It's all about the song, and the performance. Not about YOU. I missed the tweet as it happened myself, but I am not surprised it got the responses it did. Musicians and writers often have fragile egos and often struggle to separate their feeling from what they have crafted. I think it's some part of creativity and the fact that songs and performances live side by side in out head with our feelings. Most professionals know how to take feedback and criticism, and many non-professionals don't. I see this all the time, and I am a victim to it myself. Even now, there are time I have to swallow my pride, count to ten and get my shit together. It's all good. Having ones feeling hurt doesn't last. It I'll pass in a minute.

Yup. Just learnt lots of stuff 👍

! ! ! Woah this video was *phenomenal* … it answered the questions I was still trying to figured out what were! Thank you so much.

RU-vid heard me playing your cd that I bought off you in 2011 on Magnolia street, in Ft. Worth. Nice to see you again, Jon.

Yes it does. Thanks for asking.

If the question had been “What things do you think make a track sound more professional?” then I think there may have been less controversy in the answers. There was lots of great advice to up your game but might have come across critical labelling people as “amateur” (which tends to be used in a derogatory context).

There is this record called “talking Book” by Stevie Wonder. I love listening to that album because he uses so many instruments that might clash but somehow it works in the mix, for a lot of different reasons, but it’s just a marvel to study the mix on that record.

I love the tone of this video so much.

Oh, and I love hiring live musicians! You should check out the Pretty Lights documentary. I think you'd be all about it.

love the message boss

I like the upside down triangle concept. Thank for that, and thanks for caring.

Very good suggestions that I wish I had learned early on. Managing the mid range is the toughest and took me quite awhile to learn because it seems everything lives there. Filtering out the frequencies that exist but are not necessary and listening in context instead of spending loads of time on each individual instrument helped me more than anything. Wish I would have had this to learn from back in the day! Enjoyed the video sir!

I like the tempo of delivery of this video. 😁👍🏻🎹

Really great thoughts. Nice video. Thanks.

i needed this, thank you so much

First video I've found of yours. Love it man! Looking forward to watching more of your videos. Nice scene changes.

Nice, balanced view of things. Refreshingly so.

First time watching one of your videos! Great job. Looks and sounds great and the information is super valuable.

Killer as always, Jon!

Super valuable advice! So much of what you have said I now understand I have been doing intuitively and this could be tremendously helpful to new music artists looking to learn how to get better

This was so good, I subscribed

I’m on the middle, wanted to say you are a good narrator😊

Hey man I am so glad something positive and informative came from that thread (I was following that thread real close for advice. Reckon Twitter is quick to dogpile on Christian right now but I'll keep it to Twitter. Would absolutely love to see a video on voice-leading into transitions. Thank you!

Amen, brother! One of my best sounding mixes was one where I ran the Main Out through Stereo Reverb. Every performer in one space. For that recording, it sounded great. Thanks

Great stuff, thanks!

Hello! This video was challenging, compelling and inspiring! I especially loved the principle of "putting in the work" that you shared at the beginning of this video, as aspiring composers need to learn constantly to perfect their craft. I put myself in that category and appreciate the concise, stream-lined and to-the-point approach to you've taken to help us fast-track our success. Thanks so much!!!

Really insightful video, good advice, thank you for sharing. Something I see quite often in published scores and arrangements these days is a lack of phrasing, articulation, dynamics, expressions and use of some of the techniques that can be specific to certain instruments. These can instantly transform a piece of music by adding in feeling, punctuation, etc. and provide better direction to performers to interpret the music.

Even though this form didn't exist back then, I could totally see you in this position doing the things you do back in the days of Hart Hall. Great content, man!

If you can make one idea last 3mins in a 3-act structure, you are on your way to making a living writing production music. Adding just one live player will elevate that music.

Very helpful, thank you!

An excellent video; what an underrated channel. You deserve more subs. On the last point you made, I would only reference the quote from The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which says, "We accept the love we think we deserve." It goes the same for money. The reason so many of us work for free, especially at the beginning, is that we let our artistic doubts and perfectionism enter our business side of the practice. It is absolutely crucial to strive for better and better work, never being completely satisfied with yourself, but that should be left aside once we turn into a salesman who needs to sell the product. These are two completely different modes of thinking that should normally be embodied by two different people. Many of us can't afford to have a personal agent, so we need to do both roles. Which is a bitch.

Again, thanks for your comments. I am learning a lot. When all else fails, less is more.

Hey man, as a professional musician, at an intermediate level, I didn't understand all the terms u used, but I certainly knew what the jist of it was. You have a great way of explaining things which really resonates to me, therefore I subscribed and will get caught up in your other videos. i don't often comment or subscribe, but your content is worth it. Thanks for being so clear and unbiased about music, just the way the best people in the music biz have always come across to me. Nice pickin'.

Thank You Very Much! 🙂🙏

Ear fatigue can be the enemy as well, what sounded great yesterday might not sound great tomorrow. Monitors, workspace, choice of Daw weapons, etc. are all contributing factors.

Summaries Muddy Mixes: This is a common issue where there's a build-up in the low mid frequencies (200Hz to 500Hz). This is often due to the choice of instruments and how they're mixed together. The speaker suggests thinking of mixes as an upside-down pyramid, with the low frequencies at the bottom and the high frequencies at the top. Lack of Dynamics: Many new composers fail to effectively use dynamics in their music. This can be especially problematic when trying to recreate an orchestral performance or other complex soundscapes. Understanding how to manipulate the dynamics of an instrument can greatly improve the quality of a composition. Unfinished Music: The speaker recommends always trying to make a track sound as polished as possible before sending it off. This includes spending time on mixing and mastering the track to the best of your ability. Misunderstanding the Genre: It's important to thoroughly understand the genre you're working in. This includes researching the best music in that genre, learning about the recording techniques used, and understanding the mindset of the creators in that genre. Lack of Originality: Many new composers struggle to find their own unique sound and instead end up sounding like other artists. The speaker suggests learning from multiple artists and combining what you like from each to create something uniquely yours. Looping Sections: Overusing loops can make a track sound repetitive and uninteresting. It's important to make your music change and develop over time, even if it's an underscore track. Hiring Live Musicians: The speaker discusses the benefits of hiring live musicians to add to the quality of the music. While it's possible to create professional-sounding music using only digital tools, live musicians can add a level of authenticity and depth to a track. Reverb: The use of reverb was also discussed. The speaker suggests using the same reverb on all instruments to create a cohesive sound. By ChatGPT 4 😅

Thank you for this video and breaking down the different aspects for free like this on RU-vid. A lot of what you are saying some people keep behind pay walls.. the practical knowledge to actually help someone improve if they consciously apply it.

Excellent video.

This is a great video topic, Jon!

Great tips Jon!