How To Make EDM Music: A Quick Overview

Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of EDM music? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to start creating your own EDM masterpieces.

We’ll also explore different types of musical instruments, tools and techniques used in EDM production, from choosing sounds and writing melodies to mixing and adding the finishing touches.

So let’s get started on your journey towards becoming an EDM music producer!

Overview of EDM

EDM (Electronic Dance Music) is a genre of music that has been around since the late 1970s. It combines elements from many different genres such as hip hop, house, techno and dubstep to create an exciting and often fast-paced sound. 

Popular sub-genres of EDM include Deep House, Progressive House, Future Bass, Tropical House and more.

EDM producers use synthesizers, drum machines, sequencers and other digital audio workstations to craft their music. Music production techniques such as sampling and sound manipulation are also common in EDM production.

The sounds created by EDM producers range from upbeat and energetic to chill and ambient vibes. Whether you’re looking to make club bangers or just relaxing beats, EDM has something for everyone.

Let’s explore the tools and equipment necessary to make your own EDM bangers in the next section.

Equipment and Software Needed

If you want to make your own EDM hits, then you’ll need the right equipment and software.

A computer with a good processor and plenty of memory is essential for producing EDM music. You’ll also need a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to record and manipulate audio, as well as synthesizers and drum machines to create your own unique sounds. Finally, you’ll need a set of studio monitors or headphones to ensure that what you hear matches what you’ve created.

Let’s take a closer look at each piece of equipment you’ll need to create EDM beats.

Audio Interface

An audio interface is an essential tool for any EDM producer. It acts as the bridge between your music production software and hardware instruments.

With a quality audio interface, you’ll be able to record high-quality sounds and samples directly into your computer with ease. You can also use it to connect MIDI controllers, turntables, synthesizers, and more so that you can create the perfect track. The best part is that most audio interfaces come with onboard preamps, mixers, and other features to help you dial in the perfect sound.

Whether you’re just getting started or are an experienced producer looking for more control over your recordings, investing in a good audio interface will take your music to the next level.

Digital Audio Workstation Software (DAW)

DAWs (digital audio workstations) are the bread and butter of any EDM producer’s setup. A good DAW can help you create amazing music with ease.

With a powerful set of features, including MIDI sequencing, virtual instruments, sound manipulation tools, and recording capabilities, DAWs let you create complex arrangements that would be impossible to make without them.

Additionally, most DAWs come with built-in effects processors and drum machines to give you the flexibility to manipulate your sounds in unique ways.

There are many different types of DAWs available, but some popular choices include Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, FL Studio and Pro Tools. Each program has its own features, so it’s important to do some research before choosing the best one for your needs.

Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced producer looking for more control over their workflow, investing in a quality DAW will undoubtedly improve your music productions.

Synthesizers and Samplers

Synthesizers and samplers are fundamental tools for any EDM producer.

Synthesizers are what give music its characteristic energy, allowing producers to craft their own signature sound. With a wide range of features including oscillators, filters, envelopes, and modulation effects, synthesizers provide an immense amount of creative control when designing sounds.

Samplers allow producers to sample audio from existing recordings or sound libraries and manipulate it with the same kinds of controls available on a synthesizer. This combination of synthesis and sampling opens up a world of sonic possibilities that can be used to create incredibly rich and textured music.

Whether you’re looking for a classic analog synth or an expansive digital sampler, these two tools have become indispensable in modern EDM production.

Drum Machines and Sequencers

Drum Machines and Sequencers are also essential for EDM producers.

Drum machines provide a wide range of sounds, from classic analogue beats to cutting-edge electronic rhythms. With the help of drum machines, producers can program their own custom beats from scratch or use pre-programmed patterns to create their own unique sound.

Similarly, sequencers are great for creating intricate melodies and harmonies with ease. Producers can record multiple tracks in one pass and make quick edits to adjust timing, pitch, and more within seconds.

So whether you’re looking for realistic sounding drums or melodic sequences, these two tools are perfect for crafting energetic EDM music with precision and accuracy.

Creating a Track

Once you have all of these components in place, it’s time to begin the creative process.

With experimentation and practice, you’ll soon find yourself creating tracks that truly reflect your individual style of electronic music.

So let’s move on – it’s time to choose your sounds and begin crafting your beat.

Choosing Your Sounds

Choosing the right sounds for your EDM track can be one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of producing music.

Whether you’re using synthesizers or samples, there are a variety of choices to explore and create new sounds. With so many options available, it’s important to take time to audition and find the perfect sound for your track. Start by listening to different types of synthesizers and samples, then try different combinations until you find something that resonates with you.

Once you have some ideas in place, use your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to shape them into something unique. Take your time when choosing your sounds – it’s the foundation of any EDM track, so make sure you get it right.

Writing the Melody/Harmony

Writing the melody and harmony of your EDM track is where things get interesting.

Start by listening to some of your favorite tracks and jotting down some ideas. Take notes on what works for you and how you could incorporate it into your own track. You can also use a midi keyboard or other music software to experiment with different melodies, harmonies, and chord progressions.

Once you have something that feels right, start to refine it until all the pieces fit together perfectly. Don’t be afraid to swap out different sounds in the composition phase – sometimes a small change can make a big difference in your track.

With practice and experimentation, you can compose catchy riffs that reflect who you are as an artist.

Building the Drums

The drums are the pulse of your EDM beat.

Start by deciding what kind of vibe you’d like to create – are you going for a heavy, dance floor-ready beat, or something more chilled and laid-back? Once you’ve decided, it’s time to start experimenting with different sounds.

You can use a drum machine or software such as Ableton Live to construct your beat. Try layering different sounds and samples together, or just keep it simple with a four-to-the-floor kick pattern, snare and hi-hat combination. Play around until you find something that works for your track – and don’t be afraid to get creative.

With practice and experimentation, you’ll soon have the perfect beat that will make your EDM track truly stand out.

Arranging the Track

Once you’ve got the drums sorted, it’s time to start arranging your EDM track.

The arrangement is what gives your track direction and flow; it’s how you build up the intensity and create those epic drops. To get started, try breaking down the song into sections – verse, chorus, drop etc. Play around with different combinations and progressions. You could also layer different sounds throughout the track such as rises, transitions and stutters to add movement and drama.

Experiment with tempo changes and dynamics too; a slight increase or decrease in speed or volume can really help bring out certain elements of your track.

Take the time to develop an arrangement that keeps listeners engaged until the very end.

Finishing Touches & Mixing Techniques

Now that you have the structure of your EDM track set, it’s time to add those finishing touches. Start by adding in any additional instruments or samples that will help bring the track to life and give it a unique sound.

You can also experiment with effects such as EQ and compression to create interesting textures and dynamics.

EQ, or equalization, allows you to adjust the levels of certain frequency bands to create a balanced soundscape. Compression helps to reduce the dynamic range of your track and can help bring out subtle details in your mix. Both techniques can be automated with a bit of practice, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

With just a few clicks, you can make sure that your track is sounding its best in any listening environment. Just remember – always listen to your mix on multiple devices before you release it into the wild.

Once you’ve got your mix just right, it’s time to get your track out there for the world to hear!

Creating an EDM track can be a challenging yet rewarding process. With careful attention to structure, instrumentation and mixing techniques, you can create music that stands out from the crowd and sounds professional.

Now it’s time to get your track heard!