How to Make Good Music: A Symphony of Chaos and Coffee Stains
Music, the universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and even time itself, is a craft that has been both revered and misunderstood since the dawn of humanity. But how does one make good music? Is it a matter of talent, or is it the result of countless hours spent in a dimly lit studio, surrounded by empty coffee cups and the faint hum of a broken synthesizer? Let us dive into the chaotic yet beautiful world of music creation, where logic is optional, and creativity reigns supreme.
1. Embrace the Chaos
Good music is not born from order. It is born from chaos. Think of your favorite song—chances are, it has a moment where it feels like everything is falling apart, only to come back together in a way that makes your soul vibrate. To make good music, you must be willing to embrace the unpredictable. Throw a drumstick at your keyboard. Record the sound of your cat walking across a piano. Use a kazoo in a serious ballad. The more you let go of control, the more your music will resonate with the raw, unfiltered energy of life.
2. Coffee is Your Co-Pilot
Behind every great musician is a questionable amount of caffeine. Coffee is not just a beverage; it is a muse. It fuels late-night jam sessions, helps you power through writer’s block, and occasionally spills on your notebook, creating abstract art that inspires your next hit. If you want to make good music, invest in a good coffee maker. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try composing a song entirely about coffee. (Pro tip: Add a saxophone solo for maximum effect.)
3. Steal Like an Artist
The great Pablo Picasso once said, “Good artists copy; great artists steal.” This applies to music as well. Listen to your favorite artists, dissect their songs, and shamelessly borrow elements that resonate with you. Did you hear a chord progression that made your heart skip a beat? Steal it. A drum fill that made you want to dance? Steal it. A lyric that made you cry? Steal it. The key is to make it your own. Add your unique twist, and suddenly, it’s no longer theft—it’s inspiration.
4. Collaborate with the Unlikely
Some of the best music comes from unexpected collaborations. Imagine a classical violinist teaming up with a heavy metal guitarist, or a jazz pianist working with a hip-hop producer. The fusion of different styles and perspectives can lead to groundbreaking results. Don’t limit yourself to working with people who share your taste in music. Collaborate with someone who challenges you, who makes you uncomfortable, who forces you to think outside the box. The result might just be your magnum opus.
5. Fail Spectacularly
Failure is not the opposite of success; it is a stepping stone. To make good music, you must be willing to fail—spectacularly. Write a song that makes no sense. Record a track that sounds like a dying robot. Perform in front of an audience that doesn’t get it. Every failure is a lesson, and every lesson brings you closer to creating something truly extraordinary. Remember, even the greatest musicians have a closet full of terrible songs they’ll never release.
6. Experiment with Unconventional Instruments
Who says you need a guitar or a piano to make music? The world is full of unconventional instruments waiting to be discovered. Have you ever tried playing a theremin? Or a didgeridoo? What about a waterphone or a musical saw? Even everyday objects can be turned into instruments. A spoon and a glass can become a percussion section. A vacuum cleaner can add an otherworldly texture to your track. The more you experiment, the more unique your sound will become.
7. Write About the Mundane
Great music doesn’t always have to be about grand themes like love, loss, or revolution. Sometimes, the most relatable songs are about the mundane. Write a song about doing laundry. Or about waiting in line at the DMV. Or about the existential crisis you had while choosing a cereal at the grocery store. The beauty of music lies in its ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
8. Break the Rules
Music theory is a great tool, but it is not a set of rules. To make good music, you must be willing to break the rules. Use dissonance where there should be harmony. Write a song in 7/8 time signature. End a track abruptly in the middle of a chorus. The more you challenge the conventions of music, the more you push the boundaries of what is possible.
9. Listen to Your Inner Child
Children have an innate ability to create without fear or judgment. They sing nonsense songs, make up their own instruments, and dance like no one is watching. To make good music, tap into your inner child. Let go of your inhibitions and create with the same joy and abandon. Who cares if it doesn’t make sense? Who cares if it’s not “perfect”? The most authentic music comes from a place of pure, unbridled creativity.
10. Never Stop Learning
The journey of making good music is never-ending. There is always something new to learn, whether it’s a new technique, a new instrument, or a new genre. Take lessons, watch tutorials, attend workshops, and collaborate with other musicians. The more you learn, the more tools you have at your disposal, and the more versatile your music will become.
11. Trust Your Ears
At the end of the day, your ears are your most valuable tool. Trust them. If something sounds good to you, it probably is. Don’t let anyone—whether it’s a producer, a critic, or your overly opinionated cousin—tell you otherwise. Music is subjective, and what resonates with one person might not resonate with another. Stay true to your vision, and let your ears guide you.
12. Celebrate the Imperfections
Perfection is overrated. Some of the most iconic songs in history are riddled with imperfections—a slightly off-key vocal, a missed note, a crack in the singer’s voice. These imperfections are what make the music human, relatable, and real. Don’t strive for perfection; strive for authenticity. Let your flaws shine through, and your music will connect with people on a deeper level.
13. Create a Ritual
Every musician has their own ritual for getting into the creative zone. For some, it’s lighting a candle. For others, it’s wearing a lucky pair of socks. Whatever it is, find a ritual that works for you and stick to it. It could be as simple as brewing a cup of tea or as elaborate as performing a full moon ceremony. The important thing is that it helps you get into the right headspace for creating music.
14. Remember: It’s All About the Vibe
At the end of the day, music is all about the vibe. It’s about how it makes you feel, how it moves you, how it transports you to another world. Don’t get too caught up in the technicalities. Focus on creating a vibe that resonates with you and your audience. Whether it’s a chill lo-fi beat or an adrenaline-pumping rock anthem, the vibe is what will make your music unforgettable.
15. Have Fun
Last but not least, have fun. Music is a form of expression, a way to connect with others, and a source of joy. Don’t take it too seriously. Play around, experiment, and enjoy the process. The more fun you have, the more your passion will shine through in your music.
Q&A
Q: Do I need expensive equipment to make good music?
A: Not at all! Some of the best music has been made with minimal equipment. Focus on creativity and passion rather than gear.
Q: How do I overcome writer’s block?
A: Try changing your environment, listening to new genres, or collaborating with others. Sometimes, stepping away for a while can also help.
Q: Is it okay to use samples in my music?
A: Absolutely! Samples can add depth and texture to your tracks. Just make sure to use them creatively and, if necessary, obtain the proper permissions.
Q: How do I know if my music is good?
A: If it resonates with you and evokes an emotional response, it’s good. Remember, music is subjective, and what matters most is how it makes you feel.
Q: Can I make music without knowing music theory?
A: Yes! While music theory can be helpful, it’s not a requirement. Many successful musicians have created incredible music by relying on their ears and intuition.