Where does one start if they’d be interested in creating electronica music? I know there are a bunch of programs out there like Fruit Loops, Cubase, etc etc, with a heavy learning curve.
What about analog synths, and building one from scratch? That sounds like a very interesting place to start, though I assume you’d need some knowledge in electronics.
Thanks guys. Where would be a good place to start now? Also, how many of you know any music theory? I’ve always been curious to know if that is a requirement, or at least helpful, for electronica artists.
I’d start by learning an instrument first. (if you don’t already know one)
piano, guitar, violin, flute, bass, whatever…
It will give you a good foundation to work with.
Piano would be best to learn, I think.
You don’t need a Steinway or anything, just pick up a cheap old keyboard and start learning to play it.
Once you move to the ‘electronic’ side of things…start cheap.
Pick up a cheap or even free program (Cuckos Reaper for example) and learn how to use it.
Expand as you go.
I’d start by learning an instrument first. (if you don’t already know one)
piano, guitar, violin, flute, bass, whatever…
It will give you a good foundation to work with.
Piano would be best to learn, I think.
You don’t need a Steinway or anything, just pick up a cheap old keyboard and start learning to play it.
Once you move to the ‘electronic’ side of things…start cheap.
Pick up a cheap or even free program (Cuckos Reaper for example) and learn how to use it.
Expand as you go.
I was taught piano for about a year, but now I’m in college. I also don’t really have the time to play piano on my own…or the willpower I should say.
as long as you know how to press keys, make a melody, and keep a rhythm…
But yeah, give Reaper a try if you want to dive into the electronic side of things.
Start free, and buy equipment as you learn and grow.
Make sure you love it before you invest in it…
Well I started when I first got a Yamaha RY20 drum machine to practice my bass playing with. Turned out I spent more time on the drum machine than I did practicing bass. That was about 10 years ago.
Things really didnt start getting interesting though until I got my first copy of Acid Music a few years later.
If you are just starting off I would say start with something like Acid or Reason on the PC or Garageband if you’re on Mac.
If you prefer the hands on approach then I say start off with an all in one groovebox or electribe.
I started with OctaMED on an Amiga - i think the best place to start in hindsight now after making music for years is to get a guitar so that you can learn rythym / timing, chords and basslines. You can also create some cool drum sounds with a guitar and some flange-type sounds and harmonics so yep, after all these years of using computers i think guitars are one of the most versatile instruments - check this guy out:
I started with OctaMED on an Amiga - i think the best place to start in hindsight now after making music for years is to get a guitar so that you can learn rythym / timing, chords and basslines. You can also create some cool drum sounds with a guitar and some flange-type sounds and harmonics so yep, after all these years of using computers i think guitars are one of the most versatile instruments - check this guy out:
i began with an alesis sr16 drum machine and a guitar…..hated both, the drum machine kept sounding like phil collins and the guitar made me feel like a member of bon jovi….i’d say get a laptop, any sequencer/audio app u can get your hands. THEN STOP and have a good long ruminate about what kinda music you’d like to make first…...........
