The 10 Best Music Production Videos For Expanding Your Creativity
- marshallsoundz
- Sep 14, 2016
- 4 min read
When I listen to my favourite music I’m often left wondering ‘how’d they do it?’
How do you get that special access to see behind all those closed studio doors? You can’t just go around knocking…
Fortunately for you there’s some excellent videos series out there to answer all your questions. They give you an insider’s look into the processes of some amazing artists.
You get to learn everything from creative sampling, to gear setups, to studio workflows, to DAW tricks.
But there’s tons of channels out there and some do it better than others… So here’s the 10 best and most educational music production series to get you started.
1. Tim & Barry – Beat This
Beat This is a superb ‘beat challenge’ series where producers get just 10 minutes to finish an entire beat.
The time-crunch style of this series creates some pretty entertaining results… It’ll also make you say “I could do better than that” (hence the name Beat This). The only way to find out is to try it!
Plus, seeing producers sample something real quick to build a beat is super educational if you’re using samples in your own tracks.
Check the entire series here.
Our Favourite Episode:
Four Tet flips a Michael Jackson record in no-time-flat.
2. Mass Appeal – Rhythm Roulette
Rhythm Roulette is simple to explain but hard to pull off. A producer is blindfolded in a record store. They pick 3 records at random. Then they have to sample the 3 records to build a beat.
The best skill Rhythm Roulette teaches you is how creative limitations can create some amazing results. Sampling from only 3 records is a serious challenge.
But sometimes when you’re stuck, limiting yourself is the only thing that helps. It’s also super valuable to see how producers pick their samples.
Sampling well takes time and a well trained ear. Rhythm Roulette is excellent proof.
Watch them all here.
Our Favourite Episode:
The 45 King “samples” a few records. Did he actually sample them? You be the judge…
3. Yours Truly – Songs From Scratch
Songs From Scratch is the production challenge series that pairs producers, vocalists, rappers and musicians together to create a song.
The entire creation process is documented start to finish. The participants also share their insights on how they approach collaboration and production.
Songs From Scratch shows the collaborative side of music and outlines some really good strategies for working with other creators.
Watch them all here.
Our Favourite Episode:
Kehlani and Mr Carmack collab’ on a heartfelt jam that’s smooth as molasses.
4. LANDR – Creators
The LANDR Creators series shows you the workflows, ideas and processes behind today’s modern artist. Nothing makes you wanna hit the studio like seeing someone else doing work.
We know, this one is a bit biased. But it doesn’t mean it’s any less inspiring!
Watch. Hit the studio. Create. Repeat! Stay tuned for more creators creating soon.
Our Favourite Episode:
5. Fact Magazine – Against the Clock
Against the Clock is another time-crunch style beat challenge. Producers get 10 minutes to craft a beat.
This series gives you a nice picture of professional gear setups and the workflows they use to create their sound. It also gives you an exercise you can do in the studio any time you want…
Take 10 minutes and build a beat!
Watch them all here.
Our Favourite Episode:
Heatsick builds a wicked beat on a busted thrift store Casio. Orange octagon drum pads and all…
6. Resident Advisor – RA Sessions
RA Sessions is a series that documents the often difficult task of turning album tracks into a live performance.
Playing live can be especially tough for the electronic musicians featured in the RA Sessions.
Their setups often include multiple machines, complicated rigs and sometimes even a live band thrown in for extra hi-jinx.
Watch all of them here.
Our Favourite Episode:
Watch as the infinitely talented Machinedrum turns a live band and his hardware set-up into a breathtaking sonic ballet.
7. Fact Magazine – How To Make A… Track
Fact Magazine: So nice I included them twice. Their How to Make A Track series is one of the most interesting and informative looks into the processes of specific artists.
Each episode goes through the entire workflow of an artist. They show you exactly how they make their tracks in a really transparent way.
For example How to Make a Jaisu Track is super informative if you’re using an MPC style MIDI controller.
Watch every episode here.
Our Favourite Episode:
Legowelt makes a total banger with a bizarro sci-fi vocal sample, FM synthesis and some crafty Ableton magic.
8. Music Track JP
Music Track JP is more than meets the eye. On the surface Katsunori Ujiie’s videos might seem like simple gear reviews…
But a closer look reveals much more. His playful attitude, charming delivery and professional on-the-fly composition skills all combine to give you some seriously useful tips on how to get the most out of your gear.
Watch all his videos here.
Our Favourite Episode:
Katsunori takes the Prophet-5 for a spin and builds a majorly funky jam along the way…
9. Future Music – Studio Tours
Future Music’s Studio Tours give you an all-access look at the studio set-ups of a whole heap of pro producers.
Sometimes learning something new about production is as simple as seeing someone else’s setup. This web-series is definitely proof.
Watch them all here.
Our Favourite Episode:
Sharooz gives us a tour of his studio and collection including a whole grip of classic synths and drum machines. There’s even a little Acid Jam thrown in as well.
10. Red Bull Music Academy Lectures
RBMA’s Lecture series is un-matched as far as getting insight into your favourite artists.
The discussions go WAY further than just production as well. Everything from career arcs, early influences, strange inspirations, and thoughts on creativity get discussed in these in-depth and intimate conversations.
Watch them all here.
Our Favourite Episode:
Terre Thaemlitz discusses music’s ability to include questions of gender, politics and space while also outlining her expansive, accomplished and important work as a producer, DJ and public speaker.
Nothing Without Knowledge
Given the amount of music production education out there these days there’s really no excuse for not growing your musical horizons.
These video series are mega valuable for not only seeing how the pros do it but also questioning your own process to get better all the time.
So watch ’em, read between the lines and make your own process better.
And be sure to let us know what your favourite or most useful web series are! We’re always interested in learning something new!
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