Getting Started

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People often ask what studio I use. I did my training in state-of-the-art studios, but these days you don’t need all that gear. Everything I release is created right here in my bedroom studio—just like Billie Eilish.

Here are the core essentials:

1. A computer (Windows or Mac).

2. An audio interface to connect instruments or a microphone to your computer.

3. A DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), i.e. the software where you record, arrange, and produce your songs.

4. Accurate monitoring so you can hear your music clearly.

Here’s what I recommend:

• PreSonus AudioBox GO (or better) USB-C audio interface.

• Fender Studio Pro (formerly PreSonus Studio One).
  Other DAWs work, but Fender Studio Pro shines because it’s pro software that keeps you focused on making music—not overwhelmed by interface options.

• Audio-Technica headphones as they are reliable and modest.

• Optionally, a pair of speakers connected through your audio interface. I recommend JBL Professional Studio Monitors.

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For me, there are two main approaches to creating a song:

Lyrics\Vocals First

For this path I’ll start by writing the lyrics, building the chords, and shaping the vocal performance. Or sometimes, someone will send me their vocal performance, lyrics, and chords to work from.

Music First

I usually begin at the MIDI piano. If an idea\motif\riff works there, it will scale up beautifully into a full arrangement. You can use guitar too of course.

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• PreSonus AudioBox GO | USB-C Audio Interface (Amazon etc.): $75

• Headphones:

• -- Starter: Audio-Technica ATH-M20x: $60

• -- Upgrade: Audio-Technica ATH-M30x or ATH-M40x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones: $80\$110

• Studio Quality Speakers [optional]

• -- Amazon Search on: JBL Professional 2-Way Powered Studio Monitors ($100-$400).

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• For recording techniques, listen to Alice Effie, Big Z and Steve Albini videos.

• For learning\studying mixes and arrangements:

• -- George Martin (Beatles), Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) and Max Martin (Back Street Boys to Pink).

• -- Maximum mix clarity: Mike Couzzi. Mike's mixes have a lot of space and clarity (Pet Shop Boys, Nu Shooz, Gloria Estefan, Exposé...).

• For every song I make, I take notes on what worked and what didn’t. Over time, that’s become a personal, evolving blueprint for how I create—and hopefully keep improving—one song at a time.

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Fender Studio Pro

• Home

• Manual

• FB Group

• Fender Studio Pro (Studio One) Tutorials

• -- Gregor (MIDI based)

• -- Joe Gilder (Audio based)

Producer Techniques (youtube)

• Alice Efe

• Big Z
  

Other

- Mastering (emastered.com)
While Fender Studio Pro has world class mastering built in, emastered.com is Grammy winning mastering that can really save you time.

- Image Creation

- Music Theory Essentials

The Process

1. I create a few notes or tweak a few settings.

2. Listen to it back (objectively).

3. Wait...

4. Something will pop into my head. Something self evident.

5. Repeat.

The "wait" part used to be days and hours. Now its minutes to instantaneous.

I dont own this process. It will work for you too.

Trust its not "you" (your ego) creating it. Its just happening through you.