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How do Streaming Platforms Pay Artists - Is It Fair?

February 20, 2023

Streaming is now the driving force of the music industry, making up 84% of the industry revenue in the U.S. While streaming is much more convenient for listeners, many artists argue that it is near im

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Why Jay-Z Was Named The #1 Rapper Of All Time

February 23, 2023

Who is the greatest rapper of all time? Is it even possible to crown just one person? Well, Billboard and Vibe did exactly that. And, according to them, that person is Jay-Z. In honor of Hip-Hop’s

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Behind Kaytranada’s Unique Sound

February 18, 2023

Kaytranada (Louis Celestin) is a Haitian-Canadian record producer and DJ. He is a highly acclaimed electronic artist, having earned two Grammys and countless other awards for his work. Kaytranada has

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The Creative Act: Rick Rubin’s Knowledge Turned Into A Book

February 17, 2023

What happens when a famous music producer takes an interest in self-help books? The Creative Act is your answer. But who is Rick Rubin? Without a doubt, Rubin has an impressive track record in the

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Behind the Music: The Audio Engineer

February 14, 2023

The music industry is a place full of musicians, producers, and creators who have the magical ability to make those perfect sounds we hear everyday through our digital devices. We want to listen close

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Koji Kondo: Nintendo’s Melody Maestro

February 14, 2023

What do popular video games franchises Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, and Star Fox all have in common? They were all produced and published by Nintendo, and the iconic music themes that you hear in...

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Taylor Swift on Industry Sexism and Music Rights

February 8, 2023

Being a successful woman in the music industry is no easy feat. Not only do they deal with the typical trials and tribulations of being a musician, but there are also gender-specific challenges.

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What’s the Ideal Length for a Single— Are Songs Getting Shorter?

February 8, 2023

“Is it just me, or are songs getting shorter these days?” This is a question I have often pondered, especially in the last few years. It appears that in the era of social media, attention spans are

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SG Lewis: Who Is He - and What’s Next For This Rising Star?

February 6, 2023

SG Lewis (Samuel George Lewis) is a rising star in the dance/electronic music realm. He is a DJ/producer turned singer-songwriter, and is known for his disco-inspired, transcendent sound. He routinely

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Lessons to Learn From the Launch Of Sam Smith’s “Unholy”

February 4, 2023

Sam Smith just released their new album “Gloria” on the 27th of January. As described by Pitchfork, “Gloria flips between hyperpop, country, dancehall, disco, 2-step, and intimate, Kehlani-esque R&B”.

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Are Virtual Idols the Future of Music?

February 5, 2023

Virtual reality and the metaverse have become popular topics in the music industry where more and more technology and music have been combined, creating something that could revolutionize the entire

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Grammy Awards Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical: The Category Songwriters Deserve

February 5, 2023

The 65th annual GRAMMY Awards are here, and there's a long-awaited addition to the awards. This year marks the introduction of a new category: the Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical Award. For all

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The Best Beginner-Friendly DAWs for Music Production

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Getting into music production can be an exciting journey, especially for beginners. With so many digital audio workstations (DAWs) available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Fortunately, there are several options that are user-friendly, packed with features, and supported by plenty of tutorials. Here’s a rundown of some of the best DAWs that cater to beginners while still offering the depth needed for more advanced production.

1. GarageBand (Mac Only)

  • Overview: GarageBand is a fantastic starting point for Mac users. It’s free and comes pre-installed on many Macs.
  • User-Friendly Features: Intuitive interface, built-in virtual instruments, and easy-to-use loops.
  • Tutorials: Apple’s official site offers a variety of tutorials, and you’ll find countless YouTube videos dedicated to specific features.

2. Ableton Live Lite

  • Overview: Ableton Live Lite is a stripped-down version of the professional software Ableton Live. It’s often included with MIDI controllers and is great for live performance and production.
  • User-Friendly Features: Session view for non-linear composition, intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, and a variety of built-in sounds.
  • Tutorials: Ableton’s website offers free courses, and many users create video tutorials to help beginners get started.

3. FL Studio (Fruity Edition)

  • Overview: FL Studio is known for its powerful loop-based approach to music production and is popular in electronic music genres.
  • User-Friendly Features: Step sequencer, piano roll, and a large library of samples and loops.
  • Tutorials: Image-Line offers a comprehensive user manual and many video tutorials, making it easy to learn.

4. Reaper

  • Overview: Reaper is a highly customizable DAW with a powerful feature set, all at a very affordable price.
  • User-Friendly Features: A flexible interface, lightweight footprint, and support for a wide range of plugins.
  • Tutorials: The Reaper community has produced many high-quality tutorials, and the official website offers extensive documentation.

5. Logic Pro X (Mac Only)

  • Overview: Once you’re comfortable with GarageBand, upgrading to Logic Pro X can be a natural next step. It’s feature-rich but retains some of GarageBand’s user-friendly aspects.
  • User-Friendly Features: Advanced production tools, a vast library of sounds, and an intuitive interface.
  • Tutorials: Apple provides a series of tutorials, and many users have created detailed walkthroughs available online.

6. Soundtrap

  • Overview: Soundtrap is an online DAW that is accessible from any device with internet access, making it super convenient.
  • User-Friendly Features: Collaboration features, simple interface, and built-in loops and effects.
  • Tutorials: The Soundtrap website includes tutorials and resources for beginners.

Tips for Getting Started

  • Explore Free Trials: Most DAWs offer free trials. Take advantage of these to find which interface you like best.
  • Engage with Communities: Join forums and social media groups dedicated to music production. These communities can provide support and resources.
  • Practice Regularly: Consistency is key in learning any new skill. Set aside time each week to experiment and create music.

Conclusion

Choosing the right DAW is crucial for your music production journey. With the options above, you’ll find that each has its own strengths and user-friendly features, making them ideal for beginners. Don’t forget to leverage online tutorials and communities to enhance your learning experience. Happy producing!