STAGES OF MUSIC & AUDIO PRODUCTION

I. CONCEPTION

Summary: The conception stage of a musical journey involves the birth of an idea through spontaneous creativity and experimentation with various instruments or styles. This phase is marked by fluidity and speed, concluding when an idea is deemed worthy of further investment in time and resources.

The conception stage sparks the musical journey into existence. It's the birth of an idea, inspired by spontaneous creativity, and born from experimenting with diverse instruments or styles. This stage is characterized by its fluidity and speed; it often concludes as soon as an idea holds enough merit to warrant investing more time and resources.

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II. DEMO

Summary: The demo stage is crucial and often lengthy, involving experimentation with various sounds and equipment. Many projects may be abandoned during this phase, but those that continue can establish a strong foundation track, marking the successful completion of this stage.

Next comes the demo stage, often the longest part of the process. Here, the structure and sound of the track are explored and experimented with, using various amps, synths, and sounds. It's during this stage that many projects are shelved, making it a critical make-or-break point. However, those that persevere are rewarded with a solid foundation track, marking the successful conclusion of this stage.

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III. SESSION PREPARATION

Summary: Session preparation involves exporting the foundation track from a demo project to a new one, adjusting recording settings for optimal quality at 48kHz and 24bit, creating and assigning busses, and preparing the instruments to be used.

Session preparation is a meticulous process involving several sub-checklists. At this stage, the foundation track is exported from the demo project and imported into a new one, complete with key signatures, tempo settings, and beat mapping. Recording settings are adjusted to ensure optimal quality, with stereo recordings set at a 48kHz sample rate and 24bit. Busses are created and assigned, and instruments to be used are prepared.

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IV. SESSION

Summary: The session stage focuses on performance and dynamics, requiring nine to seventeen takes per instrument for a diverse final mix. This enjoyable phase allows musicians to fully engage with their craft, with a full-length EP typically taking about 2.5 months to perfect.

The session stage is where performance and dynamics take center stage. Each performed instrument must have between nine to seventeen takes per alternate take, ensuring a diversity of options for the final mix. This stage is often the most enjoyable, allowing the musicians to immerse themselves in their craft. While individual tracks' durations may vary, a full-length EP typically takes about 2.5 months to perfect.

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V. MIXING

Summary: The mixing stage aims to achieve balance and edit the track by resetting the board, adjusting faders, and creating a stereo mix, which is then converted into a Dolby Atmos 7.2 surround format in a new project alternative.

The mixing stage focuses on achieving balance and editing the track. After resetting the board and adjusting the faders, a stereo mix is created and then converted into a Dolby Atmos 7.2 surround in a new project alternative.

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VI. MASTERING

Summary: During the mastering stage, the track's volume is adjusted to prevent distortion and achieve the desired loudness, while also designing the cover concept. The final result is loaded into a new Logic Audio project file using a mastering template with Izotope’s Ozone Mastering, emphasizing the importance of taking breaks to rest the ears.

During the mastering stage, the track's volume is adjusted to prevent distortion and achieve the right loudness. This stage also includes designing the cover concept. The final result is then loaded into a new Logic Audio project file, using a mastering template with Izotope’s Ozone Mastering. The process should not be rushed and requires regular breaks to rest the ears.

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VII. DISTRIBUTION

Summary: Distribution involves uploading music to a platform like Distrokid and setting a release date about six weeks in advance, ensuring all metadata and accreditation are completed for a smooth release.

Distribution involves uploading the music to a platform, such as Distrokid, and setting a release date approximately six weeks out. All metadata and accreditation should be completed at this stage, ensuring a smooth release.

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VIII. RELEASE

Summary: After the release, marketing projects begin, as the production process is finalized and complete.

After release, marketing projects commence. By this point, the production process is finalized and complete.

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