Electronic Music

Inspiration & Exploration

Electronic music is everywhere — from movie soundtracks to video games to the songs topping the charts. Start by exploring genres: listen to ambient, house, lo-fi hip-hop, and synthwave on YouTube or Spotify. Watch "How It's Made" breakdown videos where producers show how a track is built from scratch. Check out the r/WeAreTheMusicMakers subreddit for inspiration and beginner questions. Notice the layers in a track: the beat, the bassline, the melody, and the effects. You're ready for the next step when you can identify at least three distinct sounds or layers in an electronic song you love.

Tools & Techniques

Now learn the tools. Download LMMS — it's completely free and works on any computer. If you have a Mac, GarageBand is already installed and perfect for beginners. Both let you build beats, play virtual synthesizers, and arrange full tracks without spending a dime. Watch YouTube tutorials from "In The Mix" or "Produce Like A Pro" to learn the basics of your chosen software. Learn these key terms: DAW (digital audio workstation), MIDI, synthesizer, and BPM. Spend time just clicking around and making noise — that's how you learn. You're ready for the next step when you can open your DAW, create a new project, and place at least one drum beat and one melody note.

First Creations

Time to make your first track! Start with a simple 8-bar loop: lay down a kick drum pattern, add a snare or clap, then layer in a bassline using a synthesizer preset. Don't worry about it sounding perfect — the goal is finishing something. Use the built-in sounds in LMMS or GarageBand so you don't have to download anything extra. Try copying a beat you love by ear — it's the best way to learn how tracks are structured. Export your loop as an audio file so you can actually listen to it outside the software. You're ready for the next step when you've exported at least one complete 8-bar loop with a drum pattern and a melody or bassline.

Style Development

Now develop your sound. What kind of electronic music gets you excited to make? Experiment with different synth presets — try a warm pad sound, a punchy bass, and a bright lead. Learn about automation: making a filter open up over time or a volume fade in gives your track life and movement. Watch tutorials on sound design basics in your DAW. The SLC music scene has producers — check out local events at venues like The Depot or follow Utah-based producers on SoundCloud for inspiration. Try making the same loop in two different styles. You're ready for the next step when you've made two different short loops that clearly have different feels or genres.

Refine Your Craft

Now refine your production skills. Learn about mixing: balancing volume levels, panning sounds left and right, and adding EQ to make each element sit clearly. Watch free mixing tutorials on YouTube from "In The Mix." Work on song structure — most electronic tracks have an intro, build, drop, and outro. Learn how to use effects like reverb (adds space) and delay (creates echoes). Listen to your tracks on headphones AND speakers to catch problems. Start a new project and push yourself to finish a complete 2–3 minute track with a real beginning and end. You're ready for the next step when you've completed one full-length track with at least four distinct sections.

Portfolio Piece

Time to share your music with the world! Polish your best track — clean up the mix, make sure the levels aren't too loud or too quiet, and export it as a high-quality MP3 or WAV. Upload it to SoundCloud (free account) or share it in r/WeAreTheMusicMakers for feedback. If you're in SLC, look for Craft Lake City festival or local showcase nights where independent artists perform original work. Write a short post about your process: what software you used, what style you went for, and what you'd do differently. You're ready for the next step when your track is publicly posted and you've received at least one piece of genuine feedback.