5 New Years Resolutions for improving your productions

So as 2009 fades into memory, those of us who feel the need for tradition are looking for some resolutions to follow in the New Year!

Here are 5 suggestions for resolutions that will help improve your productions in 2010!

1. Always take time to EQ correctly

Have you ever found your mixes too muddy or too thin?   Taking a long time to go through each layer of the mix and cut out the overlapping frequencies can give each section some space in the mix.

Try concentrating on making the kicks and snares prominent, and then cut the other synths, samples and instruments around that, making sure they don't have too much harmonic content in the same frequency areas as the main percussion.

2. Try out some new synths and samples

It can be really easy to fall into a habit of using the same synths and samples all the time (just ask Benny Benassi).   Spice things up by trying out some new and exciting samples or spending some time creating a brand new synth effect - making your tracks will feel fresh and fun again!

3. Do some research into music theory


While some of you might already know the basics, a lot of producers aren't familiar with music theory - have a quick Google and see what you can find, maybe even take up piano lessons (or other instruments if you'd prefer - you can get MIDI flutes, guitars and even saxophones to record your synth parts with!) and you'll start to understand why your riffs invoke certain feelings in the listener!

4. Attempt a new genre of music

This can be a fantastic way to learn a lot of new techniques in a short space of time.   Have you not tried out Dubstep yet?   Or are you yet to try out some older genres like techno and trance?   Give them a try and you're sure to learn something as you produce!

5. Experiment with new mastering techniques on your tracks

It's such a shame that so many producers spend all that time mixing a track only to not master it properly!   Make it your resolution to try out some new techniques with mastering the final mix and see if you can polish your tracks up to that professional level!

Things like multi-band compression, harmonic exciters and brick-wall limiters are all plug-ins you might want to try!

So whatever you manage to eat less chocolate, exercise more and manage to kick the habit or not, make sure you give your production ability the attention it deserves!