[Xtreme..]

So I have been wondering about this. What are the disadvantages of not having an "identity" sound as a producer? What if you (a producer) produce different styles of music with different sounds? Does this affect getting your name out there and getting famous?

[Artifiseer]

Well, there's nothing wrong with dabbling in different styles of music, but you should have some kind of production flourishes or stylistic tendencies that identify you as a producer. Notice how all the big-name producers are easily identified by their music, that's your goal.

[Benwaa]

Originally Posted by Artifiseer

Well, there's nothing wrong with dabbling in different styles of music, but you should have some kind of production flourishes or stylistic tendencies that identify you as a producer. Notice how all the big-name producers are easily identified by their music, that's your goal.

untrue. a lot of these "big names" sound all the fucking same.
Anyway, the point is that you could make all the different styles you feel you want to or need to. so do it! whilst you're at it though concentrate on which style you really lke to make and enjoy yourself the most with - that's the one you could be making a bit more effort with to be more professional about.
If fame is to come it comes, if it doesn't, and it doesn't for pretty much most people regardless of talent, then at least you'll be happy making what really touches and drives you.
so in terms of an identity no it isn't important so much as making the music that you love

[Benwaa]

in fact:

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[relic]

I agree with Benwaa. But I'll also add I think it's possible to have stylistic tendencies as an musician and still dabble in all kinds of genres. Like if you do lo fi and gritty well...do lo fi and gritty genres x, y and z.

I try not to worry about genres too much personally. I have things I like to do and I do them. It does make it hard later to tell people about your music. But if the tunes are good it won't matter and there are always going to be haters so you just can't be worried about that.

[HautSaus]

As a producer/musician/listener, I'm far less concerned with "styles" and "genres" than with quality and creativity of the feel and melody. I feel like people let themselves become pigeonholed in to one genre or way of thought when making music and they stop trying new things because they're scared they might sound bad. Really, at the time when the most revolutionary music came out, everybody at that time would say it would never last and it can never take over their beloved (style.) I personally try to experiment with as many different feels and textures as I can. I remember when I first started, when I was around 12 or 13, I would just be making weird sounds and disjointed drum beats. But looking back on this, it wasn't just noise, it was me figuring out how to make the software work, on top of figuring out what sounded bad and good. I'm not saying every song has to be a Frank Zappa album, but don't let your self get locked up in to songwriting habits.

[Divercity]

Originally Posted by Benwaa

in fact:

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Interesting quote. Question is...How do you get so into your productions that you are ecstatic? Even if that means producing what you want and how you feel.

[ckiiln]

Originally Posted by Divercity

Interesting quote. Question is...How do you get so into your productions that you are ecstatic? Even if that means producing what you want and how you feel.

I know the feeling both from producing and playing. When I got it from playing, it involved playing through a JCM800 and making the walls shake. That's a feeling you want to have while making music. Any music.

[mimicry]

Mm, the feeling of inevitable deafness in the old age... Can't beat that.

[Numerical]

Originally Posted by mimicry

Mm, the feeling of inevitable deafness in the old age... Can't beat that.

I do get his point though, especially since I have a guitar and a big amp. For me, at least, it's harder to sit in a little office chair and sip camomile tea and try to take over the world with my camomilestep, rather than crank the shit out of some riffs and burn some people's ears off and get their heads moving. And I do wear earplugs on stage.

[mimicry]

Of course loud is fun. And I wouldn't mind having a JCM800 myself (:

[ckiiln]

Originally Posted by mimicry

Of course loud is fun. And I wouldn't mind having a JCM800 myself (:

Sometimes life is all about the compromise between bacon sandwiches and the desired amount of years of being able to eat said bacon sandwiches. Of course wearing earplugs is an easy solution to this problem, even if it can't be extended fully to this porky metaphor.

I was only talking about the feeling, anyway and how I think it translates into making interesting music.. Health is an entirely other, delicious thing.

[Lug]

I always have in mind something Louis CK says (whatever you think of that reference)
if you're gonna do the same thing over and over, people will lose interest. If you manage to make them like you for the ideas you have and make each intervention unique, they'll come back because they want to know "what you're up to this time"

of course it might be easier to apply to stand up comedy than music but I still hold it some wisdom

[Triton64]

^ no, that's actually quite brilliant for music also

[JamestonThieves]

I find it is most effective to take an eclectic approach, but be yourself and be different. If nothing sets you apart you will become drowned out.

[RFJ]

Originally Posted by Numerical

camomilestep

Brilliant.

[kathausrecords]

Originally Posted by Divercity

Interesting quote. Question is...How do you get so into your productions that you are ecstatic? Even if that means producing what you want and how you feel.

It usually helps me to move around while im working on a track. If you get into your tracks while you work on them, it gets a lot easier to get into them when theyre finished :]

[neyus]

First of all a producer that is able to produce different styles of music or sound is a good producer. It puts you into the position where you can have more clients coming from different genres of music for being versatile.

However, it does not mean you'll get less clients or dont get referred to as much if you have a specific style. Brian Eno has his way of producing music and look at him go.

[Numerical]

It's hard for me to think of a well known producer that has only done one type of music for their entire career actually. I'm sure there are some but any well rounded producer usually takes any good project no matter the style, if they're smart.

[CallAndResponse]

Personally I have felt that "signature style" is a poor excuse for lack of creativity and to keep using a working formula. I mean sure you must have your own style and sound but so many artists are literally just releasing 10 songs in a row which all sound the same. I feel that they are just playing it safe. By all means experiment outside your norm. There also many highly successful EDM artists releasing tunes in different genres but it still has their own kind of flavour to it so you can recognize that it is them. That is what I feel you should aim for and that shows true creativity where you can have a signature sound but have all the songs be unique. That is what I am for but also keep in mind that creating a signature style takes time and if you are a new producer I wouldn't worry about it as of yet. Get good first and then concentrate on being unique (unless you are just unique ).