Follow + Connect with Monsoon Season
Here at Monsoon Season we focus on the rising talents in the dance music industry. That means we encounter artists and individuals that cover the whole spectrum of experience and knowledge. Some being on one end with little to no experience and contrarily, some on the opposing side with more knowledge and know-how abilities. That is typically normal in ALL industries. What is not normal is sharing these tips freely. This Season, we plan to change that.
We thought it would be a fun, helpful, and ultimately educational series to start giving out tips, tricks, and stuff in between for those individuals who need the extra nudge.
We will ask industry professionals, music artists, members of the media on what it takes to make it, get noticed, and be taken seriously in this cutthroat industry.
Considering we are in an unprecedented time across the world. We are succumbed to lock-downs, quarantines, and restrictions. This leaves many of us at home, left to our own devices, and to some, lost and feeling helpless. Well, let’s focus our time on something productive… you! You are the only one who is going to be able to make this change into a better, more respected, and knowledgeable member of the music industry.
___________
Tip #1
Vertekz [Hybrid-Trap Producer]
topic: career development
No matter how much you think you do, there is no way you need a manager for at least the first 5 years of your career. You are not so busy that you can’t deal with a 10 minute phone call with a promoter or send an email to a blog about your latest track. You’ll save way more money by self managing for as long as you can. This is a marathon, not a sprint and jumping into a management contract too soon is a sure fire way to give someone 15-20% of what you’re making (which could leave you with very little), or worst case scenario you’re stuck in a contract with someone who doesn’t have time for you. There’s no harm in waiting.
Also make sure you’re taking care of your mental health. With so many artists passing away, it’s absolutely important that you look at your mental health as an investment. Get into therapy, figure out what meds you need, etc and so forth. If you don’t have insurance, look up “sliding scale therapy” in your area. There are tons of affordable resources out there waiting for you. Stay hydrated, and I love you
Tip #2
Otatop [Dubstep Producer]
topic: production/songwriting
“You can’t force good music” – I’ve been experimenting with my music a lot lately. The first couple months, I couldn’t bare being away from my studio. Almost forcing myself to write the heaviest, new to the ears, banger. The truth is, you can’t force good music. Almost ALL of my released tracks, were started out of the blue, just from experimenting. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t force it. It’s come clear to me that my music is more about me than anyone else. Nonetheless, don’t discourage yourself in a hard time. Keep your mental high, keep your dreams higher. These times are hard. Just let things flow
Tip #3
Skitzoid – [Dubstep Producer]
topic: sound design
Do not underestimate post processing or audio work. I learnt that post processing is what makes Dubstep what it is. The most simple and basic harmonic signals can become the most savage Synths you’ve made, they just need some help to make it to the finish line. Audio vs Midi – Audio is a phenomenal application of sound design. Whilst midi has its advantages, audio is more accurate, articulate and can be manipulated more than you know. Rapid succession basses can be mental if done in audio. Some of the craziest sustains are done in audio warping. Commit to yourself and bounce to audio. You’ll be amazed at what can happen with a sound design session in audio.
Tip #4
Achilles [Basshouse Producer]
topic: sound design
When using Serum, always play with your pitch (up or down) until you find that sweet spot that generates new harmonics so it takes away from the original or basic context. There’s no need to be mathematical about anything either, play with your knobs and find a sound that speaks to you. Good things to play with would be your reverb and delay to space out your sound or even distortion for a more crunchy sound. There are endless possibilities within this plugin and a great tool for any level producer to discover or create new sounds!
Tip #5
BENZO$ [Hybrid-Trap Producer]
topic: career development
One of the most important things with building your brand and your music is playing nice in the sandbox. I hear a lot of artists say “all publicity is good publicity” and relate to artists like 6ix9ine because they glorify beefing with people and trolling. That is the QUICKEST way to tarnish your reputation and to burn bridges you may have or could have had. Now there are some times when you will have to burn bridges for the sake of your reputation or others, but keep in mind before responding/posting/tweeting that if someone were to take what you say out of context, would it look bad on your brand or character. It’s a thin line and a hard one to walk, but knowing when to walk away, when to fight back, and when to keep things private and move on. I have plenty of people that don’t like me, and I try to support everyone, including those people, but I will always stand up for what’s right when someone is in the wrong, and I know when a battle isn’t worth fighting and I leave it be.
___________
Bonus: Do your ABCD check before starting and finishing anything!
–Ask yourself… is this what I really want to do? Ask others…how do I do this? There is no shame in asking.
–Branding. Logos, and appearance. How people see you and or your brand in public. Is this how you want to be seen?
–Crediting. You aren’t a superhero, and you didn’t do it all by yourself. Even if you did, make sure to credit the right people in the right circumstances. There is nothing worse than creating a piece of artwork and the person you are servicing and or collaborating with didn’t credit you. Crediting is important because not only does it clear who the creator is, but it also cross-network their audience and fans to your, vice versa.
(Examples on who to Credit: Photographers, Graphic Artists, Lights & Audio, Labels, Bloggers, and Contributors.
Circumstances: Photoshoot, Re-Brand/Logo Work, During/After your set, Articles written about you, and supporters who help boost your brand.)
–Display. This could be interpreted as marketing, but for the sake of our acronymic structure, let’s associate the two as one. Whether it’s marketing your brand, music, or yourself, this is how you display your services to the world. This is how the world sees your art, brand, and imagery as a competitive asset in the bustling marketplace of music. This industry is a business place, and you must treat it as such.
Want to give your tip or trick in the dance music industry? Email us for your chance to submit your helpful hint.
Add: The subject heading: ‘Season of Secrets’ and tell us about your industry hack!
A. B. C. D.
Always Be Consistent Daily.
(Wink wink, you’re welcome)
Follow Us:
Bookmark us in your browser!
http://www.Monsoon-Season-US.com
Stay up to date, all the time!
Make a donation!
$1.00
