🎵 Music Production: Best Resources and Tools - MProducer #2

The most comprehensive collection of music production resources

Sep 13, 2023

Hello and welcome to the second issue of Music Producer, the newsletter for independent music producers (that want to emerge and be recognized for their unique sound).

In this issue I decided to share with you some super cool tools and resources for music production.

There's a lot of exciting things here: podcasts, informative YouTube channels, courses, books to read, lots of sound samples to download for free, remix and songwriting contests and more.

Besides working as a mastering engineer, I occasionally enjoy producing music for my clients, and I have to tell you that some of these resources have quickly become part of my favorite toolkit.

I hope you find this useful in creating your beloved music.

Alessandro Ciuffetti

N.B.: The limits imposed by email delivery systems and email readers unfortunately do not allow me to include all of the 209 resources I have found. For this reason I have created as a complement to this document, a 100% free downloadable PDF which includes them all.

Guide To the Best
Music Production Resources and Tools

1) Blogs
2) Podcasts
3) Books
4) YouTube Channels
5) Magazines
6) Websites for Hiring
7) Events
8) Production Courses
9) DAWs
10) Remix Contests
11) Songwriting Competitions
12) Royalty Free Samples and Loops

1) Blogs

Selection of blogs on production, all free.

Bedroom Producers
Online mag for music producers. Covers production topics, VST plugins, software, hardware, sound design. Daily updates, news on free software, VSTs, samples, loops.
14 years [2009].
1.1M monthly visitors.
Bobby Owsinski’s Music Production
Bobby Owsinski is a musician, producer and author of music books. Blog covers production, acoustics, microphones, recording, and more.
7+ years [2016].
70.5K monthly views.
Native Instruments
Stay updated on artist features, grab free tools, expert music production and DJing advice. Top manufacturer for audio production and DJing software and hardware.
6 years [2017].
310K+ monthly views.

To discover 17 more blogs on *Music Production* please download the full PDF guide (100% free).

2) Podcasts

Selection of free podcasts on music production.

And the Writer is… With Ross Golan
Ross Golan's podcast offers intimate conversations with established songwriters, delving behind the scenes of the music industry. He focuses on the people responsible for creating the top 40 songs in various genres, shedding light on their creative processes and experiences.
170+ weekly episodes from 15 minutes up to 1h 30’.
6+ years [2017].
Make Art Not Content
Podcast by Father Bronques that delves into nurturing creativity using dynamic editing, dramatic effects, and original songs to emphasize key insights.
70+ ~10 minutes bi-weekly episodes.
3+ years [2020].
Music Production Podcast
Exploring music production through casual talks on technique, philosophy, gear, and creativity. Hosted by Brian Funk, a musician, songwriter, teacher, and Ableton Certified Trainer.
330+ weekly episodes from 15 minutes up to 2h 30’.
6+ years [2017].
Song Exploder
Interviews with musicians and producers who take their songs apart piece by piece and explain how they were created and mixed.
250+ ~20 minute episodes.
9+ years [2014].
57K monthly listeners.

To discover 16 more podcasts on *Music Production* please download the full PDF guide (100% free).

3) Books

A selection of the best books on creativity and music production.

The Creative Act: A Way of Being
Legendary music producer's book on creativity, art, artists' essence.
A guide to embracing creativity, finding innocence.
Rick Rubin
[432 pages] [2023]
Here, There and Everywhere: My Life Recording the Music of the Beatles
Engineer who collaborated with the Beatles on "Revolver," "Sgt. Pepper's," etc., discusses innovative recording methods, band's creative process, and their rise.
Geoff Emerick
[400 pages] [2006]
Recording Unhinged: Creative and Unconventional Music Recording Techniques
Sylvia Massy and industry figures explore unconventional techniques for emotional, unique recordings. Celebrities like Hans Zimmer, Al Schmitt, and more share stories, tips, illustrations. A guide beyond norms.
Sylvia Massy
[258 pages] [2016]
Behind the Glass: Top Record Producers Tell How They Craft the Hits (Volume II)Interviews with top record producers and engineers, revealing their creative techniques and insights. Includes discussions on digital recording, low-end creation, business analysis, and practical advice.
Howard Massey
[344 pages] [2009]
To discover 16 more podcasts on *Music Production* please download the full PDF guide (100% free).

4) YouTube Channels

Selection of best free channels on audio production.

Zen World
Sound Design for Techno, Tech House and House producers to learn how to create the music they want.
230+ videos.
11 years [2012].
214K subscribers.
30M views.
Cableguys
Tutorials, tips & inspiration from plugin producers used by the world's best producers and DJs.
220+ videos.
13 years [2010].
72K+ subscribers.
11M+ views.
Andrew Huang
Probably the most popular “music production” channel on YouTube. Huang is a particularly productive musician and very knowledgeable disseminator, he offers quality videos related to music production in all its facets.
670+ videos.
17 years [2006].
2.3M subscribers.
329M+ views.
Point Blank Music School
Voted Best Music Production & DJ School by DJ Mag, you can learn music production, sound engineering, DJing and much more via their online courses.
1400+ videos.
17 years [2006].
470K+ subscribers.
51M+ views.

To discover 17 more YouTube Channels on *Music Production* please download the full PDF guide (100% free).

5) Magazines (Digital and Paper)

Trade magazines that also have an online digital version.

Electronic Musician - MusicRadar
Covers all aspects of music creation, from recording to technology, providing product updates and instrument evaluations. Detailed advice, techniques, insights from leading artists.
From $19.99 / year.
Digital since 2010.
Monthly issue.
4.6M monthly visitors (related to MusicRadar website).
Computer Music - MusicRadar
The world's best selling publication dedicated solely to making great music with your Mac or PC computer. Expert guides to synthesizers, sampling techniques, beat making basics.
From $9.85 per issue.
Digital since 2006.Monthly issue.
4.6M monthly visitors (related to MusicRadar website).
Future Music - Music Radar
Inclusive artist interviews, thorough gear evaluations, indispensable production tutorials, and a wealth of additional valuable content.
From $9.85 per issue.
Digital since 2016.
Monthly issue.
4.6M monthly visitors (related to MusicRadar website).

To discover 4 more magazines on *Music Production* please download the full PDF guide (100% free).

6) Websites and Apps for Finding Music Producers and Collaborators

Studio Pros
Platform where you can find collaborators to record, mix, master or even completely produce your music.
20 years [2003].
33K+ monthly visitors.
Bandit App
The ultimate social application designed exclusively for musicians. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, Bandit connects you with other musicians in your vicinity, enabling limitless interaction.
5 years [2018].
2K+ monthly visitors.

To discover 8 more websites for finding music producers and collaborators on *Music Production* please download the full PDF guide (100% free).

7) Events

A collection of online and live events where you can attend conventions, showcases, trade shows, seminars, masterclasses, livestreams and webinars on music production.

Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE)
This event is the pinnacle of music industry conferences and attracts a wide range of industry professionals. It is a five-day electronic music conference and festival held annually in mid-October in Amsterdam.
Winter Music Conference (WMC)
The Winter Music Conference (WMC), an iconic event in the electronic music calendar, lasts an entire week. Held annually since 1985, this gathering converges on the vibrant Miami Beach, Florida, US, every March.
Electronic Music Conference (EMC)
As the leading music industry event in Asia Pacific, EMC brings together artists and influencers in electronic music, promoting inclusivity and integrity and celebrating the culture of electronic music. The flagship conference, festival and artist showcase series is held annually in Sydney, Australia.
International Music Summit (IMS)
IMS is a global platform for electronic music, founded in 2007 by Pete Tong and others to promote sustainable growth and positive change across the music industry and culture.

To discover 26 more events on *Music Production* please download the full PDF guide (100% free).

8) Production Courses

Online courses and lessons focused on production.

MasterClass - Music
A streaming platform offering access to world-class instructors and lessons on diverse topics through an annual membership. Each course includes around 20 video lessons, each lasting approximately 10 minutes.
$10/month (billed annually).
Available since 2019.10M monthly views.
The Hyperbits Masterclass
The program covers the entire process of creating professional sounding music. If you can afford it, consider Hyperbits' masterclass. It's a well-regarded program with a strong reputation, although it comes at a high cost.
From $2997.
Available since 2011.
170K+ monthly views.
Electronic Music Production Specialization (via Berklee, by Coursera)
Learn to compose music on your computer: recording, editing, and mixing live instruments and MIDI in Ableton Live, crafting custom sounds with synthesizers, and enhancing vocal tracks for your electronic music productions.
Coursera annual subscription $299.
Available since 2012.
66M+ monthly views.

To discover 13 more courses on *Music Production* please download the full PDF guide (100% free).

9) DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) for Music Production*

*Because music production software can also be used for mixing, the same list can be found in the first issue of this newsletter dedicated to audio resources for mixing (Music Mixing: Best Resources and Tools - MProducer #1) and the corresponding PDF file for free download, but of course also in the new PDF (100% free) of this newsletter dedicated to Music Production.

10) Remix Contests

A selection of the best international online remix contests.

SKIO Music
The site offers free competitions where you can win attractive prizes to enrich your production studio. You can also learn from A&R professionals, strategically promote your music and get discovered.
Free of charge.
9 years old [2014].
245K+ visitors per month.
Armada University
New competitions are regularly launched. This is not only a learning opportunity, but also a chance to shine and compete for fabulous prizes, which may even get you an official publication in Armada Music, an important label in EDM music.
Free of charge.
20 years old [2003].
135K monthly visitors.
Spinning Records Contests
Next to Armada, Spinnin' Records is another one of the big players in the EDM world. They often throw remix contests for artists like Tiësto, David Guetta, and Cedric Gervais.Free of charge.
24 years old [1999].
284K+ monthly visitors.

To discover 9 more remix contests on *Music Production* please download the full PDF guide (100% free).

11) Songwriting Competitions

A selection of the best international online songwriting competitions.

John Lennon Songwriting Contest
For all you music creators out there, The John Lennon Songwriting Contest is a big deal. It's been around since 1997 and is all about letting songwriters like you show off your skills and get your tunes out there. They've got 12 categories, from rock to hip-hop to folk. If you're good, you could be one of the 72 finalists, 24 grand prize champs, or even snag the "Song of the Year" title. Yoko Ono Lennon is behind this cool contest. Check it out if you're interested!
$30 per song, no submission limits.
26 years old [1997].
30K visitors per month.

Mix Challenge
Each month the site offers a songwriting contest in which you can win a prize offered by the sponsor. Each contest has a different sponsor.
Free of charge.
9 years old [2014].
10K+ monthly visitors.
American Songwriter Contest (Song Contest)
American Songwriter holds an annual song contest inviting submissions across ten categories. The judging prioritizes lyrics and melody over recording quality. Prizes for 2023 include $10,000, career consultation, magazine feature, guitar, studio gear, distribution, and a membership. Deadline: December 4, 2023.
$25 per song, no submission limits.
39 years old [1984].
8.8M visitors per month.

To discover 10 more songwriting competitions on *Music Production* please download the full PDF guide (100% free).

12) Royalty Free Samples & Loops

A collection of the best online sites where you can find royalty free samples and loops, many of them free.

Cymatics.fm - Free Samples
Free samples and presets when you subscribe to their email list. Drew and Steven, both music producers, provide valuable resources to the producer community.
Free with email subscription.
Paid Versions: from $1 to $60 - Bundle offers.
Looperman - Free Sounds
Over 200,000 free music loops & samples, uploaded by other users. Loops and basic samples are royalty-free. However, there are different license agreements for items like acapella samples.
Free of charge with email subscription.
Sample Focus - Free
SampleFocus is a sample library offering three free samples per week, with the possibility of getting more by uploading approved samples.
Free of charge with email subscription.

To discover 19 more songwriting competitions on *Music Production* please download the full PDF guide (100% free).