Level Up Your Production Skills by Remaking Hits

The journey to becoming a skilled beatmaker is goes hand in hand with countless hours of practice, experimentation, and learning from the greats. One of the most effective ways to accelerate your growth is by remaking hit songs. This process not only enhances your technical skills but also deepens your understanding of what makes a track successful. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to level up your production skills by remaking hits.

Step 1: Choose a Hit Song

Start by selecting a commercially successful song that resonates with you. Opt for a track within a genre you are passionate about and ensure you have the necessary tools to recreate it. This step is crucial as it sets the foundation for your learning experience.

Step 2: Analyze the Song

Before diving into production, immerse yourself in the song. Break it down into its core components:

• Structure: Identify the song's arrangement, including the intro, verses, choruses, bridge, and outro.

• Tempo and Key: Determine the song's BPM (beats per minute) and its musical key.

• Instrumentation: List the instruments and sounds used.

• Production Techniques: Note any unique production techniques, effects, and mixing strategies.

Step 3: Gather Resources

Equip yourself with the necessary resources:

• VST Plugins: Find virtual instruments and effects that match the sounds in the original track.

• Samples: Look for drum samples, loops, and other audio clips that fit the song.

Step 4: Recreate the Drum Pattern

Start with the drums, as they often form the backbone of a track. Program the drum pattern, paying close attention to rhythm, swing, and variations. Use similar sounding drum samples or a drum machine plugin to replicate the original beat accurately. In the video below you can see a great example of how to remake a track step by step by Aiden Kenway. Here he's recreating 'Not Like Us' by Kendrick Lamar.

Step 5: Recreate the Bass Line

Next, focus on the bass line. Listen carefully and transcribe the notes and rhythm. Use a bass instrument or synthesizer that closely matches the original sound. Don’t forget to apply any effects that give the bass its character.

Step 6: Recreate the Melody and Harmony

Transcribe the main melodies and harmonies. Use virtual instruments to emulate the sounds. Pay attention to details like synth settings and effects to ensure your recreation is as close as possible to the original.

Step 7: Mix and Master

With all elements in place, move on to mixing and mastering. Balance the levels of each instrument, apply EQ and compression, and add any necessary effects to achieve a cohesive sound. Finally, master the track to give it a polished, professional finish.

Step 8: Compare and Iterate

Compare your recreated track with the original. Identify differences and make adjustments. This iterative process helps you understand the nuances of professional music production and refine your skills.

Step 10: Share and Get Feedback

Share your remakes with friends, fellow producers, or online communities. Constructive feedback is invaluable and can provide insights you might have missed. Use this feedback to further hone your skills.

Benefits of Remaking Hits

• Technical Proficiency: By replicating professional tracks, you learn various production techniques and workflows.

• Analytical Listening: Dissecting songs trains your ear to pick out intricate details and understand complex arrangements.

• Creativity Boost: Understanding the elements that make a song popular can inspire your original compositions.

• Confidence Building: Successfully recreating a hit track boosts your confidence and validates your production capabilities.

Remaking hit songs is a tried-and-true method for improving your music production skills. It combines technical practice with creative analysis, offering a comprehensive learning experience. So, pick your favorite hit, fire up your DAW, and start recreating today!