I often feel like the music I make mostly exists within a limited space - either covers of songs that somebody else has done, chiptunes, or what I can only describe really as “electronic sleepy music” (downtempo jams, often lofi or vaporwave-tinted). These are sounds I like, and part of what I listen to, but not all. I want to make hyperpop, or trance, or synthpop, or metal too! But whenever I try and work in a genre like that which has more of a distinct style (rather than “sleepy music”) I always abandon tracks because they don’t work out, or I feel like I’m only copying surface level elements - like I’m accidentally making a parody of the style I like.
Anybody got tips for breaking out of your genre comfort zone and moving into genres and styles you don’t normally make?
BlockquoteI feel like I’m only copying surface level elements
First step is to be shameless about it because it is the first step to mastery. Sophistication comes once you mastered the easy stuff. Copying is essential. Learn covers on the guitar, program the drum parts etc.into a sequencer, watch genre tutorials. Over time you build new vocabulary and will be able to go down new roads of expression.
a thing I’ve found helps is taking elements from two different styles and jamming them together somehow. cause then even if you’re “copying surface level elements” (which I always fear doing), you’re also making something unique since it’s a combination of new sounds. this is especially easy if you’re mixing a new style with an old style, but can be interesting if you do two new styles
metal + hyperpop is something that’s sort of been done before but since “hyperpop” is a shitty term for an extraordinarily large amount of styles, there’s a lot you can do with it. hyperpop + sleepy music, however, would fucking RIP
might sound like oversimplification but, for me, listening appreciatively is the foundation for new paths
usually i’ve heard something that piqued my interest in trying the genre so i listen attentively and dig for more info
sometimes this leads to technical questions (how can i pay homage without the same exact tools?) while also forcing me to parse out why i found the style gripping to begin with
what do i like most? am i already capable of trying some elements of the form? if not, what should i learn (or buy ) which can potentially bridge the gaps?
) which can potentially bridge the gaps?
