Tips for Finishing Tracks

We all know that finishing tracks can be a struggle at times. Sometimes you get to a certain point in a beat and just don't know where to go next. So we've got 5 top tips to help you get over the finish line and get those tracks released!

Create A Checklist

Whether it's for a specific session, a whole day, etc., write it all down. You can get specific - e.g. does the track need different drums, do the instruments need to be EQd, etc., and schedule a time to do these tasks. This will help you stay on track and accomplish something every time you sit down to create, rather than just working aimlessly

Focus on arrangement

This is an opportunity to not only add to your track, but also subtract. A good way to know when a track is done is not when there's nothing else to add to it, but when there's nothing else to take away from it. Compositional balance is important especially when making beats for artists to buy - make sure you're leaving room for the artist to add to it, and not overloading the beat with too many elements.

Be consistent with your work

Set aside a time to work on your music, make a schedule and stick to it. If you can't work on music every day, try allocating set days & times to create, and you'll notice you're finishing tracks more frequently. Iterative Production is gradually building on your beats in small increments, and this consistent, gradual approach will result in more productivity overall.

Embrace imperfections

Embracing imperfections will prevent you from continually making tweaks on work that's already up to par. Music is art, and art is not perfect - but don't use this as an excuse to get lazy! If you hear obvious things that need to be fixed, be sure to fix them, but once you've put your best into the track, sometimes moving on and putting your music out there is the best way to move forward - continually putting work out is the best way to grow and learn.

Collaborate

If you've been stuck on the same track for weeks and don't know what to do with it, send it to other producers to collab with, or put it out on social media and ask if anyone wants to finish it. There's no sense in sitting on unfinished beats when there are people out there who can help you finish it.