How to Boost Your Electronic Music Production Using Reference Tracks

Give your electronic beats an immediate lift with the underestimated power of reference tracks. Unlock the secret to ace production today!

In this article, I’ll share my experience and practical techniques to help you achieve these results. Having worked with countless artists over three decades in the industry, I’ve developed strategies that truly work.

Maximizing Sonic Analogs

To access a wider, more nuanced soundscape, use reference tracks not just from your genre but beyond. In electronic music, the breadth of available sounds is limitless, so limiting yourself to one style can be counterproductive. When I worked with a client on an electro-pop track, we added a grunge rock reference to our playlist. The result? A punchier kick that stood out, yet perfectly blended into our mix. You can achieve similar results by comparing and contrasting your mix with diverse references. Just remember not to get carried away and lose your track’s identity in the process. Need help finding the balance? Our track consultation service can guide you.

Harnessing Loudness Perception

Electronic music is all about perception. Perception of loudness can significantly impact a track. A common mistake is relying on visual level meters, but our ears perceive certain frequencies as louder than others. Use a tool like the Voxengo SPAN, which can analyze frequency response and perceived loudness. Early in my career, while mastering an old-school techno track, I compared the perceived loudness of my track with a Daft Punk reference. The outcome dramatically improved the track’s overall impact. It’s worth noting, however, that mastering to match loudness should be done delicately. Overdo it, and you risk making the track sound lifeless. You can apply this today by comparing your track’s perceived loudness with your reference track. For more advanced help, start a conversation with our mastering service.

Utilizing Sonic Signposts

Use reference tracks as sonic signposts. Make mental or literal notes about what stands out. Is the kick drum resonant? Are the vocals dry or reverberant? Once, I was helping a client to produce a synthwave track. We used Kavinsky’s “Nightcall” as a reference, paying particular attention to how the retro-futuristic synths sat in the mix. After meticulous tweaking, we found our sweet spot. These same techniques can transform your production process. Always remember to “reference” not “copy”. Still struggling to interpret your reference tracks? Try our full production service for personalized advice.

Leveraging Stereo Imaging Techniques

Stereo imaging is crucial in electronic music. Analyzing reference tracks for stereo width can offer valuable insights. Use a free plugin like Flux:: Stereo Tool to visualize your track’s stereo width and compare it to a reference. While remixing a classic house track at Euterpa Studios, I noticed the reference had a wider stereo spread. Mimicking this technique in the remix resulted in a more immersive soundscape, without detracting from the core elements of the original track. Want to adapt your stereo imaging techniques after evaluate a relevant reference track? Our remixing service is just a click away.

Conclusion

Effectively using reference tracks is an art form that can revolutionize your electronic music production process. They offer a roadmap, helping you gauge loudness, carve out your soundscape, understand sonic elements, and plan stereo imaging. The biggest takeaway? Never misinterpret ‘referencing’ as ‘replicating’. Your unique touch is what makes your music yours.

Need more guidance? Get in touch with the team at Euterpa Studios via our contact page. We excel at blending expert insight with personalized assistance to deliver services, be they mixing, mastering, full production, track consultation, or remixing. We’re here to help your music reach its fullest potential.