An historical observation of pop music-making

Some of us might still remember how music was produced differently than we do right now. Not only the process of making and mixing music is different but also the way we distribute music has changed. Thanks to modern technology we can make, mix and upload music anywhere and anytime. We reached a point of a technology surge in the music industry that will decide the future of music creation, as well as how we consume, share, and profit from music.

 

 

 

 

The History of Music Producing

Both, the first and World War II were mostly responsible for the music industry we know now. Back then radios were commercially available for families, and it didn’t take long to use them for entertainment purposes. In 1923 the very first radio broadcast had been broadcast and after World War II music got popular on radios. For that reason, it was the beginning of an industry where music could be paid for by radio stations with advertising money.

 

During the 60s and 70s, the industry was booming, record players became household items, and selling records became a source of revenue for artists and producers. At this time in music production, tracks were mixed during live performances in specialized recording studios. Major record labels began dominating the music industry and would support many artists, in the hopes that some of them would become profitable superstars.

 

Together the artists and labels would produce and advertise records, get them onto the radio, and plan live performances. However, the relationship between label and artist developed out of necessity; mixing a commercially-viable recording was difficult, technical work which required monetary investment — not to mention the cost of physically producing records. It may not be a perfect system, but for decades it was the only one available to musicians.

 

 

 

Live Mixing VS Multitrack Recording

Expensive recording studios and endless hours getting the perfect recording are no not the only options a musician has nowadays. Technology has become significantly smaller in size and cost that much of the hardware is accessible to anyone, and the software can be carried with you almost anywhere in the world. You can find anything online, from acoustic guitars to MIDI controllers, and get it delivered to your door in a business week at most. Especially since MIDI came along, you no longer need to bring in a full brass band to get that effect on a track. Songwriters can now compose elaborate arrangements through synthesizers and music production software, offering artists more creative freedom and the ability to work with instruments they may not have had access to or the skills to use previously.

 

Thanks to the transition from live mixing in studios to multitrack recording in basements, making music became more comfortable. While live mixing is recording the track as it is playing, with the multitrack recording you can record multiple tracks at separate times, combining and mixing them later. Meaning, you can record separate instruments to individual tracks, and take the recordings to create a full song later, retaining the ability to edit the smallest detail of a track long after it’s been played.

 

In addition to this advancement in recording technology, it has also become much easier to use. Today’s existing music editing software or Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) can be purchased for under $100, be learned within the week, and can be used to 100 times the extent of a traditional sound table.

 

 

 

Current Recording Technology

As a modern musician, you have so many options to choose from, from DAWs to synthesizers, to social media and music streaming services. Digital software has arguably been the biggest game changer in the production of music, allowing musicians of all abilities to write, record, and produce their own songs to a reasonable quality. The availability of technology takes music out of the claw of record labels and gives musicians the freedom they need and new options on how to profit from their music. As physical record sales are becoming less viable as the years go by, a musician can earn money by streaming music, earning royalties, and signing licenses.

 

The Future of Music Production

It’s up to this generation of musicians to decide in which direction the future of music production will go. More music is being listened to, shared, and sold today than the day before, and that’s not likely to stop. It’s up to musicians to decide the best way to get their music out there and earn money doing it.

Our platform K-Tune offers musicians everything they need for the music-producing process, from software to producer masters helping to finish their songs. K-Tune is a platform as well as a community for musicians all over the world to collaborate and freely express themselves. It is your gateway to becoming a producer! We are aiming to bring musical talents together for an exciting and profitable music-making endeavor.