Was chatting to a newer producer on discord recently about production and in particular how to effectively make the ideas for songs you have in your head a reality.
I very nearly created a new topic on this, channeling my inner Billy Ocean and calling it
"Get out of my head, get into my DAW" - so you can all be thankful that I posted it in here instead, sparing you all that pun...
So if you struggle with getting the ideas out, one way I like to approach this is to come up with a concept or theme for your track. So imagine you are trying to describe the track to someone or write a promotional blurb for it.
"Dark, atmospheric & cinematic" or
"Bittersweet melodies with a groovy beat/bass"
Try and use them as a starting point for the various elements of your track. Sound choices, sound design BPM. Let the core concepts of the track guide your decision making and keep everything in context and have continuity.
In terms of melody/chords; try to think of another song (in any genre) you may have heard that has similar themes or a similar sound melodically to what you are trying to create. Find out what key it is in (A simple google search should help you here if you cant work it out) and use that key as your starting point.
For example; if you are going with the first one
"Dark, atmospheric & cinematic", you might think of the track 'Rachels Song' by Vangelis (RIP) as that definitely fits the description. So starting your track in D Minor could help you work out your own darker, moody chord sequence.
