A Power User's Guide to FL Studio 21 E-Book

Chris Noxx

• Herausgeber: Packt Publishing
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Beschreibung

A digital audio workstation empowering both aspiring and seasoned producers to create original music compositions, FL Studio has not only advanced the culture of collaboration across several genres but has provided a creative outlet for up-and-coming artists worldwide.
Achieving professional production prowess takes practice, market insight, and mentorship. This book explains how the author used FL Studio as a creative palette to build a successful career as a record producer, using specific techniques and workflow processes that only FL Studio can accommodate. You’ll develop a Power User's mindset, create signature sounds using stock FL Studio One Shots, create top-level drum loops, learn about FL Studio's VST’s, and approach arrangements from a practical and pop music perspective. This comprehensive guide covers everything from crafting and adding hypnotic melodies and chords, to mixing and mastering productions, and promoting those records to artists and companies, to take your career to the next level.
By the end of this book, you’ll be able to create original productions from scratch using FL Studio’s virtual instruments and sound kits, mix and master the finished production, and arrange it using the Billboard-charting formula.

Leseprobe

A Power User’s Guide to FL Studio 21

Master the art of music production and advanced mixing techniques to create Billboard-charting records

Chris Noxx

BIRMINGHAM—MUMBAI

A Power User’s Guide to FL Studio 21

Copyright © 2023 Packt Publishing

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First published: October 2023

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ISBN 9781803234380

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To my mother: “If you can think it, you can be it, so do it.” And to my brother: “When the student was ready, the teacher appeared.”

– Chris Noxx

Contributors

About the author

Chris Noxx is an FL Studio Power User and JUNO-nominated (2020 Rap Recording of the Year) producer, composer, and arranger who has charted on global Billboard charts over 12 times in the US and Canada (including the US Billboard Top 200, US Independent Albums, US Top Album Sales, US Top Current Album Sales, and the Canadian Hot 100) and has worked with some of the most iconic hip hop artists, brands, and associations of all time using FL Studio.

I’m humbled and thankful for every person who has helped me along my journey, from the support of my close family to my mentors, teachers, and close friends who have all contributed to my evolution as a creative and businessperson. This book is dedicated to you.

About the reviewer

Bobby Yarsulik (or BSlick as he is known online) boasts an impressive musical background, having dedicated 28 years to playing the piano and 18 years to music production. For the past 4 years, he has been fully engaged in freelancing as a composer, embracing the freedom of remote work. Accompanied by his wife and three children, he travels full-time in an RV around the US. With over 100k followers on YouTube and 11 million lifetime streams on Spotify, he has established himself as one of the most influential personalities in the online music and gaming scene. His journey serves as an example of harmonizing passion for music with a devotion to family, showcasing the rewards of striking a balance between personal interests and loved ones.

Table of Contents

Preface

Part 1:Understanding the Basics

1

Delving into the FL Studio Mindset and Workflow

Perfect practice makes practice perfect

Mindset and using FL Studio

Making hits that work for the masses

The mental balance scale

Using and organizing the Browser and Channel Rack

Exploring the Browser tool

Exploring the Channel Rack

Understanding the Arrangement tool (the Playlist)

FL Studio’s Mixer and plugins

Setting up a mixing template

Adding sounds to the mixer

FL Studio key plugins

Summary

Exercise

Part 2:Creating Music with FL Studio

2

From the Piano Roll to the Billboard Charts

Using the Piano Roll

Opening the Piano Roll

How to use the piano roll

Getting started with the Piano Roll

Recording in the Piano Roll

Some useful features of FL Studio

Quantizing notes

Piano Roll hacks – the Billboard producer’s template

Understanding music theory in modern pop music

Introducing pop chord regression theory

Creating melodies that work

Building MIDI templates in the Piano Roll

Using the stamp tool to create chords

Optimizing workflow in the Piano Roll

Workflow optimization hacks

Summary

Exercise

3

Creating Your Signature Sound

Why should you create your own signature sound?

Crafting your signature sound with FL Studio’s stock sounds

Creating drum sounds – kicks that really hit

Adding a generic kick

Adding textured kicks

Adding more texture to kicks

Creating drum sounds – snares that pop

Crafting signature hi-hat sounds

Creating synths and custom sounds

Producer tags and sonic branding

Creating an arrangement style

Mixing for a creative feel (not the same as mixing for release)

Summary

Exercise

4

Working through Drum Programming and Arrangements

Taking the creation of drum loops to another level

Creativity versus programming

Using the Channel Rack to create billboard charting drum loops

The hip hop Channel Rack framework

The West Coast hip hop Channel Rack framework

The modern West Coast hip hop Channel Rack framework

The trap music Channel Rack framework

Creating suspense through transitionary ear candy

Drum programming in FL Studio

Drum sequence templates for hacking billboards

East Coast Patterns

West Coast Patterns

Modern West Coast patterns

Trap Patterns

Club Patterns

Summary

Exercise

5

Approaching Melody and Composition Theory

Basics of music composition theory

Fundamentals of music theory

Studying the icons

Creating on the fly from experience

Working off the cuff

Composing in FL Studio – the basics

Selecting a key

Using rhythms in composition

Picking your sound palette

Layering and stylistic rules

Crafting melodies in FL Studio

Creating billboard chart melodies in FL Studio

Composition theory

Billboard charting pop chord progression frameworks

Rap chord progression frameworks

Chord progression frameworks in modern music

Summary

Exercise

6

A Billboard-Ready Production Arrangement

Introduction to arrangement

History of arrangement

Modern-day arranging

Pop music frameworks

Using FL Studio to increase your workflow arrangement

Creating the billboard charting arrangement templates

The rap arrangement formula

Sonic signature in arrangements

Arrangement transitions

Transitional effects

Drop-ins and dropouts of drum patterns

Summary

Exercise

Part 3: Best Techniques and How to Appear on the Billboard Charts

7

Chart-Topping Mixing Techniques

Why we mix, and why we master

Mixing from a technical standpoint versus a creative standpoint

Creative mixing

Technical mixing

Plugins for chart-topping mixing techniques

Parametric EQ 2

Fruity Compressor

Reverb – Fruity Reeverb 2

Delay – Fruity Delay 3

Panning – Fruity Stereo Shaper

The power of plugin stacks for technical frameworks

Mixing drums using FL Studio stock plugins

Mixing melodies and progressions using FL Studio stock plugins

Summary

Exercise

8

How to Get Records Placed So They Land on Billboard Charts

Embrace your journey

Understanding placements

Record placements

Sync placements

A catalog is a sellable asset

Catalogs are an alternative asset class

How catalogs are valued

Rights and income streams

Copyright sides

The publishing side

The master side

Taking action – put yourself in the right place at the right time

Foundation steps – how to position yourself

Two approaches to success

Taking action steps

Utilizing cold outreach

Building a lead list

Summarizing the actions

Types of deals

Co-publishing deals

Administration deals

Traditional publishing deals

Self-publishing

Production deals

Management deals

Label deals

Joint venture deals

Distribution deals

The steps for a successful career

Summary

Index

Other Books You May Enjoy

Preface

In this book, we will explore the very essence of music production and unravel the intricacies of FL Studio, unlocking its hidden treasures and unleashing your creative prowess. Whether you’re an aspiring producer, an experienced musician, or a curious enthusiast, this guide will equip you with the tools to elevate your artistry to unprecedented heights. As you delve deeper into the chapters ahead, you will find yourself immersed in a world of possibilities. I will share with you the secrets I’ve gathered throughout my career—working alongside Grammy-winning artists, collaborating with multi-platinum sensations, and witnessing my work climb the global Billboard charts. My experiences have taught me the importance of not only honing technical skills but also understanding the subtleties that breathe life into music, transforming it from mere soundwaves into emotive masterpieces.

Each chapter will ask the reader to take action following the learning to create a record from scratch, mixed and mastered, and ready to send out to artists. Each chapter builds on the Billboard charting framework I’ve developed over 20 years—from grasping the Billboard mindset to creating signature sounds, creating time-tested drum loops, crafting and adding a hypnotic melody and chords, arranging these using the Billboard framework, mixing and mastering the record, and finally, getting records placed with major artists.

But this book is more than just a technical manual—it’s a profound exploration of creativity, innovation, and self-discovery. It’s about unleashing the potential that lies within you and crafting records that resonate with the hearts and souls of audiences worldwide.

As you immerse yourself in these pages, allow yourself to experiment, make mistakes, and embrace the uncharted territories of music production. Through trial and error, you will uncover your unique style, your signature sound—a sound that will become your artistic legacy.

With every chapter, you will grow not only as a producer but also as an artist, understanding how to blend technical precision with boundless imagination. As you work your way through FL Studio’s powerful features, I encourage you to infuse your own personality, emotions, and experiences into the music you create. It is this authenticity that will set your records apart and forge a connection with your listeners like never before.

I’m thrilled to be your guide on this creative expedition. So, let us set forth on this journey of discovery, where innovation meets tradition, and technology harmonizes with the soul. Together, we will unlock the true potential of FL Studio and unleash your artistic brilliance upon the world. Get ready to embrace the endless possibilities of music production, and remember, your journey has only just begun!

Who this book is for

This book is useful for music producers who are serious about pursuing a career in the music industry as a producer, remixer, composer, or DJ artist. This book will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating Billboard-ready records.

What this book covers

Chapter 1, Delving into the FL Studio Mindset and Workflow

In this chapter, I share my personal experiences with using FL Studio in the music industry, guiding you to master the software effectively. Through practical frameworks, anecdotes, and a focus on creating the correct mindset, you’ll learn how to approach FL Studio like a power user.

Chapter 2, From the Piano Roll to the Billboard Charts

In this chapter, you’ll discover my proven techniques for consistently crafting professional productions with FL Studio. I’ll introduce you to creating an efficient working template and utilizing the FL Studio toolbox to its full potential. From optimizing production workflows to achieving Billboard-worthy records, you’ll gain invaluable insights to elevate your music productions to the next level.

Chapter 3, Creating Your Signature Sound

This chapter explores maximizing FL Studio’s stock sound kits, VSTs, and plugins to create distinctive, captivating, and original sounds. You’ll learn how to leverage these tools, unlocking your creative uniqueness as a producer.

Chapter 4, Working through Drum Programming and Arrangements

This chapter delves into professional drum programming and arrangements. Exploring the Channel Rack and Piano Roll, you’ll learn effective techniques and pitfalls to avoid, ensuring your drum programming hits hard and elevates your records.

Chapter 5, Approaching Melody and Composition Theory

This chapter introduces basic composition techniques using the FL Studio Piano Roll. You’ll learn how to craft professional-sounding melody beds and counterpoints with ease, coupled with professional drum programming and arrangements. Exploring the Channel Rack and Piano Roll, you’ll learn effective techniques and pitfalls to avoid, ensuring your drum programming hits hard and elevates your records.

Chapter 6, A Billboard-Ready Production Arrangement

This crucial chapter breaks down arranging in the playlist tool using a professional Billboard framework. You will learn about bar counting, transition points, and structuring modern music for recording artists. You will also learn how to simplify arrangements to give your music room to breathe and shine.

Chapter 7, Chart-Topping Mixing Techniques

This chapter introduces mixing techniques using FL Studio stock plugins to achieve professional radio-ready records. You will learn how to enhance sound design and creative compositions through effective mixing methods.

Chapter 8, How to Get Records Placed So They Land on Billboard Charts

In this concluding chapter, I’ll guide producers on achieving Billboard-worthy music and leveraging networking platforms for placements with major artists and record labels. You will learn what steps to take after creating your record in FL Studio and how to make the most of your music.

To get the most out of this book

To get the most out of this book, having a solid foundation in FL Studio and music production will be beneficial. Familiarity with the software’s interface and basic functionalities will allow you to grasp the concepts more effectively. Additionally, possessing an “ear” for music—a keen ability to perceive and appreciate musical nuances—will further enhance your learning experience.

Software/hardware covered in the book

Operating system requirements

FL Studio 20 or 21

Windows or Mac OS

For optimal performance and a seamless experience using FL Studio, it is advised to have a computer with at least 8 GB of RAM and a minimum of 250 GB of hard drive space. However, to ensure smoother operation, especially when working on larger and more complex projects, I recommend starting with 16 GB of RAM and a hard drive capacity of at least 500 GB. This will allow you to work with larger sample libraries and multiple plugins and handle resource-intensive tasks without encountering performance bottlenecks.

Conventions used

There are a number of text conventions used throughout this book.

Code in text: Indicates code words in text, database table names, folder names, filenames, file extensions, pathnames, dummy URLs, user input, and Twitter handles. Here is an example: “Create a drum pattern for your kick, naming it Drum Kick.”

Bold: Indicates a new term, an important word, or words that you see onscreen. For instance, words in menus or dialog boxes appear in bold. Here is an example: “By utilizing the Scale Highlighting feature in Piano Roll in FL Studio, you can set the key.”

Tips or important notes

Appear like this.

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Part 1:Understanding the Basics

This part aims to provide insights into my personal experiences of using FL Studio in the music industry, enabling you to grasp the mindset and knowledge necessary to master this software program. You will benefit from anecdotes of real-life instances where I employed FL Studio and practical strategies for learning, as well as learn how I utilized the software’s capabilities to create productions chosen by renowned recording artists. Moreover, we will introduce the fundamental FL Studio concepts and explore their significance in establishing an efficient workflow within the software UI. As we progress, you will be introduced to advanced frameworks, and how you can continue to leverage FL Studio to start creating Billboard ready productions.

In this part, we have the following chapter:

Chapter 1, Delving into the FL Studio Mindset and Workflow

1

Delving into the FL Studio Mindset and Workflow

I’d like to congratulate you on buying this book, for it is a manifestation of your dedication to taking an important step in mastering your skill set as it relates to leveraging FL Studio. It has been said that when the student is ready, the master will appear. In everything you pursue in life, be it related to professional or personal development, you can only build as high as your foundation is deep. This book will provide you with that strong foundation on which you may build. I hope that once you have completed its lessons, you will use it to continue your growth as an FL Studio user, and ultimately, reach the level of a masterful power user.

I hope you are excited to take this journey with me, as I’m excited to share with you the key aspects of its software system, which I have learned over almost two decades, and the experiences it brought to me. I will discuss these topics briefly in the following pages, but I need you to be willing to learn and willing to take action and understand that it is your why that will drive your motivation to take action on its contents.

Although this is a book of technical frameworks of the how to use FL Studio to create records that work within a Billboard charting framework, we need to ascertain the why of your desire to master FL Studio before I can impart the secrets of its formulas to you.

I have broken this book into three parts that represent the keystones in mastering FL Studio. The first part of this book will impart upon you the first key philosophy that must be addressed. This is the most important framework that will set the tone of what you will do with this book, and that is the mindset, or the reason why you want to master FL Studio. In the second and third parts of this book, I will teach you the how. With the proper mental framework coupled with the technical know-how, only then will you be ready to become a true power user. Ask yourself, is record production simply a hobby you enjoy in your downtime, or is becoming a world-renowned record producer a dream you have a burning desire for? This is a question you must contemplate in your own time.

The how is about the actual technical aspects of using FL Studio to get the most out of its powerful work systems.

From my perspective, and the perspective shared with me by some of the most legendary producers in the industry, if you are to truly master FL Studio, you need to have a strong why – without this, this book will still impart practical knowledge, but I fear you may not use it to its full potential.

This chapter will focus on sharing my own experiences using FL Studio in the music industry to help you to capture the mindset and absorption of knowledge required to master the software program. You will benefit from the stories and personal experiences I have had using the program, learn about practical frameworks for absorbing knowledge, and how I leverage the software capabilities to complete productions that are selected and used by major recording artists. You will also be introduced to the basic concepts within FL Studio and how they relate to creating an optimal workflow framework within the software UI. You will be introduced to how you should use the foregoing skillsets in sequence when using FL Studio to create productions in an advanced framework.

In this chapter, we will cover the following topics:

Perfect practice makes practice perfectMindset and using FL StudioMaking hits that work for the massesUsing and organizing the Browser and Channel RackUnderstanding the Arrangement tool (the Playlist)FL Studio’s Mixer and plugins

Perfect practice makes practice perfect

When I started producing music, I had no musical theory knowledge, no technical mixing expertise, and no real background in software-based production platforms. I didn’t know how; I only had my why I wanted to learn, and it was simple – I wanted to be one of the greatest producers of my generation when I started. This goal made me take action and learn the how as I went on, day in and day out. I gained my experience and eventual mastery of FL Studio through daily repetition and trial and error. There were no “how-to” guides at the time, no videos showing tips and shortcuts, and no guru in my ear to tell me the how. I learned these processes over almost two decades spent working with the software.

Quite simply, even though you have access to this book, you need to start creating daily habits in FL Studio that will allow you to program your mind to become so familiar with it that it becomes a part of your everyday schedule. You must be teachable and open-minded to grasp the concepts. To be teachable, you must not only be motivated to read this book and act immediately after each chapter but also ask yourself, “What am I willing to give up to learn about these frameworks?”. If you are motivated to read and apply this knowledge but not willing to change your life to make time for its contents, then you aren’t teachable. This is a key point – teachability is where willingness to learn and willingness to sacrifice come together.

I intend to help guide you through a system framework that will lessen your own trial and error (although some trial and error is good for creative experimentation). In this book, I will walk you through each step in leveraging FL Studio’s robust system to give you a framework of how successful industry producers make records that work in the marketplace. Although this book is full of tips and tricks on how to maximize your output when using FL Studio, the key point in truly benefiting from this book is that becoming a master of any skill set requires mastering the basics.

Over the last 17 years, I have charted on American and Canadian billboard charts over 12 times, and dozens of times more globally. I have achieved the pinnacle of recognition in our industry with awards and nominations (including a JUNO nomination – the Canadian Grammy equivalent) and have led a career that allowed me to work with some of the most influential artists, songwriters, and producers of all time. This is a direct result of my dedication and “perfect practice” of FL Studio. FL Studio is one of the best digital audio workstations (DAWs) ever created, and if you can truly grasp the concepts I’m about to share with you, you are well on your way to becoming a master of FL Studio.

I say this humbly, but I say this to make a specific point as it relates to “perfect practice.” A concept I was introduced to very early in my career is, “Listen to those who have been where you are and have achieved what you desire.” If you wish to work with legendary artists, chart on billboards, receive awards and recognition from your peers, and be respected as a top creative, then you have come to the right place. In the modern era, there are many “gurus” who teach tips and tricks in their respective fields, yet they have never actually achieved the success they advise on. If you are to truly learn the concepts that work, you need to understand that the saying “practice makes perfect” is a misnomer, for it’s “perfect practice that makes perfect.” Therefore, this book will be your guide on what practical information you need to create “perfect practice.”

I would suggest that if you are to benefit from the framework presented in this book, you should read and reread the book until you fully grasp the concepts. Every time you read the book, you will be at a new place and have a new perspective, as in the case of ingestion of new knowledge, a reader rarely fully grasps all the meta points in a single read. This section is dedicated to setting the mindset that will help you get the most out of what I’m about to share with you. I want to introduce you to a concept that I didn’t invent but stumbled upon early on in my career, which helped me take steps in truly mastering FL Studio. That concept is “the four steps of learning.”

There are four steps of learning that every person goes through when ingesting a new skill set:

Unconscious incompetence – the stage where you don’t know what you don’t know.Conscious incompetence – the stage where you are aware you don’t know what you don’t know.Conscious competence – the stage where you are conscious that you must consciously input effort to achieve results.Unconscious competence – the stage where all masters of skill sets live. You are unconsciously competent and performing the task as if you could perform that skill set while not having to think it through.

Masters of FL Studio utilize it as an extension of their creative arm. So, it is vital that if you are to gain the full benefits of this book, you must practice each step until you have fully grasped each concept to be able to perform the process of record creation unconsciously competently. This is easier said than done – in fact, you should note that you never truly become a master, as you are constantly mastering your skill set. Perfection is but an idea, and it’s subjective in nature. It is the practicing of the correct frameworks that enables you to truly ascend toward the ever-elusive “perfection.”

In addition, these mental framework concepts take five minutes to learn but a lifetime to master (no pun intended). You should know that a master is simply someone who has mastered the basics and continues to build upon their solid foundation upward. It is not that one great record you will create that will enable you to have a career in the music industry, but rather the catalog of work that you will create that will define your accomplishments using FL Studio.

When approaching production in FL Studio, it should be noted that there is, technically speaking, no right or wrong way to create records. Some producers will take a purely technical approach while some may take a totally unorthodox approach, but all arrive at the promised land. Ultimately, music is subjective – its beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The framework I will share with you is what enabled me to have success using my creative approach, but it will be your own creativity coupled with this framework that will drive yours.

Now that we have discussed the concept of perfect practice makes perfect, we will now dig further into the power user’s mindset by discussing what makes the correct mindset and how it will lay the foundation for your technical efforts.

Mindset and using FL Studio

This section will focus on sharing personal experiences and information shared with me by some of the world’s greatest producers, songwriters, and mixing engineers, which are related to staying disciplined and motivated to continue to be teachable when absorbing new information, and about the mindset commonalities successful producers use when executing productions with FL Studio. This section will also include introducing you to the concept of affirmations and how to create and conceptualize them, and ultimately, you will be prompted to create your own affirmations in the Exercise section.

Making hits that work for the masses

I started at the same place as most of you reading this book – I had no money and no experience, just FL Studio and a dream. When I ventured out into the wonderous world of Los Angeles and I had finally managed to get around big producers, engineers, and songwriters, I took the approach of listening and learning before I did anything else.

First, FL Studio is an extremely versatile software tool that must be mastered to create great workflows and workflow habits. Most of FL Studio’s theory comes from trial and error, but there are lessons in what I shall impart to you that I learned from observing other masters at work. There are two concepts called the two pillars of practice, which are as follows:

The pillar of mastery as it relates to mindsetThe pillar of action as it relates to FL Studio

The pillar of mindset rules the pillar of action. Without the correct mindset, your actions are fruitless.

The pillar of mindset shows that the following applies to each master I learned from:

They had a chief objectiveThey believed that the objective was possible, even if it was farfetched and outrageousThey programmed their minds to focus obsessively on their goal by thinking about it dailyThey took daily action toward the goalThey understood that discipline trumps motivation, for motivation gets you going but discipline keepsyou goingThey had a ferocious appetite for learning everything they could about FL StudioThey experimented creatively and technicallyThey aren’t afraid to take risks in creationThey are perfectionists in their own right

Before I share with you the first key lessons that will set the tone of this book, we need to focus on the concept of affirmations, or narrowing down your why.

Successful musicians, producers, engineers, songwriters, and the like all use affirmations to train their subconscious minds to set in motion the action and discipline they will need to start and complete the objective they wish to attain. Think of affirmations as your destination and the technical frameworks of this book as the directions. Affirmations should be recited regularly and updated as goals change. The truth is your subconscious mind doesn’t know whether you are capable of achieving a goal or not. That’s why it is important to affirm within yourself that you can and will attain your goals.

For the purpose of this book, we will focus on affirmations that are related to your skill set as a producer or composer, and the goals someone in this profession may have. It’s important to write down your affirmations and verbalize them in private regularly. I say this because most people who don’t share the same mindset of setting goals will think you are crazy! If your goals aren’t crazy, they aren’t big enough. It’s important when writing affirmations that you frame them when you write them as something that has already been accomplished. When writing an affirmation, you want to write it as if you have already achieved the goal, not as if you want to achieve the goal. We want to affirm that you are heading there, not simply dreaming of heading there.

For example, a bad affirmation would be, “I want to be the best music producer ever.” The reason this affirmation isn’t powerful is because it implies you want to be, not that you are. An example of a good affirmation to the contrary would be, “I’m excited and happy knowing I’m the best music producer ever.” This implies you already are, and not simply wishing you are.

This is very important! So please, take note and practice writing goals and objectives correctly – it absolutely matters, and whether through coincidence or serendipity, you will see your goals unfold if you internalize these objectives through repetition. I want to make it clear, there are a lot of books and seminars that purport simply wishing your goals into existence; this is a misnomer. When you have identified a goal, it must be followed by these:

A genuine internal feeling of excitementConsistent action toward achieving that goal

Without these two components, you are simply just writing words on a page, and it won’t help you internalize the techniques taught in this book. If you are writing goals and affirmations and you feel doubt, negativity, or frustration, that just simply means you need to dial back and focus on the next logical step instead of the objective you feel doubt over. This is important as when you feel doubt, you internally don’t believe you will get the goal, and you won’t! On the contrary, if you feel motivated, positive, and accelerated when you write a goal down, you’re in the sweet spot and you need to follow through with taking action.

Again, let’s simplify the concept of affirmations by following these steps:

Write your objective down as if you have already achieved it.Consciously repeat it to yourself every day.Feel excited and motivated when you repeat it.Take ruthless action until it is achieved.

Remember, objectives are moving targets – you can only go as far as you can see, and when you get there, you will be able to see a little further. Let’s look at some further affirmation examples you can use or modify as they relate to this book:

I’m thrilled and excited that I have mastered FL Studio and have worked with some of the biggest artists and songwriters in the industryI’m grateful that I have earned Grammy Awards and nominations using FL Studio in my genreI’m humbled that I’ve been able to create a career using FL Studio that allows me to earn a fantastic living for myself and my family

Now that we have explored the concept of affirmations and the art of setting goals, we will discuss the concept of viewing growth through the lens of what I call the mental balance scale.

The mental balance scale

Mental balance is simply the idea of taking action on your goals, objectives, and clearly defined affirmations that you must be balanced in your approach to both the how and the why. Although this sounds simple in nature, the truth is (and this may go over your head), the most important part of mental balance is actually your why. The conscious mind nourishes the subconscious, which in turn exerts its influence on your actions and thoughts within your reality.

As we discussed in the Perfect practice makes practice perfect section, without a strong why, you won’t put in the required effort to learn the how. The concept of mental balance is a “conventional thought” or “conventional wisdom.” To be super successful, I need you to start thinking outside of the box, outside of conventional wisdom. Your status as a producer, composer, or arranger using FL Studio is a culmination of all of the thoughts and habits you have created to date. If you continue to think and do what you always thought and done, you will continue to get what you have always got!

All of the most notable producers I have worked with in the business know this, and they continue to be teachable even after all of the success they achieve. They continue to set new goals, they go as far as they can see, and when they get there, they know they can see a little farther. The art of goal setting is knowing that there will always be another step, another aim, another objective once you complete an affirmation. The most successful producers I have worked with, in most cases, aren’t musical geniuses, they weren’t Mozart when they started, but they dreamed big. They had a powerful why that drove them to learn the how as they progressed in their careers.

The truth is with FL Studio, you don’t need to be an expert in musical theory, playing instruments, or composing when you start. FL Studio is a powerful tool that gives you everything you need to make your ideas come to life. It is practicing with the correct mindset that will enable you to master the software and become a great musical theory expert, instrument player, and composer.

Now that we have covered the basics of mindset as it relates to becoming a true power user, I’m going to show you the how.

Using and organizing the Browser and Channel Rack

In this section, you will learn what the Browser and Channel Rack are and how to use them efficiently to create optimum workflow capabilities.

The Browser represents the organization and sound selection palette. This contains all of the FL Studio stock sounds and menu options and will contain the custom workflow folders we will create in this section. The Channel Rack is the tool you will use to plug in sound files (kicks, snares, hi hats, and sound design) to then create rhythmic patterns. The two are intimately connected, as sound files in the Browser will ultimately go into the Channel Rack.

We will now explore both the Browser and Channel Rack in detail in the next sections.

Exploring the Browser tool

This figure is a screenshot of the FL Studio software system:

Figure 1.1: On the left, you will see the Browser, and in the middle, you will see the Channel Rack

The Browser on the left side window is the library to all of your sound kits. Organizing the Browser from the Windows folder externally is key to setting up an optimum workflow. The objective of organizing the Browser is to find the location of your go-to sounds and sound kits that you can begin to memorize through your workflow to create “clicking” habits through repetition, and to organize your go-to sounds into custom folders, which saves you time searching FL’s robust sound kit sections each time you want to start a new production.

For this book, I will be focusing on using the stock sound kits that FL Studio provides, but as you grow as a producer, you will likely purchase or create your own sound design that you will incorporate into your FL Studio workstation folder.

Now, let’s start our journey of learning how to master FL Studio by following these steps:

When you open FL Studio, you will see an option selection on the left side of the window, as seen here:

Figure 1.2: Packs folder within the FL Studio Browser

Clicking the Packs tab will open up FL Studios’ stock selection of sounds, which you can use to start making the bare bones of how your production will sound.

To create your own folders that generate tabs in FL Studio, right-click on Packs and click Open to start using the Windows Explorer tab externally from the software in the location you have installed FL Studio, under the Image-Line folder. Then, you will be able to access the Patches folder, as seen here:

Figure 1.3: Windows Explorer folder, Packs

Note

In Windows 10, the application formerly known as Windows Explorer underwent a transformation and is now referred to as File Explorer. Please note that the terminology and naming may vary depending on the specific version of Windows being used.

By default, FL Studio gets installed in your main drive, under the Image-Line folder. You will then click through the FL Studio 20 | Data | Patches folders. This is where all of your sound kits will be installed and ready for organization.

Once you have accessed the Patches folder, you can create your own folders from within to start organizing the sounds we will create in later chapters. For this example, I’ve chosen to name the new folder Power Users Drum Kit:

Figure 1.4: Power Users Drum Kit folder within the Image-Line install folder

The potential is limitless for how you want to organize your Browser – you may only have one or two folders, or you may have many – it’s up to you what makes sense in your own toolkit and preference.

Once you create the folder, you will now see it populate within FL Studio under the Packs tab in the Browser:

Figure 1.5: Power Users Drum Kit within the Browser

In Chapter 4, we will create drums and WAV sounds so that you can begin to formulate your own unique sound, and ultimately, revisit strengthening your workflow templates to include drums, VSTs, and mixing plugins. For now, we are simply getting you used to organizing the Browser to fit this specific workflow habit.

In addition to creating custom sound design, you may find specific sounds you already have or ones that are within FL Studio and are your favorite – you can simply copy and paste these files into your custom folder to shorten the workflow by “clicking” within the DAW, as I have done here:

Figure 1.6: Windows Explorer | FL Studio 20 | Data | Patches | Packs | Drums | Kicks

In Figure 1.7, we will locate the 808 kick contained in Data | Patches | Packs | Power Users Drum Kit:

Figure 1.7: Windows Explorer folder | FL Studio 20 | Data | Packs | Power Users Drum Kit | 808 Kick

The reality is you do not need a million different kick sounds to create great records. In fact, most of the high-level producers I know typically only use a small number of drum sounds in every record they create (although they mix them according to what type of feel and vibe the record permits – we will discuss this in Chapter 4).

You can start adding your go-to sounds in your custom folder by locating your sound file in the specific FL Studio stock folder, copying the file, and simply pasting it into your own custom folder – this will populate the file in your FL Studio Browser under the Packs tab:

Figure 1.8: The Power Users Drum Kit within the Packs folder within the FL Studio Browser

Viola! You have now created your first workflow benefit by moving your favorite kick into your first custom folder. This allows you to avoid going through each pack in the Browser to find it the next time you wish to use it in a production.

Important note

In Chapter 2, we will delve into utilizing the Piano Roll for crafting custom sound designs and enhancing your workflow practices.

Exploring the Channel Rack

The Channel Rack is one of the most important tools within FL Studio that you can master – it is where you will add your VST’s instruments, and where you will add drum sounds. I use the Channel Rack to create the backbone of my drum sequencing, and ultimately, the foundation for what the track can become. To begin optimizing the workflow and using it efficiently, we need to create a preloaded template with your go-to sound already loaded. This will save you time when you are experimenting with new ideas or just want to explore your creativity.

The following figure shows the Channel Rack. This is located in the main window when you open FL Studio and, by default, populates the center of the screen:

Figure 1.9: The Channel Rack within the FL Studio Browser

To start loading sounds into the Channel Rack, simply right-click the desired sound in the Browser and click Open in new channel, as seen here:

Figure 1.10: The Open in new channel selection

You may ask, if we are organizing files in the Browser, why don’t we just preload everything into a channel rack template? To avoid confusion, understand that a channel rack template is a basic foundational template, and we just want to have our basic sounds loaded – your custom folders may end up having hundreds of different sounds contained within them as you grow your sound design library. So, this is to keep your setup simple and give you the best place to start a new record.

To create a template, we are going to simply add the desired sounds into the Channel Rack. This will import the sound into the Channel Rack. You can do this for as many sounds as you like. Once you have added the desired sounds into the Channel Rack, click FILE | Save as…:

Figure 1.11: Clicking FILE | Save as… within the FL Studio main page window

This will bring up the project folder within the FL Studio Window Explorer. Name your template to your liking, and save the template FLP file. This will now act as your go-to workflow template. Clicking Save will add this FLP file to your Projects folder, and it can now be used for future projects:

Figure 1.12: FILE | Save As, creating a template name

You can get creative with the different templates you want to use. For example, you may wish to create a hip hop template, or a trap template that only preloads specific sounds for those types of productions. I recommend keeping it simple and adding to your templates as you become more comfortable with your production skill set. For example, I have named this template Power Users - Hip Hop Template:

Figure 1.13: FILE | FL Studio | Projects | Save As | File name

Now, let’s talk about how the Playlist tool works, and what we can do with it to create full productions!