How to Make Music EDM for Free?

With the surge in EDM (Electronic Dance Music) popularity, many aspiring musicians dream of creating their tracks but often face the barrier of expensive equipment and software. The good news is, it's entirely possible to produce EDM music without spending a dime. This article will guide you on how to make music for free and specifically focus on creating EDM tracks.

Getting Started with Free DAWs

The first step in making music is to choose a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). While many professional DAWs come with hefty price tags, several free options are available that offer fantastic features for beginners. Some popular free DAWs include:

• Tracktion T7: A fully-featured DAW with unlimited MIDI and audio tracks, powerful editing features, and a simple interface.
• Waveform Free: A successor to Tracktion T7, with modern enhancements and an intuitive workflow.
• GarageBand: Available for Mac users, GarageBand offers a user-friendly interface with built-in instruments and loops to kickstart your music production.

Utilizing Free VST Plugins

Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plugins are essential in producing EDM music. They can be instruments or effects that you integrate into your DAW. Here are some fantastic free VST plugins to consider:

• Synth1: A versatile and classic synth plugin perfect for creating EDM sounds.
• Dexed: Ideal for creating FM synthesis sounds, perfect for modern and classic EDM genres.
• TAL-BassLine: A straightforward bass plugin to create deep, punchy basslines.
• OTT: A multiband compressor that's a staple in the EDM industry for adding punch to your tracks.

Finding Samples and Loops for Free

Samples and loops are the building blocks of EDM music, often used to enhance tracks with drums, vocals, and effects. There are many websites where you can find free samples and loops, including:

• Splice: Although primarily a paid service, Splice offers a variety of free samples each month.
• Loopmasters: Known for providing high-quality samples, they also offer a selection for free.
• Freesound: A community-driven website where users upload and share their free sound samples.

Learning Resources and Tutorials

Learning how to produce EDM music is an essential step for beginners. Fortunately, numerous resources are available online for free:

• YouTube Channels: Channels such as EDMProd and SeamlessR offer comprehensive tutorials on EDM production.
• Online Forums: Websites like Reddit and Gearslutz have active communities discussing EDM tips and tricks.
• Blogs: Many artists and producers share their knowledge on personal blogs and music production websites.

Recording Your Own Sounds

Innovation in EDM often comes from unique sounds. You can record your own sounds using a simple recording setup, such as a USB microphone. Many DAWs include tools for recording and editing your audio clips.

Mixing and Mastering Your Track

Once your track is complete, mixing and mastering are crucial steps to ensure it sounds polished. Here are some free tools to help with this process:

• Audacity: A free, open-source audio editor perfect for finalizing your track.
• Voxengo Span: A spectrum analyzer that helps identify frequency balance in your mix.
• iZotope Ozone Imager: A free imaging plugin to add width and depth to your music.

Distributing Your Music

After crafting your EDM masterpiece, it's time to share it with the world. Platforms like SoundOn allow you to distribute your music globally, reaching new fans and building your career. With partnerships including TikTok and CapCut, you can maximize your track's visibility.

Networking and Collaboration

Building connections with other EDM producers can open doors to new opportunities. Join online communities, attend virtual mixing sessions, and participate in remix contests. Collaboration not only enhances your skills but also expands your network within the industry.

Conclusion

Making music, especially EDM, for free is more accessible than ever thanks to the plethora of tools and resources available online. By utilizing free DAWs, VST plugins, samples, and learning resources, you can start your music production journey without breaking the bank. Take advantage of music distribution platforms like SoundOn to share your creations with a global audience and continue developing your craft through collaboration and networking.