Is it OK to produce in other genres?
Is it OK to produce in other genres?
This is a question I often get asked - and have asked myself loads over the years!
As a music producer, with all the amazing tools at our disposal, the possibilities are almost endless of what we could create. And when one is starting out, it is exciting to try out all the different sounds & instruments.
This is totally normal, and one of the best things about being a music producer in the 2020’s!
However, when we look at our favourite artists, a lot of them have a strong sonic and visual identity that they don’t often veer from.
Even experimental artists like Bjork are almost instantly recognisable.
So, is it OK to produce in different genres?
The answer is YES!
Read on below for practical advice in this….
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Here are some reasons why it is totally OK:
You can learn lots of techniques you’d never have known about - which you can then take back to your “main” genre
It reflects the different emotions and feelings you have, and you should always be in tune with these as an artist.
You’ll create tracks that might not fit in with any singles you want to release, but the material could be amazing as album or EP tracks.
It also reflects your diverse listening habits.
It might happen In electronic music less - but in the rock & band world, quite often mixing songs of different styles, tempos and feelings into one set is common
So yes, for these reasons and more, it is totally OK to produce in different genres, and you should never beat yourself up for this.
Here are some other points to think about when you get to the stage of releasing music:
Artists with their own sonic & visual identity usually have spent years experimenting and developing this sound. You should allow yourself time to grow too.
You don’t have to release everything you make - feel free to show your friends and family; but when it comes to releasing material it is good to consider what works together and develop your sonic identity
Large acts do this, EG Boards of Canada have talked about making tracks in completely different genres, like 60’s rock. Often, they will re-sample it and work it into material that fits their sound more.
If you really do want to release completely different styles of music, consider using a different artist name and visual identity for each project. It is a bit like when people in a band have a side project.
If you have any questions or want to chat about this further, give me an email!
