How to actually get good at making music
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
There’s something all great artists have in common that no one ever sees.
It’s consistency.
Stay with me on this for a second.
The thing is, consistency can’t really be explained or showcased. You’ll never fully grasp the consistency behind your favourite artist’s craft from an Instagram reel or a YouTube interview.
I’m saying this because it’s one of those painfully obvious ingredients of great art that somehow keeps slipping past us. We know it’s essential, but we often forget that showing up consistently is the only way to create something exceptional.
I remember seeing a post online once where someone asked:
"How did X artist get so good at music production before even releasing their first EP?"
It’s tempting to speculate... maybe they had a mentor, maybe they were just talented, maybe they got lucky.
But unless someone else did it for them, the only possible answer is that they simply put in the time. They made a lot of music, figured out what didn’t work, and kept improving consistently.
There’s no secret. But it feels like there is.
Because no one else sees the consistency.
I might tell you that I showed up at my computer a couple times a week for five years before I released music on my dream label, Clergy.
But even if I explain that to you, words won’t capture the full picture. They won’t show you what it’s really like to spend thousands of hours chasing that invisible spark.
And yet, it’s those invisible hours that are the obvious secret sauce.
On the outside, it looks effortless. But what you’re seeing is a tiny glimpse into the very final result (the music) of years of unseen effort.
I’m not saying this to discourage you. I’m saying it to offer you perspective, and maybe even the permission to be patient with yourself.
Whether you’re doing this purely for fun or aiming to become a serious artist, music isn’t a sprint.
It’s a weird, multi-terrain ultra-marathon with no clear path or finish line. The whole thing is about figuring out how to keep going, how to evolve and how to enjoy the path along the way.
Consistency is the part of the journey every great artist walks, but no one else gets to see.
There are ways to move faster like masterclasses or coaching...
But... there are no shortcuts to consistency.
The only way to do it… is to do it. Over and over again. For a long time. Getting a tiny bit better each time.
What’s kept me going this long? Honestly?
Simply enjoying the act of making music and playing the game of being an artist.
A man who loves walking will always out-walk the man who loves the destination.
So lean into the parts of music-making that bring you joy.
Reduce frustrations and friction.
Find your flow.
Tweak your setup and mindset until showing up becomes something you want to do, even when it’s hard.
Give yourself permission to take the long path. Because the long path is the only one that actually exists.
Now go make some music.
Big love
Eryk Kabay
Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you make better music:
Watch my techno production masterclasses. Learn beyond the surface-level ‘how-to’ and get a deeper understanding of the 'why' and 'when' to make better decisions in all your future tracks. View the masterclasses here.
Join my 1:1 music production coaching. Resolve overwhelm and confusion and become a more creative and authentic artist. Learn how to make professionally sounding music that's uniquely yours. Find out more and apply here.
Get your music mastered, mixed or get feedback. Is your music nearly finished? I will help you make it sound the best it can and get it ready to release into the world. Find out more about my music services.
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