How to stop copying and start creating your own sound

three metal puzzle pieces together

As electronic music artists, we all have our favourite producers we look up to and admire.

At some point in our journey, we end up trying to copy them, or others. You discover a track that blows your mind… and next thing you know, you’re in the studio trying to recreate it.

In some ways, it can be productive. You’re solving problems, learning techniques, flexing your creative muscle in a new way.

But somewhere along the way, it will take you away from what's truly important.

Instead of walking our own path, we end up following one someone else has already mastered.

A small but powerful shift in mindset is to stop copying and start combining.

Take the things you love about your favourite music and make them your own.

Instead of replicating someone else's style, try to understand why it speaks to you.

Identify the qualities that move you, and combine their essence into your own voice.

This is how we soak up inspiration without falling into the trap of imitation.

Because if you try to copy something that already exists, all you’ll end up with is a worse version of it.

The real goal is to nurture, refine and discover your own path as an artist.

So take a moment right now and ask yourself:

What is it about my favourite artists' music that tickles my soul in a special way?

Here’s what it is for me:

• Some of my favourite artists create memorably powerful moments on the club dancefloor.
  

• Others have a rhythmic low-end that carries driving energy and commands your body to move.
  

• Many use abstract, one-of-a-kind sounds that feel alien yet familiar.
  

• And a lot of them combine those elements into complex, intriguing rhythms.

These are the qualities that deeply resonate with me.

And because I know that, I can use them as ingredients, not templates.

I’m not copying anyone. I’m combining the things that inspire me and channelling them through my own creative lens and musical taste.

I let my own voice lead the way, using the signposts left behind by the artists I admire.

Of course, to do that well, you do need the technical skills to achieve those qualities. That’s where things like tutorials, masterclasses, or even ‘copying’ a track as an exercise, can actually help a lot.

It’s something I work on with artists in my music production coaching: breaking down techniques so you understand the how, why and when to build the sound you’re chasing yourself.

But once you’ve learned the techniques, it’s time to stop copying and start creating.

Combine your influences. Experiment. Refine.

And in the process, you’ll start developing a sound that’s uniquely your own.

The music that moves you holds clues, not instructions. Follow its whispers, not its footprints.

Now go pull off some creative alchemy and make music that YOU genuinely like <3 Big love

Eryk Kabay

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