The invisible element of great music

empty background with a slight shadow visible

Every sound in your track consists of the sound itself and the empty space around it.

Just as a wave needs both peaks and dips, music is made from the notes you play and the silence you leave between them.

The time between the notes influences their impact just as much as the notes themselves.

I was blind to this creative insight for too long. I’d cram as many notes into my melody and layer sounds until the track felt filled to the brim every time.

There is a time and place for that, but...

When I finally realised that silence carries its own power, how I hear and make music has changed forever.

The same principle applies to the number of elements in your mix. Giving your composition space becomes an effect in itself: it creates a sense of confidence, shapes atmosphere and directs the listener’s attention to each element.

In arrangement, removing a sound can hit as hard as adding one.

Becoming aware of space and emptiness during production is empowering. Once you start listening for those gaps, you’ll hear music in a fresh way.

Try listening to one of your favourite tracks and focus on the silences and space as much as the sounds. It’s a quick exercise that will help you adjust your perception.

Try it right now or next time you’re in the studio :) Then take that perception and consider it as you're creating. Now go make some music <3

Big love

Eryk Kabay

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