Beginner producers, what are your 2 biggest challenges?

[digitalxero]

The second challenge I have is exploring the sound capabilities I already have instead of buying or getting new instruments. I still have trouble playing around with synths and other instruments to find sounds I can use now or in the future.

Same. It's always fun to look at the shiny new synth with all the cool sounds but I have to keep reminding myself that I have a ton of instruments already, and I can get so much more mileage out of them if I spend time playing around with even just a couple.

My other challenge I find is coming up with interesting melodies, a lot of times I feel somewhat braindead until I stumble into something I actually like.

[yanwenli]

The hardest part is finishing entire songs as opposed to trying out new ideas and melodies

[thecontrolcentre]

Sex
Drugs

[Spencer Maddox]

The second challenge I have is exploring the sound capabilities I already have instead of buying or getting new instruments. I still have trouble playing around with synths and other instruments to find sounds I can use now or in the future.

Same. It's always fun to look at the shiny new synth with all the cool sounds but I have to keep reminding myself that I have a ton of instruments already, and I can get so much more mileage out of them if I spend time playing around with even just a couple.

...Its been 5 Years and I still do this

[3lu5iv3]

For me these 2 are the biggest challenges.

1. Finishing a tune.
2. Making a track that doesn't sound the same.

[clipnotic]

I collected over 5000 CDs and records and my goal is to become better like them and the day will come ...

[Unaspected]

Sex
Drugs

Challenges, not rewards.

Oh, this turned out to be serious thread.

It did. Kind of. Meh.

[Distorted Horizon]

Sex
Drugs

Challenges, not rewards.

Too much of either can quickly turn into a punishment instead of a reward

[elxsound]

For myself, the largest challenge I have is mastering. There are so many different techniques and strategies and my ears can't really pick up on subtle changes in the sound yet.

The second challenge I have is exploring the sound capabilities I already have instead of buying or getting new instruments. I still have trouble playing around with synths and other instruments to find sounds I can use now or in the future.

It might not be mastering that you're looking at. Try to break up your workflow into sections so you actually finish projects and then "change hats," as you go. Mastering is the final stage before distribution on a given media type (streaming, video, movie, vinyl, video game).

Mixing is most likely what you're referring to, and its important to learn a single workflow before discovering your own. There are so many free videos out there, but try to find just one mixing engineer (even if you don't like the music type) and follow them/learn their workflow for mixing. You'll develop your own method without wasting time on different gear, different plugins, different methods before understanding why you want something different.

Stick with one synth as long as you can and learn the basics... most synths in commercially released music are very basic sounds, so the learning curve is not as steep as it might seem like when just starting out.

[elxsound]

For me these 2 are the biggest challenges.

1. Finishing a tune.
2. Making a track that doesn't sound the same.

You're probably still creating music the same way you listen to it.

Its time to study what you like.

Break someone else's track apart that you like. Start with breaking down the format of the track and define the sections (what's repeated/what's not). Learn the cord changes and pay attention to how they moved into the next section (note variations, lead-in notes/chord changes, drum fills, filter sweeps, etc...).

In the end, the amount of time spent dissecting a song you like is far less than the time wasted playing back loops you created.

[elxsound]

1. Hearing
2. Evaluating advice from the internets

1 & 2 = Wrong career path. Psychology is your future and KVRaudio could easily become your client base. Focus on Gear Acquisition Syndrome cessation programs (but make sure to entice everyone with something shiny).

[elxsound]

Sex
Drugs

These goals seem attainable, so there's still hope for you yet.

[3lu5iv3]

For me these 2 are the biggest challenges.

1. Finishing a tune.
2. Making a track that doesn't sound the same.

You're probably still creating music the same way you listen to it.

Its time to study what you like.

Break someone else's track apart that you like. Start with breaking down the format of the track and define the sections (what's repeated/what's not). Learn the cord changes and pay attention to how they moved into the next section (note variations, lead-in notes/chord changes, drum fills, filter sweeps, etc...).

In the end, the amount of time spent dissecting a song you like is far less than the time wasted playing back loops you created.

Thanks for the tip.

[clipnotic]

if there would be a mixing VST which mixes everything automatically perfect with just one click, I could finish one track daily

[jzero]

Easy mix recipe:
1. Turn down the volume really low
2. Listen
3. Can you hear all the parts equally well?
If no, turn down the loudest part and go step 2
If yes, stop: you've got a good basic mix.