How do you keep your songs simple?

[gibson87]

My main genre is progressive house and I'm still learning but my biggest hurdle right now is deciding what the song needs and what it doesn't need. I've noticed that when I listen to my finished tracks there's a ton of stuff that doesn't really need to be in there and it makes the mix sound way too busy.

So, how do you keep it simple and decide what a song needs?

[Jaknife]

Just to clarify, my version of keeping it simple means that the structure of the song is done before the sfx and other sounds are there.

For example, sometimes i grab a kick and work on that, or a chord and a melody and put in 8 blocks, 16 if I feel like it.

The point is, if you put too much from the get go, you won't know what's wrong in the first place, so "keep it simple" from the beginning so you won't get lost.

[musikbear]

My main genre is progressive house and I'm still learning but my biggest hurdle right now is deciding what the song needs and what it doesn't need. I've noticed that when I listen to my finished tracks there's a ton of stuff that doesn't really need to be in there and it makes the mix sound way too busy.

So, how do you keep it simple and decide what a song needs?

Good advice from Jaknife
I just would add that before you have a great melody, no effects should be added at all.
Most great composer only uses a grand-piano, and everything else comes after the good melody has been created

Besides that, since you are new in Forum
Welcome gibson87 !
Here are all important links:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=4740
-A few rules and useful forum instructions

[D-Mitry]

My main genre is progressive house and I'm still learning but my biggest hurdle right now is deciding what the song needs and what it doesn't need. I've noticed that when I listen to my finished tracks there's a ton of stuff that doesn't really need to be in there and it makes the mix sound way too busy.

So, how do you keep it simple and decide what a song needs?

I am still learning as well. In fact, my songs might be too simple. To find a balance, start small, and build the song, gradually making it more complex. Then eventually you will know when to stop adding stuff. This is my formula:
1. Create a simple melody in my head (for the chorus).
2. Put the melody in LMMS, using an instrument that sounds closest to the instrument in my head.
3. When making a song in my head, i usually have a beat in my head as well. So I find the drums, hats, claps etc, that sound closest to the ones in my head, and place them in the beat editor, in the way it sounds in my head.
4. That Beat + Chorus melody is my foundation. I build the song further from there.
5. Then I create my verses, and my pre-choruses, and my bridge.
6. I like when a song starts simple, and slowly becomes more complex. So my first verse, first prechorus, and first chorus must be the simplest. My second verse, second prechorus, and second chorus, must be a little more complex. My bridge can either be complex, or simple, depending on the song. If the bridge is simple, then the final chorus is usually the most complex part of the song (I want the ending of the song to sound epic). But if the bridge is complex and epic, then I usually make the final chorus simple, to bring the song back down.

So I would say, that you can make your songs simpler, by only making them complex, where they need to be. Also, complexity can be a good thing. As long as the melodies go well together, you use the right effects, and your beat is in sync with the melody, then complexity can be a good thing. Also, repetition can help make your song simpler. Too much repetition can make the song boring. But a little can add some simplicity, and make it easier to hum along with.

[brandystarbrite]

My main genre is progressive house and I'm still learning but my biggest hurdle right now is deciding what the song needs and what it doesn't need. I've noticed that when I listen to my finished tracks there's a ton of stuff that doesn't really need to be in there and it makes the mix sound way too busy.

So, how do you keep it simple and decide what a song needs?

Start with your favourite best melody, and then figure out the rest of the track from there.

PS: The guys above gave some good advice too. Feel free to check it out.

[rosydam]

Keeping a progressive house track simple and focused is a common challenge for producers, and it's a great sign that you're recognizing this in your own work. Here are some tips to help you decide what your song needs and what it doesn't:

During Production:

Focus on the core elements: Start with a strong melodic hook, a driving bassline, and a rhythmic foundation. These are the essential building blocks of progressive house.
Layering with purpose: Before adding new elements, ask yourself: "Does this add to the atmosphere or progression of the track?" Avoid adding sounds just for the sake of filling space.
Less is More Mentality: It's easier to remove elements later than to add them back in. Start with a relatively sparse arrangement and gradually build things up.
Use Automation: Automate elements like filters, volume, and effects to create movement and interest within the track without adding clutter. This can make a simple element sound more dynamic.
Reference Tracks: Listen to professional progressive house tracks that you admire and pay attention to how they use space and arrangement. Identify sections where the producer brings elements in and out to create tension and release.
Mixing and Mastering:

EQ is your friend: Use EQ to carve out space for each element in the mix. This allows everything to breathe and be heard clearly without clashing.
Sidechain compression: Sidechaining your bassline to other elements, like synths or pads, can create rhythmic pumping and improve clarity.
Grouping: Group similar elements together (drums, percussion, synths) and process them with shared EQ and compression. This helps glue elements together and avoid them sounding isolated.
Mastering for Clarity: A well-mastered track will have a clear and defined sound, even with a relatively sparse arrangement.