3 minute read
ADAM PITS / FINDING A PATH IN PRODUCTION
TOOLBOX FINDING A PATH IN PRODUCTION
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WITH ADAM PITS
INTRODUCTION
Navigating a career in music production can be tough. From what equipment to get to grips with first, what music to make to how that record then enters the world, there are enough plates spinning to make even the most creatively equipped feel dizzy. I spoke to Adam Pits, DJ, producer and co-founder of label On Rotation, to get to the bottom of how his journey shaped his approach, and what tips he’d give to budding producers and labels.
HOW DID YOU FIRST ENTER THE WORLD OF PRODUCTION?
“My musical journey has been slightly unorthodox having come from a relatively strict classical background, but I’m very aware of the positive benefits that I’ve gained from my training so I don’t regret the path I have taken so far!”
TALK US THROUGH YOUR PROCESS OF RELEASING A RECORD.
“The aim is to connect first with a distribution company that you trust and can see having a good relationship with. Once you have a good understanding of the deal, then it's actually mostly worked out by them.
“The creative side of things is fully down to you and your team; like artwork, musical direction and artists. The current state of pressing plants means that there are many delays on vinyl pressings so it's important to plan ahead and make sure that you've got releases sorted and mastered to keep things ticking along for when spaces clear up. “Once you have a release date it's good to sort out the promotion side of things. Finding YouTube and Soundcloud channels that fit your sound and will reach your target audience is key.
“We tend to do this a month before, staggering track
premieres. During this month we also push on all of our social media platforms to further our audience reach. Once the record is released, you hope for the best!”
WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU’D KNOWN AT THE TIME OF YOUR FIRST RELEASE?
“I wish I knew how to produce better at the time of my first personal release. Having technical knowledge of how to mix down tracks is so essential to the final product being good. This is a never-ending game of learning though so I've accepted that mistakes are fine and they are all part of the journey. “It actually makes what I do more addictive - knowing that I'll always be learning and never getting bored is a beautiful thing.”
Words by Abi Whistance
IS THERE ANY EQUIPMENT THAT YOU HAVE INVESTED IN THAT HAS MADE PRODUCTION EASIER?
“Absolutely - 100% Ableton 11. I moved from Logic Pro X and it has been a game-changer. I don't regret starting with Logic as I think it's given me a different type of skill set, but I would suggest to any budding producers that you also make the switch if you have not yet done so.
“Don’t waste your time buying hardware gear unless you really need that natural touch of feeling the instrument. I've saved so much money having not done that and I personally think working in-box is far more productive. The best soft synth out there is DIVA by U-he in my opinion. Powerful and intuitive.” Keep up to date with Leeds label On Rotation via their Facebook page and their Instagram @on.rotation.music.
Adam Pits’ latest release "A Recurring Nature" is out now on On Rotation.
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