In an exclusive interview, Alden Song, a renowned music producer and DJ with over a decade in the scene, shares his journey, creative process, and the tools behind his powerful tracks.
Early Beginnings and Inspiration
Alden Song’s passion for music began at the tender age of seven. “The drive to DJ has always been there and naturally evolved into music production,” he recalls.
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the NYC House music scene of the 90s, with his father being a DJ, Alden was inspired to follow in his footsteps.
“My parents and their friends were in the NYC House music scene in the 90s and still are. My dad is a DJ and when I was young, he inspired me to DJ myself.”
Learning the Craft
Alden’s journey into music production was nurtured by a creative-focused preschool and a supportive family.
“I started with GarageBand and discovered the basics of making music through its premade loops,” he explains.
As his skills grew, he transitioned to using Ableton Live 9, which remains his favorite Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to this day. “A great quote I heard was – ‘Ableton is infinite.’ I feel like I’m always learning new things.”
Tools of the Trade
When it comes to plugins and effects, Alden has a few go-to choices.
“My favorite wavetable synth plugins are Serum and Diva for electronic basses and leads,” he says.
He also utilizes Native Instruments plugins like Hybrid Keys, Analog Dreams, and The Grandeur for a more organic feel. For effects, Valhalla reverbs, Saturn 2, and RC-20 are his top picks.
“My favorite at the moment is Saturn because the distortion is super warm and clean.”
Creative Process
Alden’s creative process is all about capturing ideas quickly.
“I always like getting the idea out of my head as quickly as possible, so I usually have the basic outline of the song in about an hour or two,” he shares.
He emphasizes the importance of having every tool in your DAW accessible to avoid losing creative momentum.
Studio Setup
Alden has built his own home studio, equipped with a Mac mini connected to an ultra-wide monitor, an Apollo Twin X audio interface, and JBL 3 Series MKII speakers.
“I have been collecting my gear for years and it serves me well,” he notes.
His setup also includes a Moog Subsequent 37 analog synthesizer and a Behringer RD-9 drum machine. Recently, he added a Mojave microphone to his collection for working with vocalists.
Advice for Aspiring Producers
For those looking to perfect their productions, Alden offers valuable advice:
“Take inspiration from everywhere and incorporate it into your music. Be less hard on yourself and stop comparing your music to others. Love the process of making music and with that, your music will sound better.”
Why This Matters
Understanding Alden Song’s approach to music production provides valuable insights for music producers.
His emphasis on creativity, quick idea execution, and the importance of accessible tools can inspire producers to refine their own workflows.
Additionally, his advice on drawing inspiration from various sources and enjoying the process highlights the importance of passion and perseverance in the music industry.
For more tips and resources on music production, check out these related articles on important music production tips for beginners and the best online music production courses.
Alden Song’s journey from just a music lover to a DJ and producer is really inspiring. Moving from having a simple interest in music to actually making your own sounds is no small feat. Shows how passion can really drive a person.
whats aldens go-to plugin for bass lines? need something that punches but doesn’t drown everything else out. anyone got ideas?
You might want to look into sidechain compression plugins. They help your bass punch through without overwhelming the mix. Lots of tutorials out there!
any tips on how alden keeps his workflow efficient? keeps mentioning quick idea capture but hows he do it exactly?
Alden’s approach to capturing ideas quickly is something a lot of us can learn from. It’s all too easy to get caught in the weeds and lose those initial sparks. Props to him for keeping it efficient.
studio gear is cool and all, but can alden song make a banger using only a kazoo? asking for a friend.
While Alden mentions his favorite plugins, it’s crucial to remember that tools are just one part of the equation. Skills and creativity determine the final product’s quality. What do you think makes the biggest difference in music production?
totally agree with you! seen people make amazing stuff on bare-bones setups. it’s all about how you use what you got.
Alden’s story is a testament to where dedication and passion can take you. It’s not just about the tools, but about the drive and creativity. Very inspiring for anyone in the music field.
yeah man, stories like this make me wanna lock in my room and just make beats all day. so pumped.
It’s amazing how artists like Alden Song break down their process and share it with the world. Gives beginners a roadmap to follow. Big ups to sheryll for spotlighting this.
alden’s advice to new producers is gold. it’s all about the grind and staying true to your sound. gonna apply some of this to my guitar sessions too.