From Meh to Masterpiece: 9 Tips to Actually Finish Your Tracks
Let’s be real: starting a track is easy.
You bang out a 16-bar loop, vibe for a bit, maybe send it to your mate like “bro thoughts??” - and then it dies on your hard drive forever. RIP.
But finishing a track? Getting it release-ready?
That’s where the real graft starts.
Here’s how to stop making endless loops and actually get your sh*t finished.
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1. Arrange Like You Mean It
Looping the same 8 bars for 3 hours is not arranging - that’s a hostage situation.
Think about the journey you want your track to take. Build tension, switch things up, bring in new elements when it makes sense.
Make people feel something - or at least stop scrolling TikTok.
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2. Don’t Chuck Sounds in for Vibes - Layer Wisely
More sounds ≠ better track.
Clashing frequencies? Muddy mix? Annoying to listen to? Yeah, that’s on you.
Use layers that complement each other. EQ the junk out. Make space. Let things breathe.
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3. Automation = Spice
If your track feels flat, it probably is.
Automate your filters. Mess with the reverb. Tweak the volume. Make sh*t move.
Your tune should feel alive.
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4. Reference. Everything. Always.
Compare your mix to a track that slaps in the club.
Ask: Does mine hit as hard? Too quiet? Bass sounding like wet cardboard?
This isn’t copying - it’s calibrating. Trust.
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5. Stop Smashing the Compressor
A little compression? Lovely.
Crushing the life out of your kick and calling it “glue”? Not lovely.
Keep it tight, not dead. Preserve the energy, yeah?
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6. Give Your Ears a Breather
Don’t mix for 4 hours straight like you’re doing penance.
Your ears get hammered fast. Step away. Touch grass. Come back with fresh perspective and fewer regrets.
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7. Feedback Isn’t Just for Uni Assignments
Get a mate to listen. Ask your crew. Hit up someone who’s not afraid to say “hmm... this part’s a bit sh*t.”
You’ll be amazed at what you’ve gone deaf to.
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8. Learn Basic Mastering (Like, Bare Minimum)
You don’t need to be the next Mandy Parnell. But knowing how to throw together a rough DJ master? Essential. Just enough to test it in a mix or send it to someone for a spin. Leave the deep mastering wizardry to the pros.
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9. Label Your Damn Files
Final_2_FINAL_MASTER_FINAL.wav is a crime.
Be organised. Version stuff properly. Put your name AND a title. Make backups. Future You will thank you, and DJs you send that sh*t to might actually remember who you are.
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TL;DR: Finish Strong or Don’t Bother
Polished tracks don’t appear out of nowhere. They come from doing the work.
These tips won’t magically make your tune better - but they will get it finished, and that’s half the battle.
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