When listening to a song, how can you tell it’s from a beginner vs seasoned producer. I feel like this can help gauge our own progress! Here’s my list and curious to hear others:
Seasoned:
Ideas are clearer, you can identify it immediately
Fewer sounds/tracks and each one feels more intentional
Tracks sound less “flat” (tracks are layered in interesting ways to give it depth, there’s modulation and details into effects used)
Fewer effects, and used very intentionally
The arrangement feels like a cohesive journey, not too many gimmicky drops to reel you in.
Beginners:
Unclear ideas (the song is hard the follow)
The beat doesn’t carry you through the song (often changes suddenly)
Feels flat (almost like using stock instruments, loops)
The reverse: too many effects that makes it hard to hear the sound
Too many tracks competing against each other
Sounds super super cinematic. Alright for something experimental though.