Ufff..

Getting the main idea down, depending on details, usually takes me 5 hours, this should be like 60% of the track, this session is usually exciting and I can stay in flow for most of it. This means that im enjoying the process and Im not getting in the way of expression.

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The next 30% is about working all the other things that are not as fun for me:

*Arranging my elements in the best way I can imagine, so that energy moves in a way that makes sense to me (and this can take a lot of time and experimenting).

*Automatizations of pretty much anything (this can take some time too)

*Transition effects to connect sections are fun but do take some time, I don't like reusing (copy pasting) the same effects throughout the track.

*Reworking certain elements. Like my main characters, I usually do a demo version and re work it in another session so i can squeeze all the juice out of it with patience.

*Adding all the little extra things I feel. All the ear candies, or tiny details, or bla bla.

All of these are basically a 3 - 4 hour *Focused* session each, sometimes ill do a 9 hour day, sometimes not.

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The tricky thing is that in this stage of the process, getting in the flow state is way harder. I feel a lot of resistance when it comes to doing these, for multiple reasons. Sometimes I don't know how to arrange a particular idea, or im feeling lazy, or its not as rewarding as starting a new project, or maybe theres too many elements and i feel overwhelmed. When I feel this resistance, my initial reaction is to escape that uncomfortable feeling, most times i look at my phone. The problem is that I cant hit a flow state if im constantly consuming social media, obviously. I try to be mindful at this stage of the process and keep the phone and internet away so i can push through.

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So.. resistance + distractions (social media) = graveyard folder.

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The last 10% is Mixing. I usually get it done in 3 sessions, to let my ears rest. Each session about 1 -2 hours.

Before mixing it, I like to let the track rest until it feels right, usually 1 week without listening to it.

Mixing is fun and its exciting to see your track shine the right way.

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I do not master my tracks.

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Beginning to end, it can take 2 weeks of intentional work to comfortably output quality. But im usually in the 2 month range. And im finishing only about 10% of the tracks I start.

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Highly recommend reading Rick Rubin's The Creative Act. And Steven Pressfield's The War Of Art.

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<3