How to stop repeating yourself by avoiding the same habits 1
Have you ever listened to a track you just finished, only to realise it sounds eerily similar to something you’ve made before? It’s a familiar feeling for many producers. While developing a personal style is essential, there’s a fine line between having a signature sound and falling into a repetitive loop of using the same sounds and techniques over and over. The challenge is finding ways to create fresh, exciting music without losing your unique identity as a producer.
In this post, we’ll explore why tracks start sounding similar and will provide practical strategies, like the “avoidance list”, to help you break the cycle of repetition and keep your music sound distinct.
Why do tracks start sounding the same?
The comfort of familiarity
As producers, we tend to gravitate toward familiar tools and techniques – whether it’s the same sample packs, synth patches, or drum patterns we’ve used countless times before. There’s a sense of comfort in knowing what works, and often, we don’t realise how much we rely on these elements until it’s too late.
Over time, this familiarity can lead to tracks that feel like they’re stuck on repeat. You might not even notice it while you’re in the zone, but days or weeks later, when you come back to the track with fresh ears, the similarities stand out.
Personal style vs. repetition
There’s a big difference between having a signature style and producing tracks that sound identical. Developing a unique sound is crucial, but that doesn’t mean every track should follow the same formula.
In certain genres, like electronic dance music, consistency is expected. The audience often enjoys predictability in structure and sound design. However, if you’re producing music where experimentation and innovation are key, falling back on the same techniques can make your work feel stagnant. If you’re starting to feel like you’re repeating yourself, it might be time to break out of the loop.
Breaking the cycle: The “Avoidance list” strategy
Identify the repeated elements
The first step in breaking the cycle is to identify what’s being repeated in your tracks. As you listen to your new track, pay attention to the following areas:
- Sound Design: Are you always using the same sound sources or the same effect chains?
- Harmony: Do your chord progressions or keys feel familiar?
- Melody: Is the lead line similar to something you’ve already done?
- Rhythm: Do your drum patterns always follow a certain structure?
- Form: Are you using the same arrangement or track structure?
Once you’ve pinpointed the repeated elements, create a list of attributes to avoid in your next project. This will serve as your “avoidance list,” helping you break free from the habits that are making your tracks sound too similar.
Example of an avoidance list
Here’s an example of what an avoidance list might look like:
- Stay away from 128-130 bpm: Try faster or slower tempos.
- Avoid 808 samples: Experiment with FM drums or processed acoustic sounds.
- No “wood” sounds in percussion: Look for alternative textures like white noise or metallic elements.
- No filter cutoff/resonance sweeps: Explore FM synthesis for timbral changes instead.
- Less sidechaining: Write a bassline that avoids the kick, rather than relying on ducking.
- Stop using only two chords: Challenge yourself to create a more complex chord progression.
- No chopped vocals: Try using spoken word samples or other organic sources.
Create alternatives
Once you’ve written your avoidance list, think of alternatives for each element. This can save you time when you’re working on your next track and help you understand why you’ve relied on certain techniques in the past. For instance, if you notice you always use ping pong delays to fill space, experiment with other types of delay or add more layers of musical material.
The key is to not just avoid something but to explore new ideas in its place. If you tend to rely on sidechaining for movement, experiment with using dynamic bass lines that don’t require ducking under the kick.
Why the avoidance list works: Forcing creativity
One of the biggest benefits of the avoidance list is that it forces you to get creative. By deliberately restricting familiar techniques, you’re pushing yourself to find new ways to approach your track. This kind of constraint can actually fuel creativity, as it encourages you to explore unfamiliar territory.
Expanding your sound palette
As you move away from your usual habits, you’ll naturally expand your sound palette. Experimenting with different synthesis methods, samples, or arrangements will bring fresh elements into your music and keep it from sounding stale.
For example, if you typically use a room reverb to create a sense of space, try working with a convolution reverb for a change. This simple shift can drastically alter the atmosphere of your track, giving it a completely different feel.
Recognising habits and challenges
The avoidance list also helps you recognise your creative habits, both good and bad. You might find that you’re using certain techniques as a crutch to avoid tackling deeper challenges in your production.
Maintaining your personal style: Stay true to your identity
While the avoidance list encourages you to break free from repetitive habits, it doesn’t mean abandoning your personal style. The goal is to refine your sound, not completely change it. Use this technique to evolve your music and explore new dimensions while staying true to your identity as an artist.
Experiment within boundaries
It’s possible to push boundaries and experiment without losing the essence of your music. If minimalism is a key part of your sound, for instance, try finding new ways to express that minimalism – whether through different textures, tempos, or structural choices.
Conclusion
Producing music that doesn’t sound repetitive is a common challenge for many producers, but using techniques like the avoidance list can help you keep your sound fresh while still maintaining your personal style. By breaking old habits and forcing yourself to explore new ideas, you’ll be able to create tracks that stand out and feel exciting.
So next time you sit down to work on a track, make an avoidance list and challenge yourself to go beyond your usual boundaries. You’ll be surprised by how much your music can grow.
