Making Music: More Than Just a Mood

It's not just about day-to-day vibes.

Creating music is a complex journey. It involves a mix of factors: the producer's technical skills, their life experiences, the evolution of their musical tastes, and even their socio-economic background. But here’s the kicker: you don’t need fancy equipment to make impactful music. I once made a beat using just a paper clip, a rock, and a table. Believe it or not, it turned out pretty cool! Many artists take this concept further by sampling simple sounds and weaving them into intricate productions. One of my favorite unreleased tracks is called "bubble wrap swagged tf out." I used the pop of bubble wrap as the snare in the beat. Stay tuned; more beats like this are on the way!

What am I listening to while writing this?

(Cue Episodes by Gucci Mane)

One-Take Originality: The Key to Timeless Music

For me, it’s all about that one-take originality that might stand the test of time. Only time will tell, but I believe the music I create has the potential to resonate for years to come. In 50 years, I hope someone listens to a beat I made and says, “Wow, they were onto something different.” I don’t create music with that idea in mind; I just make music because I love it, and I trust that it will find its way.

Reminiscing with Mac Miller's "Kool Aid and Frozen Pizza"

"I smoke herb, then I make music.

I don't even talk about it, boy, I just do it."

KISS: Keep It Stupid Simple

My soccer coach used to say KISS, or Keep It Stupid Simple. No, he wasn’t talking about the legendary rock band. He meant making the easy passes instead of attempting a lob down the field for a bicycle kick. But hey, KISS might actually offer some insight into this acronym.

KISS and the Art of Simplicity

KISS kept it simple by creating sonically sound, hard rock music. Their approach was straightforward: make great music and perform as a group of larger-than-life characters. Simple doesn’t have to mean plain. KISS had a plan, and they executed it flawlessly. From 1973 to 1983, they rocked the stage with their energetic performances, painted in black and white. In 1983, they performed without their iconic makeup for the first time (Martin). This shift marks the beginning of a conversation about the ebbs and flows of making music.

Artists and the Zeitgeist

Artists create according to the zeitgeist of their time. The term "zeitgeist" refers to the general intellectual, moral, and cultural climate of an era. It’s no wonder artists evolve over time. Many are in tune with the zeitgeist, naturally crafting music that reflects the state of the world. Sometimes it’s not the artist who changes; it’s the world around them.

KISS started their journey when live performances were the primary way for artists to build their brand. Concert attendance relied heavily on static media and word of mouth. Newspapers and magazines would publish articles that captured the energy of a live show, enticing people to attend future concerts. This format suited KISS’s extreme performances perfectly.

The Impact of MTV on Music

In 1981, MTV launched, and the zeitgeist shifted dramatically. Suddenly, information and music videos were consumed in real time. Individual opinions formed instantly. I’d argue that KISS and their management were in tune with this new zeitgeist, leading to their decision to perform without makeup. Only KISS and their team can truly explain the reasoning behind that choice. However, it’s hard to deny that they were in sync with the changing times.

(Cue Infinite by Mobb Deep)

The Mirror and the Hammer: Creating Art

What’s the idea of the mirror and the hammer? It’s simple: an artist either creates something that reflects the zeitgeist (the mirror) or something that shatters it (the hammer). I first learned this concept from my enthusiastic American Musical Theatre professor. They taught me lessons that apply to all forms of art, including music.

The Un-Quantized Beat: A Modern Hammer

Today, many popular instrumental beats follow a specific form and sonic aesthetic. Songs often include the same 4/8/16 bar drum loops, cycling through familiar sounds. While this formula works and sounds great, it’s challenging to create something that mirrors today’s sonic expectations. Producers have mastered the art of blending musical talent with modern technology, raising the bar for everyone.

In my own production, I sometimes record up to five minutes of drums, then select my favorite 16 or 32 bars. I might choose to quantize the notes perfectly, or I might keep the full five minutes of original drums. The key is that I don’t make these decisions to fit into the mirror or hammer concept; I make them because I like the sound. In the end, the finished product naturally becomes either the mirror or the hammer. I don’t set out to create a specific type of beat; I just make music, and it finds its place.

Fans and the Old Versions of Artists

Fans often ask for the old versions of their favorite artists. But here’s the truth: fans should be asking for the old zeitgeist. The zeitgeist shapes the audio waves we love. If you want that old version of your favorite artist, good luck! They might not return unless the world does too. If you’re fixated on your favorite artist making music like their earlier work, you should ask them to go back to where they lived, worked, and hung out. Even then, you’d need their community to do the same.

The Artist's Evolution

It’s not within an artist's control to revert to their past self. It’s all about the ebbs and flows of creativity. If you don’t allow an artist to evolve, they’ll be more focused on pleasing fans than on creating art that reflects their true perspective on life. So, the next time you think about asking an artist to return to their old self, take a moment to reconsider. Maybe it’s time to explore new artists instead. The best motivation for an artist to create music often comes from the support or silence of their fanbase. Just my two cents.

Citations

Martin, Roland. “Kiss.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2025, www.britannica.com/topic/Kiss-band.

“Zeitgeist Definition & Meaning.” Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zeitgeist. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.