Which apps shall we use for creating music? How do they work? How do they help the young musicians? What are the benefits for the sector?
These are just few of the main questions we ask ourselves before starting the music work. Let's clarify them one by one.
FL STUDIO
FL Studio (previously known as FruityLoops before 2003) is a digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by the Belgian company Image-Line. FL Studio features a graphical user interface with a pattern-based music sequencer. The program is available in four different editions for Microsoft Windows and macOS.
FL Studio can also be used as either a virtual studio technology (VST) or Audio Unit (AU) instrument in other audio workstation programs and also functions as a ReWire client. Image-Line also offers its own VST and AU instruments and audio applications. FL Studio has been used by numerous highly visible hip hop and EDM producers, including Porter Robinson, Alan Walker, Madeon, Soulja Boy, Southside, Martin Garrix, Avicii, Imanbek and Deadmau5.
How does it work?
This app is not for beginners but is very accessible to learn. It has a large diversity of tools and facilities. In this application exist all the instruments, effects, needed to create a song from the beginning.
The Mixer Functions
All audio in FL Studio passes through the Mixer. Unless specifically directed, newly added Channels are routed to the Master Mixer Track. There are 125 x Insert Tracks for receiving input from plugins and external audio Inputs, 1 x Current track for hosting tools like Edison and Wave Candy and a Master track for master effects processing.
The Mixer has three docks for tracks (left, middle and right) and can be stretched horizontally or vertically by clicking the edges and dragging. In combination with the layout options (on the Mixer layout menu), the controls visible will change to suit the Mixers size.
To see tracks outside the current view, use the Track Scroll Bar below the 'Send' switches OR roll your Mouse-wheel over the track names. Select a track by Left-clicking the pan or fader controls. Select multiple tracks by holding (Ctrl+Shift). Selected tracks are highlighted with green faders (track 1 below is selected). For a detailed description of recording audio from internal and external sources see the Audio Recording page.
Piano Roll
FL Studio's Piano roll has the well deserved reputation as the best Piano roll in the business. The Piano roll sends note and automation data to plugin instruments associated with the Piano roll's Channel. This process is known as 'sequencing'. There are a number of useful tools to help with complex score editing and other manipulations as described below.
Note pitch is displayed on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis. This is the exact principle as paper 'Piano rolls' used to automate player-pianos in former times. The resolution of the grid is user-selectable (zoomable) and allows the composition of songs with unlimited complexity. Note data can be entered manually with the editing tools or recorded in from 'live' MIDI controllers, then edited to fix mistakes or make changes.
Toolbar Panels & Icons
FL Studio Toolbar, by default, is located at the top of the screen and provides quick access to many commands and options. Many of these commands are also available, contextually, in FL Studio menus and windows.
The panels and Icons can be reordered in any way, undocked and docked to the top or bottom of the screen by dragging the handle located in the left side of each panel.
NOTE: If panels are Locked they will not be movable, Right-Click on the panel dock OR use the Menu > View > Toolbars and de-select 'Lock' if this is the case. How does it help young musicians?
What better proof you need, when Martin Garrix says it all?
Hi there, I’m Martijn Garritsen also known as Martin Garrix, DJ and producer from the Netherlands. I started making music quite early. I saw Tiesto playing at the Olympics in 2004 and from that moment on I knew I wanted to be a DJ and producer. That’s how I started! Couple of years ago I got picked up by Spinnin Records and we started working together from that point and we started creating a profile behind Martin Garrix.
Benefits for the Sector
Empowering young musicians to create quality music
Gives young musicians opportunities to learn more and develop their skills
Good and cheaper substitute for musical instrument
Possibility to make money selling music tracks