Written a solid pop song but feel like it’s missing something? Then it can be a good idea to add strings, brass or even a complete symphony orchestra to your vocals, drums, bass, keys and guitars. Whether you go for a virtual orchestra or flesh and blood musicians, the question is: what’s the best way to add orchestral elements to a pop song?

House music has been around for almost half a century now. Originating from the east coast of the United States, it’s a style with an interesting backstory, so let’s dive into how it came to exist, how it has developed over time, who pioneered it and what kind of crowd feels drawn to it.

Is it possible to make music by just playing it by ear and coasting on talent? Do you really not need any knowledge of music theory to become a good musician? There are actually plenty of real-life examples, including Bert van den Brink — one of the Netherlands’ most well-known jazz pianists, who prove that you don’t. While he’s a natural when it comes to making music, Bert did decide to deepen his knowledge and argues that a musician needs both a feel for music and some understanding of the underlying theory.

When you’re performing live, the intros and outros of your songs are critical moments. Finishing strong is incredibly important, so you want the outro to have the necessary weight to it, but how do you come up with an impacting outro? Use the tips we’re about to give you and those weak rounds of applause will be a thing of the past, whether you play your own songs or play covers with a fade-out.

Your first DJ gig can be nerve-racking. Not sure what you need or what it involves? Then read on for first-gig tips and some gear advice. While we can’t take your nerves away, we can tell you how to deliver a successful set!

John Williams needs no introduction. Known for soundtracking classics like Superman, E.T., Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones and Star Wars, the distinguished film composer has his own chapter in the Hollywood history book. Want to mimic the master? Allow me to divulge some classic John Williams hallmarks.

In this article, we dive deep into hard rock and the closely related style that is heavy metal. What even is hard rock? How do you play great hard rock? And what do classical music and jazz have to do with it?

Just started learning the guitar, bass, drums or any other musical instrument? Then you’ve made a wise decision! Making music is a ton of fun, and it only gets better when you play in a band. If you can’t find a band that plays your style, then you can always start your own using the tips we’re about to share.

For up-and-coming musicians, a music video is a great way to promote a new single. But how do you do it when your budget is limited? There are actually examples of great music videos that were shot using an iPhone or digital camera out there, but to pull it off, you need to know the basics of filming. Music video director Zeno Groenewegen is here to explain how you can achieve pro-grade results in twelve steps.

The drum machine had its real break-through back in the eighties but never really lost momentum. New models are frequently released while older models are regularly reissued and priced more generously than the original hardware. Curious about how legendary bits of kit like the TR-808 and the LM-1 came to exist? Read on!

Ever played a gig where the band that performed before you overextended their set, leaving you just a few minutes to set up your drum kit? It’s a nightmare for most drummers, if not an impossible challenge. Thankfully, there are various ways to optimise your kit and prepare it for a speedy set-up when you’re in a hurry.

The sound tech is arguably the most underappreciated person involved in a music production. For musicians, however, it’s incredibly important to keep these tireless hired-hands close, since they play a significant role when it comes to the room and stage sound. It’s not for nothing that sound techs are often referred to as the extra band member. Nowadays, there are plenty of courses you can enrol in and study to become a sound engineer, but what does it actually take to get good at the job? Time to ask a sound tech!