7 Tips for Finding Your Signature Sound as a Musician

How do you get a signature sound?

 

This is the most common question that haunts music producers. Knowing how to produce a song is one thing. But developing your own sound—producing songs in your distinct voice—is another. 

 

Think of your signature sound as an element that already exists inside you. It sets you apart as a person, not just as a musician. But finding that voice requires reflection. You need to look deep within yourself, find that voice, polish it, and then use it as a foundation for future projects. 

 

Once you've found your sound, it will stay with you, even as you evolve from genre to genre, from style to style. You'll keep that distinct element that makes you original.

 

"Finding your signature sound” seems abstract, but we've compiled a few strategies to help you. Remember, this isn't a quick exercise. It requires patience, practice, and perseverance, but once you've landed it, you'll create real, unique music.

1. Make a ton of songs

When we say "a ton of songs,” we mean a thousand—or more. That's what it takes to find your signature sound.

 

It seems a lot, but practicing is the only way to discover your unique compositional and production style. You won't glean much from a sample of a dozen songs. There's really no shortcut.

 

So make a thousand songs. They don't have to be polished releases or finished, mixed, or mastered works. A song can just consist of six instances of piano and strings that form the melody or basic arrangement. They don't have to be release-ready, but they do need structure.

 

Let's say you can finish three songs per week. It will take you around six years to write a thousand songs. Then again, Rome wasn't built in a day. And by the end of it, you'll surely discover your sound.

2. Analyze the common denominator of your favorite songs

Listen actively to your top 10 songs on iTunes, Spotify, or just from your music library, regardless of genre. Find out the particular qualities you like most in each song.

You'll discover that, despite the difference in lyricism and genre, there are common themes that bind them. Try to identify the elements that made you love these songs.

3. Get insight from your friends

As you create a thousand songs, ask your friends and listeners if they can spot common elements in your music. They might be able to pick out themes that you overlook.

 

If they mention what they find appealing about your tracks, keep these comments in mind. They'll often tell you what they like about your songs, but you can ask them upfront, too. 

4. Use lesser-known gear

Another way to polish your voice is to use gear unique to you—something that only a few others use. 

 

There are two ways to go about this: vocals and equipment.

 

Vocals. Are you a singer, or do you know a singer with a great voice? Rappers and rock band vocalists have distinctive voices, which set their songs apart.

Equipment. Have you tried working with a unique piece of equipment or a lesser-known synth software? These can help you create a one-of-a-kind sound.

5. Save your presets and samples in a Favorites folder

Another tip to help you create a thousand songs: create a Favorites folder. Then, place all your go-to samples there. Use these favorite samples as stand-ins as you come up with track ideas. 

 

This hits two birds with one stone: it saves you time because the samples will likely be used in the final production. At the same time, these samples give your tracks greater coherence.

 

Don't be afraid to reuse the cool sounds for another song, but remember to adjust them a little.

6. Create music in the genre you love

A great tip to finding your sound is to trust your taste—your preference for what's cool. It's what will set you apart from other producers.

 

If you always follow trends and adopt whatever is popular, you'll only recreate other producers' sounds. So don't be afraid to deviate. If you love a certain style or sub-genre, do it. In addition, making the style of music you love will motivate you to keep producing and writing.

7. Have faith in your musical instincts

Your signature sound is what you think sounds great, not what you think other listeners will like. It's your voice, not what will get your song on the radio or what other producers want to hear.

 

So trust your instincts when it comes to the elements of your music. Only you can say what should stay and what should go. And if you produce something you love, but you're not sure if people will like it, resist the urge to change it based on their preference. You'll only strip it of the elements that make it authentic. 

 

In the same vein, if you created something that feels lacking, these authentic elements may be the missing ingredient.

Take the first step toward your signature sound

No matter where you are in your musical career, keep in mind that finding and refining your distinct sound takes time. 

 

The good news is that it will come naturally to you, if you stay true to your authentic self. Your unique voice will show if you create music that you love and pay attention to how your music makes you feel.

 

We're excited to hear your work as you find your signature sound.