Psychedelic music has been around since the 1960s and is characterized by its use of unconventional instruments, complex vocal harmonies, and experimental soundscapes.
How to Make Psychedelic Music: Tips and Techniques Table of Contents
Step 1: Choose Your Instruments
If you're interested in making psychedelic music, there are a few things you need to know to get started.
In this guide, we'll take you through the process of making psychedelic music step by step.
Best Mics For Musicians
The Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B is a legendary studio microphone known for its smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response ideal for both music and speech, with an excellent rejection of electromagnetic hum.
Mic is Best For: Professional Musicians
Budget: Mid to High
Rode NT1
The Rode NT1 is known for its incredibly low self-noise, making it an ideal microphone for recording vocals and musical instruments with pristine clarity and detail.
Mic is Best For: Intermediate to Professional Musicians
Budget: Mid
Audio-Technica AT2020
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a versatile condenser microphone with a low-mass diaphragm for superior transient response, making it great for home studio setups.
Mic is Best For: Beginner to Intermediate Musicians
Budget: Low to Mid
Step 1: Choose Your Instruments
One of the defining characteristics of psychedelic music is its use of unconventional instruments.
While traditional instruments like guitars, drums, and keyboards can be used, you'll also want to consider adding instruments like sitars, theremins, and mellotrons to your collection.
These instruments have a unique sound that can help you create the otherworldly, ethereal soundscapes that define psychedelic music.
Step 2: Experiment with Effects
Another key element of psychedelic music is its use of effects like reverb, delay, and distortion. These effects can help you create the trippy, otherworldly sounds that are so essential to the genre.
Take some time to experiment with different effects and find the ones that work best for your sound.
Step 3: Focus on the Vocals
Psychedelic music often features complex vocal harmonies and lyrics that are inspired by surrealism and psychedelia.
Take some time to think about the lyrics you want to write and experiment with different vocal harmonies.
Consider using techniques like layering and multi-tracking to create a richer, more complex sound.
Step 4: Build the Soundscapes
Soundscapes are a key component of psychedelic music. To create them, you'll want to experiment with different sounds and textures. Consider using field recordings, ambient sounds, and samples to create the sonic environment you want.
Step 5: Mix and Master
Once you've recorded all of your tracks, it's time to mix and master them. This is where you'll take all of the individual parts and combine them into a cohesive whole.
Pay attention to levels, panning, and EQ to ensure that all of the elements of your song are balanced and sound good together.
Step 6: Get Feedback
Finally, it's time to get feedback on your psychedelic music. Share it with other musicians, post it online, and see what people think. Listen to their feedback and use it to make your music even better.
Making psychedelic music requires a willingness to experiment with unconventional instruments and effects, as well as a focus on vocals and soundscapes.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be well on your way to creating your own trippy, otherworldly psychedelic music. Remember to experiment, have fun, and let your creativity guide you.
Best Mics For Musicians
The Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B is a legendary studio microphone known for its smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response ideal for both music and speech, with an excellent rejection of electromagnetic hum.
Mic is Best For: Professional Musicians
Budget: Mid to High
Rode NT1
The Rode NT1 is known for its incredibly low self-noise, making it an ideal microphone for recording vocals and musical instruments with pristine clarity and detail.
Mic is Best For: Intermediate to Professional Musicians
Budget: Mid
Audio-Technica AT2020
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a versatile condenser microphone with a low-mass diaphragm for superior transient response, making it great for home studio setups.
Mic is Best For: Beginner to Intermediate Musicians
Budget: Low to Mid
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