Lost Desert’s Saudade EP is out now on All Day I Dream, bringing a collection of deep, organic house cuts that continue his legacy on the label. Alongside the original tracks, the EP features a remix of When Sun Rises by Volen Sentir, adding another dimension to the release. With this latest project, Lost Desert once again captures the essence of melodic house, blending atmospheric elements with hypnotic grooves.
To mark the release, Lost Desert has shared his personal insights on music production, offering lessons from years of experience in the studio. These tips go beyond technical advice, highlighting the mindset and approach that have shaped his music. Whether it’s learning to trust your ears, experimenting with different workflows, or stepping away from the screen to find inspiration in the world around you, his approach reflects the balance between intuition and skill.
For artists looking to refine their process, these insights provide a valuable perspective on what it takes to grow as a producer.
Be prepared to spend time.
Making music should be as fun as playing PlayStation—it takes time to go through all the levels.
Invest in the right gear.
A decent pair of monitors or headphones will last a lifetime and influence how you sound. Learn to listen to them by comparing your work with tracks you love.
Try different DAWs.
You might be surprised how it changes your workflow, swing, and sound. The easy option isn’t always the best in the long run.
A computer full of plug-ins won’t make you more creative.
It’s better to learn the basics of synthesis. Experiment with a Juno-106 instead of scrolling through a thousand presets.
A basic knowledge of music can be learned in a day and will help for a lifetime.
Knowing how to find the root note when starting a groove, then playing a scale or chords, opens the door to more creative possibilities.
Collaborating is a great way to learn.
Each producer has their own tricks, workflow, and favorite gear. Working with others can be inspiring for everyone involved.
You’re never too old to learn.
Even after three decades of making music, I still love discovering new things. Learning has never been easier, with tutorials on everything from compression and EQ to synthesis and DAW techniques. My go-to sources are Rick Beato and Streaky.
A house is best built on a solid foundation.
Many new producers make the same mistakes, starting with weak kick samples or overused loops. Instead of scrolling through a million kicks, find a few high-quality ones. The same applies to hi-hats and snares.
The world of sound is bigger than what’s inside your computer.
Try recording extra percussion with a mic—shaking a bag of seeds, tapping the back of an acoustic guitar, or capturing street noise on your phone. Walking through a forest with a recorder can be just as inspiring. Breaking branches, crunching leaves, and capturing footsteps can add something unique to a track.
There are no mountains without valleys.
Creativity has ups and downs. Sometimes, things don’t flow the way you want. That’s normal. Think of it as a reset—or even an upgrade. Maybe you’re tired of what you’ve been making and subconsciously pushing yourself toward something better. When this happens, take a step back. A break from the routine can help. Rick Rubin’s book The Creative Act is a great resource for understanding these creative cycles.
Making music should be fun.
That’s why they call it playing music.
The post Lost Desert’s Saudade EP and the Mindset That Drives His Music appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.