Belgian DJ and producer Odymel doesn’t waste any time. In less than two years of releasing music, he’s already played over 100 shows, sold out FUSE Brussels in three days, and is about to kick off a tour across Europe and Australia. His new Basement EP is built for the club—no filler, no overthinking—just tracks designed to hit hard when it counts. And if there’s one thing that sets Odymel apart, it’s that every track he makes has been shaped by hours of watching what actually works on a dancefloor.

Before he ever stepped behind a booth, Odymel spent years in clubs studying how DJs controlled a room—listening, analyzing, and figuring out what makes people move. That same mindset drives his production. Instead of stacking layers for the sake of complexity, he focuses on a single idea that can carry a track.

To go along with the Basement EP, Odymel laid out twelve production and career tips that sum up how he approaches making music and building a profile as a new artist. From learning to listen before you create, to testing every track on a dancefloor before calling it done, these are the lessons that keep him sharp and focused in the studio. If you’re looking to cut through the noise and make music that actually connects, there’s a lot to take from how he works, so let’s let him take it from here!

1. Learn to Listen First

One of the best ways to improve your production is to train your ears. I always have reference tracks loaded in my DAW when I’m working. Whether it’s to check the balance of my mix or to understand how a kick should hit in a club setting, comparing your work to professionally mixed tracks is a game-changer.

2. Master a Few Plugins Instead of Hoarding

It’s tempting to download every new synth or effect that comes out, but I’ve learned that mastering a few key tools is way more valuable. For me, Serum, Diva, and Spire are essential. I know exactly how to get the sounds I need from them without wasting time scrolling through presets.

3. Don’t Overcomplicate Your Mix

A lot of new producers try to layer too many sounds, thinking it’ll make their track sound fuller. In reality, clarity comes from space. Each element should have its own pocket in the mix.

If your kick and bass aren’t working well together, it’s usually a phase issue or too much low-end clashing—fix that before adding more layers.

4. A Strong Idea is Worth 100 Times More Than a Strong Mix

People tend to focus too much on mixing instead of concentrating on getting an impactful gimmick. At the end of the day, what matters is what’s going to stay in people’s minds, not just how loud they hear it. A memorable hook, melody, or groove will always win over a technically perfect but forgettable track.

5. Use Saturation and Distortion Wisely

Saturation can add warmth and presence to a mix, especially in the low end. I use subtle distortion on basslines and leads to give them extra grit and character. But be careful—too much and your mix loses clarity.

6. Automation is Your Best Friend

A static track is a boring track. I automate almost everything—filter sweeps, reverb sends, volume changes. It’s what makes a song feel alive and dynamic rather than just looping for five minutes.

7. Sound Selection is More Important Than Processing

If your sound doesn’t work from the start, no amount of EQ or effects will fix it. Choose sounds that already sit well together. This is why I spend a lot of time designing my own patches in synths like Serum—it ensures I’m starting with something that fits my vision.

8. Experiment with Unconventional Sampling

Some of my favorite textures come from sounds that weren’t meant to be instruments. I’ve sampled everything from old video game sounds to background noise from field recordings. Taking something random and turning it into a pad or percussive loop can give your track a unique identity.

9. Creative Blocks Are Normal

It’s completely normal to go through periods of months without feeling creative. Every producer experiences it. The key is not to force it—take breaks, explore new music, and come back when inspiration strikes.

10. Alchemy is Key

Sometimes, elements sound great together. Other times, they don’t—without any logical explanation. If a track isn’t clicking, don’t force it. Just start over. Some of the best ideas come from letting go of what isn’t working and trying something fresh.

11. Test Your Mix in Different Environments

Your studio monitors might sound great, but your audience is going to hear your track in different settings—on headphones, in cars, on club systems. I always check my mixes on multiple speakers, and I do a “low volume test” to make sure the core elements are still clear when played quietly.

12. Trust the Dancefloor

Before a track is officially finished, I always test it in my sets. The reaction of the crowd tells me everything—sometimes a track I thought was strong doesn’t hit the way I expected, while others surprise me by going off. Trusting that live feedback is crucial in shaping music that actually works in a club.

The post Odymel Shares The Basement EP via The Orchard and Breaks Down His Production Process appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.