The Art of Music Production: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Creating a Holiday Track with Alina Smith

As the year winds down and the holiday season sets in, many industries slow to a crawl, and the music industry is no exception. For many producers and artists, December becomes a time for reflection, maintenance, and, of course, a little creativity…

When the Industry Sleeps, the Work Begins

The holiday season is a time when record labels and studios go on hiatus, leaving artists and producers with a rare opportunity to focus on their craft without external pressure…

Starting a Track: Finding the Spark

The inspiration for a track can come from anywhere—a melody, a sound sample, or even a feeling…

Building the Foundation: Drums, Bass, and Chords

Drums first

The producer experimented with kicks and snares, starting with a snare-heavy approach before opting for a more percussive clap feel…

808 Bass Integration

Incorporating a deep, rolling 808 bass line helped modernize the track…

Piano Chords for Warmth

The producer laid down simple yet effective piano chords to enhance the Christmas atmosphere…

Layering and Enhancements: The Fun Begins

• Experimenting with Samples and Horns: The producer searched for horn stabs and brass sections…
• Xylophones for Holiday Cheer: A key characteristic of Christmas music is the presence of bell-like textures…
• Jingle Bells—A Must! No holiday track is complete without sleigh bells…

Creative Struggles and Problem-Solving

Even the most seasoned producers face hurdles. The biggest challenge in this session? Aligning the 808 with the kick and adjusting sample placements…

Final Touches and Next Steps

1. Refining the top-line melody
2. Guitar additions
3. Final Mix and Master

The Importance of Taking Breaks

A final word of wisdom: Stepping away from your work can be just as important as working on it.

Conclusion: A Holiday Track in the Making

This session provided an insightful glimpse into the intricate process of music production—from initial inspiration to complex layering and problem-solving…

What’s your biggest challenge when producing a track? Let’s discuss in the comments!