In the age of YouTube tutorials and affordable software, the barriers to music production have never been lower. But when it comes to electronic dance music (EDM), many beginners still ask the same question: Can I really start making EDM with just basic equipment? The short answer? Absolutely.
At Olyra Music, we’ve seen countless bedroom producers go from simple setups to polished, remix-ready tracks. Let’s break down what you actually need to get started—and why the gear is only part of the story.
What Counts as “Basic Equipment” in EDM?
You don’t need a spaceship to make spacey synths. Here’s a realistic beginner setup:
- A laptop or desktop computer: Windows or macOS, with at least 8GB RAM.
- DAW (Digital Audio Workstation): Free or budget-friendly options include FL Studio Fruity Edition, Ableton Live Lite, or Cakewalk.
- Headphones: Even decent over-ear consumer headphones (like Audio-Technica ATH-M40x) will do to start.
- MIDI controller (optional): Entry-level models like the Akai MPK Mini are affordable and portable.
- Free plugins: Synths like Vital or Tyrell N6 and effects like Valhalla Supermassive are widely used.
In short: if you have a laptop, headphones, and free software, you’re ready to begin. Everything else is a bonus.
Learning to Produce: Skill Beats Gear
While gear helps, it’s your skills that turn sounds into songs. Countless big-name producers started out with minimal setups. Deadmau5 once said in an interview that great music comes from good ears and better ideas—not expensive toys.
Most EDM genres—house, dubstep, trance, future bass—rely on layering sounds, shaping transitions, and building drops. You can learn all of this online for free. Channels like ADSR, SeamlessR, and You Suck at Producing offer tutorials ranging from beginner basics to pro techniques.
The First Beat: Starting Simple
Most new producers feel overwhelmed by their first project. Our advice? Start with a loop. Lay down a basic kick-snare pattern, add a bassline, and layer a simple melody. Don’t worry about mixing or mastering at first—just focus on creating momentum.
When Olyra Music first started producing instrumental content, we focused on one vibe per track: chill, uplifting, or energetic. This helped define our identity. You can do the same—start with a mood, not a genre.
What You Don’t Need (Yet)
Let’s clear the air on what beginners don’t need to worry about:
- Expensive studio monitors
- Professional audio interfaces
- Paid plugins or VST bundles
- Acoustic treatment for your room
These things help with precision and final polish—but they’re not essential for learning or creating demos. Many viral remixes you’ve heard online were made entirely on headphones in untreated bedrooms.
Creative Limitations = Better Results
Paradoxically, limited tools often lead to better creativity. With fewer distractions, you’re forced to think about composition, emotion, and rhythm. When we produced some of Olyra’s early lofi tracks, we relied on nothing more than stock instruments and a simple reverb plugin. And yet—they resonated deeply.
That’s the magic of EDM: it’s about what you feel, not what you can afford.
From Bedroom to Beatport: The Path Is Real
Producers like Madeon, San Holo, and even Avicii started in bedrooms. Their setups weren’t glamorous—but their music was full of heart. If you stay consistent, seek feedback, and trust your taste, you can move from uploading demos to releasing on Spotify, Beatport, or even getting your tracks picked up by DJs.
Tools like LANDR and DistroKid allow independent producers to release music professionally without a label. And with remix culture thriving, platforms like SoundCloud or even TikTok can amplify your work globally.
Tips for First-Time Producers
- Don’t chase perfection: Focus on finishing your first few tracks, not perfecting them.
- Use reference tracks: Compare your mix with professional ones to train your ears.
- Save presets: If you stumble on a cool sound, save it. Build your own library.
- Collaborate: Join online communities like Reddit’s r/edmproduction or Discord servers.
- Be consistent: 30 minutes a day beats 5 hours once a week. Production is a muscle.
Bonus: Affordable Tools Worth Exploring
If you want to level up slightly without breaking the bank, here are a few suggestions:
- DAW: Reaper (Free to try, cheap to buy)
- Audio interface: Focusrite Scarlett Solo (often under $120)
- Headphones: AKG K240 or Superlux HD681 (budget but solid)
- Sample packs: Cymatics (many free options)
Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Gear—It’s About Grit
The question isn’t “Can anyone make EDM with basic equipment?” It’s “Will you keep going once it gets hard?” Because here’s the truth: everyone starts somewhere. And with consistency, curiosity, and community—you’ll go far.
At Olyra Music, we believe music creation should be accessible. That’s why we offer instrumentals built for producers of all levels, from beginners seeking inspiration to advanced artists looking for new ideas. It’s not about fancy tools—it’s about real passion.
So fire up your laptop, load your first synth, and press play. Your first drop is waiting.
Written and curated by the Olyra Music Team – https://olyramusic.com/
