Boost Your Creativity and Compose Tracks with These 14 Tools

Introduction:

Never have we as creative musicians, had so many possibilities and tools at our disposal. Still writer’s block in music composition is a common but surmountable challenge. With the right tools, composers can unlock new creative possibilities and streamline their workflow. This article introduces a selection of innovative software tools, each designed to enhance different aspects of music creation. From melody generation to harmonic exploration, these tools offer practical solutions to common obstacles faced in music production.
But first let’s dive into the various aspects of creativity and creative music composing.

What is the creative process of songwriting?

1. Experiment with different instruments and sounds: Trying out new instruments or experimenting with different sounds can often spark creativity and inspire new musical ideas. Whether it’s picking up a new instrument, using virtual instruments, or exploring various effects and plugins, the unfamiliarity can lead to fresh and innovative musical ideas.

2. Listen to a wide range of music: Listening to various genres and styles of music can broaden your musical horizons and expose you to different melodies, rhythms, harmonies, and arrangements. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources can help you think outside the box and create unique compositions.

3. Collaborate with other musicians: Collaborating with other musicians can bring fresh perspectives and ideas into the creative process. Working together allows for bouncing off ideas, combining strengths, and exploring different musical approaches that you may not have considered on your own.

4. Step away from your comfort zone: Pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone can be an excellent way to stimulate creativity. Try experimenting with different genres or styles that are unfamiliar to you. This challenge can lead to exciting discoveries and new ways of approaching songwriting.

5. Set aside dedicated time for creativity: Creating a consistent routine where you set aside specific time for creative exploration can be helpful in sparking inspiration. Whether it’s scheduling regular writing sessions or dedicating a certain amount of time each day for experimentation, having structured time for creativity helps train your mind to be more receptive to new ideas.

6. Draw inspiration from non-musical sources: Look beyond music for inspiration by immersing yourself in art, literature, nature, or any other medium that sparks your imagination. Drawing connections between unrelated fields can yield unique perspectives that you can incorporate into your music.

7. Embrace improvisation: Improvisation is an excellent tool for sparking creativity as it encourages spontaneous musical expression without constraints. Allowing yourself free reign to experiment without judgment can lead to unexpected musical ideas that may form the basis of a new composition.

8. Keep a journal or record ideas: Keeping a journal or recording device handy to capture musical ideas as they come to you is crucial. Inspiration can strike at any moment, and having a way to document melodies, lyrics, or chord progressions ensures that you don’t lose valuable creative sparks.

9. Take breaks and recharge: Sometimes stepping away from your work for a little while can provide the mental space needed for fresh inspiration. Taking breaks, engaging in other activities, or even getting some rest can recharge your creativity and allow you to approach your music with renewed energy.

10. Trust the process and embrace experimentation: Ultimately, sparking creativity involves embracing the process and being open to experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try new things, make mistakes, and explore different avenues during your musical journey – it’s often through these experiences that the most unique and innovative ideas emerge.

What is the key to creativity in music?

The key to creativity in music is a multifaceted concept that cannot be narrowed down to a single factor. However, there are several important elements that can greatly contribute to enhancing and unlocking one’s creative potential in composing tracks. These elements include knowledge, inspiration, experimentation, and the right tools.

Firstly, having a solid foundation of musical knowledge is crucial for fostering creativity. Understanding music theory, harmony , and composition techniques provides a framework for exploration and experimentation. It allows musicians to effectively communicate their ideas and understand how different elements work together.

Secondly, inspiration plays a vital role in fueling creativity. Drawing inspiration from various sources such as other genres of music, art, literature, nature, or personal experiences can spark new ideas and perspectives. Exploring different mediums and making connections between unrelated fields can lead to increased creativity. One effective way to boost your creativity is by composing tracks using various tools and techniques. In this article, we will explore 14 different tools that can help you unleash your creativity and compose unique tracks.

14 creative tools

1. Scaler 2 by Plugin Boutique

Scaler 2 is an extraordinary and user-friendly music theory assistant, designed to bring your musical creations to life. With its extensive collection of scales and modes, Scaler 2 guides composers in discovering the perfect emotional essence for their music. The plugin effortlessly identifies the key and scale of your compositions, providing expertly suggested chords that harmonize seamlessly. Thanks to its innovative MIDI capture feature, exporting your progressions into your favorite DAW becomes a breeze. On top of these remarkable features, Scaler 2 empowers artists with a range of performance options, voicings, and opportunities to explore various chord variations. Whether you’re a novice embarking on your musical journey or a seasoned composer looking to push the boundaries of your creativity, Scaler 2 is an invaluable tool that will transform your musical compositions.

Features

• Identifies the key and scale of your music.
• Suggests matching chords for your tracks.
• Offers a variety of chord voicings and sequences.
• Includes performance options for dynamic composition.
• MIDI capture feature for easy export into DAWs.

Link: Scaler 2 by Plugin Boutique

2. Riffer by Audiomodern

Riffer by Audiomodern is a smart MIDI tool that generates musical Riffs & Sequences by combining Pitch, Duration, and Velocity. This plugin brings in a fresh approach to music composition, offering an almost infinite number of melody ideas. Riffer comes with a built-in bank of scales and modes, allowing for the creation of unique tunes fitting any genre. It’s compatible with any software that supports MIDI, making it a versatile tool for any digital music setup.

Features

• Generates random riffs and sequences.
• Includes a built-in bank of scales and modes.
• Compatible with any MIDI-supporting software.
• Offers control over Pitch, Duration, and Velocity.
• Infinite melody ideas for various music genres.

Link: Riffer by Audiomodern

3. Loop Engine 2

Loop Engine 2 is a creative powerhouse for generating and manipulating musical loops. It features advanced algorithms that can transform a simple loop into something complex and intriguing. The software allows for real-time control over each element of the loop, providing a hands-on experience in creating rhythmic patterns and sequences. Loop Engine 2 stands out for its ability to inspire new rhythms and melodies, making it an excellent tool for electronic music producers and beat makers.

• Advanced tool for creating and manipulating loops.
• Real-time control over loop elements.
• Inspires new rhythms and melodies.
• Suitable for electronic music and beat making.
• User-friendly interface for ease of use.

Link: Loop Engine 2

4. Stepic

Stepic, a powerful step sequencer, focuses on precision and ease of use. It allows composers to construct intricate patterns with a simple yet effective interface. The tool is especially useful for creating complex drum patterns or melodic lines. Its straightforward design ensures that even those new to music production can start crafting their musical ideas quickly and efficiently.

• Precision-based step sequencer.
• Ideal for creating complex drum patterns and melodic lines.
• Simple, effective interface.
• Suitable for beginners and experienced producers.
• Enhances control and precision in music composition.

Link: Stepic

5. Melody Sauce 2

Melody Sauce 2 from EvaBeat is an AI-powered melody generator plugin. It’s designed to provide instant melodic inspiration, generating melodies based on selected mood and complexity settings. This tool is perfect for those looking for quick and varied melodic ideas, especially in electronic and pop music genres. Melody Sauce 2 can be a real game-changer for composers facing a creative block or seeking new melodic paths.

• AI-powered melody creation tool.
• Generates melodies based on mood and complexity settings.
• Quick source of melodic inspiration.
• Suitable for electronic and pop music genres.
• User-friendly for composers at all levels.

Link: Melody Sauce 2

6. Captain Plugins Epic

Captain Plugins Epic by Mixed In Key is a comprehensive set of tools for music theory and production. It includes Captain Chords for chord progression, Captain Melody for melodies, Captain Deep for basslines, and Captain Beat for rhythms. This suite is designed to work together seamlessly, providing an integrated workflow for composing and arranging music. Its user-friendly interface and rich feature set make it ideal for producers of all skill levels.

• Suite of plugins for music theory and production.
• Includes tools for chords, melody, bassline, and rhythm.
• Integrated workflow for composing and arranging music.
• User-friendly interface with rich features.
• Ideal for producers of all skill levels.

Link: Captain Plugins Epic

7. Feelyoursound

Feelyoursound specializes in software tools that simplify music theory and enhance creativity. Their offerings include ‘Sundog Song Studio’, a tool for creating entire songs quickly, ‘XotoPad’, which turns any Windows device into a MIDI multi-touch controller, and ‘ChordPotion’, which transforms simple chords into impressive melodies and rhythms. These tools are designed to help composers of all levels bring their musical ideas to life, offering intuitive interfaces and a wide range of creative possibilities.

• Offers tools like Sundog Song Studio, XotoPad, and ChordPotion.
• Simplifies music theory for easy composition.
• Intuitive interfaces for quick music creation.
• Suitable for creating harmonies and melodies.
• Enhances creativity for composers of all levels.

Link: Feelyoursound

8. STING

STING, a Max for Live device, stands out as an acid line generator. It excels in creating energetic and moving bass lines, ideal for genres like techno and house. The device’s user interface is intuitive, allowing for quick manipulation and tweaking of sounds to fit the desired style. STING is perfect for producers looking to infuse their tracks with the classic and dynamic sounds of acid.

• Acid line generator for dynamic bass lines.
• Ideal for techno and house music genres.
• User-friendly interface for sound manipulation.
• Adds distinctive edge to tracks.
• Perfect for electronic music producers.

Link: STING by Max for Live

9. DrumBrain by MaxForLive

DrumBrain is a free MaxForLive device that offers an innovative approach to drum sequencing. It’s designed to create complex and evolving drum patterns with ease. The interface is intuitive, allowing users to manipulate various parameters to generate rhythmic variations. DrumBrain stands out for its ability to introduce randomized elements into drum patterns, making it an ideal tool for electronic music producers who want to add a dynamic and unpredictable edge to their rhythms.

• Free device for creating evolving drum patterns.
• Introduces randomized elements into drum sequences.
• User-friendly interface for dynamic rhythm creation.
• Ideal for adding unpredictability to electronic music.
• Suitable for both studio work and live performances.

Link: DrumBrain by MaxForLive

10. Euclidean Sequencer Pro for MaxForLive and Ableton Live

Euclidean Sequencer Pro is a versatile tool for creating intricate rhythmic patterns within Ableton Live. It uses the Euclidean algorithm to distribute beats evenly across a sequence, resulting in naturally sounding rhythms. This sequencer is particularly useful for exploring complex polyrhythms and unusual time signatures. Its integration with MaxForLive and Ableton Live makes it a powerful addition for live performances and studio work, allowing producers to experiment with rhythm in new and exciting ways.

• Creates rhythmic patterns using the Euclidean algorithm.
• Ideal for exploring complex polyrhythms and time signatures.
• Integrates seamlessly with Ableton Live.
• Enhances live performances and studio compositions.
• User-friendly for innovative rhythmic experimentation.

Link: Euclidean Sequencer Pro for MaxForLive and Ableton Live

11. Catalyst by Toneworks

Catalyst by Toneworks emerges as a groundbreaking tool designed to inspire and enhance the creative process for music producers. It offers a unique blend of features for sound design, including an extensive library of presets and a versatile synthesis engine. Catalyst stands out for its intuitive user interface, making complex sound manipulation accessible to both beginners and experienced producers. It’s an excellent tool for those looking to explore new sonic territories and add distinctive textures to their music.

• Offers features for sound design and synthesis.
• Extensive library of presets for various sounds.
• User-friendly interface for easy sound manipulation.
• Ideal for adding unique textures to music.
• Suitable for both novice and professional producers.

Link: Catalyst by Toneworks

12. Orb Producer Suite 3

Orb Producer Suite 3 is a comprehensive collection of AI-powered plugins designed to revolutionize the music creation process. This suite includes four innovative tools: Orb Chords, Orb Melody, Orb Bass, and Orb Arpeggio. Each plugin harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to generate creative and complex musical elements, offering endless inspiration for composers and producers.

Orb Chords provides advanced chord progression suggestions, Orb Melody focuses on generating tuneful melodies, Orb Bass creates dynamic bass lines, and Orb Arpeggio offers captivating arpeggiated patterns. These tools can work in harmony or independently, providing flexibility in composing and arranging music across various genres. The suite’s integration with popular DAWs and its user-friendly interface make it a valuable asset for both novice and professional music creators looking to enhance their compositions with AI-driven creativity.

• AI-powered plugins for chords, melody, bass, and arpeggio.
• Generates creative musical elements automatically.
• Integrates with popular DAWs.
• User-friendly for composers and producers.
• Enhances compositions with AI-driven creativity.

Link: Orb Producer Suite 3

13. Harmony Bloom by Mario Nieto

Harmony Bloom is your virtual muse, specializing in creating lush, harmonious backgrounds for your melodies. Its unique approach to harmony generation ensures that your tracks have a rich, full sound. Explore Harmony Bloom here.

• Harmony generation: Specializes in creating lush, harmonious backgrounds for melodies.
• Rich soundscapes: Ensures your tracks have a rich, full sound.
• Innovative technology: Utilizes unique technology for harmony generation.
• Creative exploration: Encourages experimentation with harmony and texture in music.

14. Coalescence by Dillon Bastan

A revolutionary tool offered by Isotonik Studios, Coalescence combines audio effect, sequencing, and synthesis to transform the way you create music. Designed by Dillon Bastan, this plugin is a game-changer for producers looking for innovative sound manipulation techniques.

• Integrated audio processing: Combines multiple audio effects into one seamless workflow, enhancing the texture and depth of your tracks.
• Creative sequencing capabilities: Features a unique sequencing module that encourages experimental rhythms and patterns.
• Synthesis exploration: Integrates synthesis tools for creating distinctive sounds and textures.
• User-centric design: Boasts an intuitive interface that simplifies complex sound design processes.
• Versatility in application: Ideal for a wide range of musical genres, from electronic to experimental.

Explore Coalescence and unlock new dimensions in your music production here.

Final Thoughts

In addition to these specialized tools, it’s important to recognize the wealth of creative resources available in popular Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). Platforms like Ableton Live, Bitwig, and Logic Pro come equipped with an array of built-in tools and features that empower producers to experiment and refine their sound. These DAWs provide a comprehensive environment for music production, offering everything from advanced synthesizers to intricate sequencing capabilities. Exploring the full potential of these built-in tools can significantly enhance your creative workflow and open up new possibilities in your music production journey.