Online music collaboration platforms have opened a world of possibilities for passionate beat makers around the world. Nowadays, artists can be kilometres apart and still collaborate in real time through digital studios, from the comfort of their bedrooms. If you too have taken the next step in your musical career by switching to an online music collaboration platform, this article will tell you all you need to know to fully benefit from this new beat-making method.
Why Is Online Music Collaboration Important?
Online music collaboration revolutionizes the way artists work together. Thanks to groundbreaking platforms like BeatConnect, music producers can now work remotely with other users and mix beats in real time.
This new beat-making method eliminates the hassles of traditional processes. There is no more need to rent expensive recording studios, or even to deal with incompatible digital audio workstations (DAWs) and workflows.
By allowing beat-makers to exchange files through the cloud and to give each other feedback instantly, online music collaboration platforms help creators save valuable time and money. They now have the flexibility to retouch their tracks as much as they like, and to explore the depths of their creativity without needing more resources.
Best Practices for a Successful Online Music Collaboration
Transitioning from traditional beat-making methods can come with its set of challenges. Rest assured, we have set up a quick guide to help you navigate this new chapter in your musical career, and fully benefit from the potential of online music collaboration.
1. Choosing the Right Tools
As with any significant decision, it is important that you take the time to assess your beat-making needs. Here are some factors that you should take into consideration:
- Desired number of collaborators
- File-sharing
- Video chat
- Budget
- Live group recording
- Automatic sample rate adjustment
- Version control
- User interface
- Security and privacy
Let’s take a look at some of the main players in the online music collaboration category.
BandLab
This cloud-based social music platform is suitable for music producers of all levels. It was designed with remote collaboration in mind, with features such as forums and chat, although it is not compatible with all DAWs. BandLab offers a free version, as well as premium ad services.
Satellite Sessions
Satellite Sessions is a free DAW that focuses on live-streaming and recording remote sessions with high-quality audio and video. Its post-production tools are quite limited, so it may be more appropriate for beginners or for music producers who aren’t looking to use advanced effects.
Sessionwire
This online music collaboration platform offers high-quality audio streaming, video chat, screen sharing, and session recording. Starting at 9 USD per month, Sessionwire is compatible with most DAWs.
Steinberg VST Connect
VST Connect integrates with Steinberg's Cubase and Nuendo DAWs. It ensures a smooth workflow for remote collaboration within the same software environment. On the downside, this platform isn’t compatible with other DAWs.
BeatConnect
This extremely collaborative DAW has the highest level of connectivity in the market. Offering a wide array of functionalities such as cross-DAW compatibility, cloud storage, a shared mixing interface, video chat, and even a BeatBattle system, BeatConnect is the best online music collaboration solution for beat makers across the world.
2. Finding Collaborators
Once you have chosen the platform that best suits your needs, you can start finding online music collaborators. There are many ways to go about it.
Social Media
Join social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Soundcloud to showcase your work and network with potential collaborators. By using relevant hashtags and following artists in the music industry, you increase your chances to find beat makers that align with your style.
Freelancer Marketplaces
Another great way to find online music collaborators is to sign up for professional websites such as Fiverr, Sounbetter, and Upwork. These freelancer marketplaces can help you discover great talents that could potentially turn into collaborators.
Local Events
While your first instinct might be to search for remote collaborators online, don’t forget about your city’s local events. In-person networking is still a great way to engage with industry professionals in your community, so make sure to attend music events, workshops, and shows that align with your style.
Online Music Collaboration Platforms
Music collaboration platforms are one of the best ways to find collaborators. For example, BeatConnect offers an enhanced BeatBattle system that helps you connect with industry professionals and build creative relationships.
3. Best Practices for Online Collaboration
To benefit from a successful online music collaboration, here are a few guidelines that you should follow.
Structure Your Project
Online music collaboration should be seen as a project, and it should be managed as one. Establish a project outline as well as important deadlines to make sure that you are on the same page as your collaborators.
Prioritize Communication
A successful remote collaboration should be based on clear communication. This will help you avoid misunderstandings and easily solve problems as they arise. To achieve great communication with your partners from the beginning, establish which platforms will be used for calls and chatting, and set regular meetings. Make sure to also practice active listening to incorporate your collaborators’ ideas into the project.
Learn As You Go
Your project might change with time, and you may even encounter a few obstacles, such as creative differences with your collaborators or difficulties understanding your chosen platform. Remember that online music collaboration is a new beat-making method for most creators, so practising patience is a must. Give yourself time to figure out solutions as you go, and most importantly, don’t let it ruin the fun.
Offering a myriad of possibilities for remote beat making, online music collaboration is a true game-changer for artists around the world. Beat makers can now collaborate in real time worldwide through revolutionary platforms like BeatConnect. Additionally, artists can handpick the best collaborators for their projects through specialized services such as BeatBattles. By applying best practices such as prioritizing communication and professionalism as well as keeping a learning mindset, beat makers can better navigate the transition to online music collaboration and fully embrace this groundbreaking technology.
Learn more about BeatConnect and sign up for your first Beat Battle!