When it comes to artist names, Tom Did It is among the most straightforward. A truly self-sufficient talent, he takes charge of writing, performing, producing, recording, and directing every aspect of his work, from the initial note to the final cut.
Based in his transformed barn studio on the outskirts of Luton, Tom Did It has emerged as a key player in the UK music scene, collaborating with significant artists along the way. His latest mixtape, ‘Did It’, serves as an audio manifesto, demonstrating clearly that Tom Did It operates independently.
However, self-recording shouldn't be shrouded in enigma. Writing for CLASH, Tom Did It outlines the common pitfalls to avoid.
—
1: BUDGET!
Creating good music doesn't require a huge budget! Begin with a laptop, affordable headphones, a budget interface, and an inexpensive microphone. I've been making music for nearly a decade and still use the same microphone, headphones, and interface that I started with. If you know how to use your equipment, it won’t compromise the quality of your work.
—
2: PLUGINS
Plugins are invaluable in music production, and there are numerous free options available today. I subscribe to Slate Digital for £9 a month, while most of my other plugins are either trial versions or free downloads.
3: THE VIBE
The ambiance in the studio is crucial for my creativity. If I don't feel at ease as soon as I step up to the mic, then the music won't reach its full potential. Whether it's a few candles or, more recently, some fun additions like LED signs, a TV, and an Xbox, creating a personal space is important to me.
—
4: UPSCALE
You don’t need to build a fully equipped home studio right away; the beauty lies in gradually incorporating new elements. Whether it's upgrading to new speakers after a year or replacing a slowing laptop, my favorite part of this journey has been witnessing the evolution of my studio, from an old, worn office chair and a coffee table to now having a proper desk, a sofa, and countless more improvements to make.
5: ONLY GET WHAT YOU NEED / KNOW YOUR WORKFLOW
At first, I overstocked my studio with MIDI keyboards on stands, guitar stands, an electronic drum kit, and plenty of other items that turned out to be mere distractions between me and completing my projects.
As a rapper and singer-songwriter, my studio primarily focuses on recording, writing, and engineering music. I seldom produce, and when I do, it’s usually within the software. Initially, I wasn’t aware this would be my working method. I recommend understanding your workflow before heavily investing in gear, as you may save a significant amount by drawing notes or playing them on a laptop keyboard instead of an expensive setup!
—
Nostalgia has certainly emerged as one of pop culture's most powerful tools. It has always been a part of our lives, consistently shaping fashion and cinema, but in recent years,
.jpg)
Electric Lady, led by vocalist Tereza Rays, along with drummer Robin Evans and bassist Cayman, have released their bold new single, ‘I’m Done (I’ve Had
When it comes to artist names, Tom Did It is one of the most direct. A genuinely independent artist, he writes, performs, produces, and records.