Finding Flow in EDM Production

There’s a particular kind of magic that happens when you sit down at your DAW and everything just clicks. Hours pass like minutes. Ideas flow effortlessly. This is the flow state, and music production is one of the best ways I’ve found to access it — something I’ve come to appreciate deeply from my home studio in Otley.

My Production Journey

I started producing electronic music as a hobby, experimenting with free software and YouTube tutorials. What began as casual tinkering evolved into a genuine passion for sound design and arrangement. Living in Otley, at the foot of the Chevin, has given me the quiet and space to really dive in.

The Tools I Use

My current setup is relatively modest but capable:

• DAW: Ableton Live
• Synths: Serum, Vital, Diva
• Samples: Splice subscription for drums and FX
• Monitoring: A pair of decent studio monitors and headphones

You don’t need expensive gear to make great music. Start with what you have and upgrade as your skills develop.

Entering the Flow State

Flow doesn’t happen by accident. Here’s what helps me get there:

1. Remove distractions — phone off, notifications silenced
2. Start with a template — having a basic session ready removes friction
3. Begin with sound design — tweaking synths is a great warm-up
4. Set a timer — knowing I have a dedicated block helps me commit
5. Don’t judge early — let ideas exist before you critique them

One advantage of producing in Otley: when you need a break, a walk along the River Wharfe or up the Chevin clears the head like nothing else.

The Mindfulness Connection

There’s a deep connection between music production and mindfulness. Both require presence, patience, and a willingness to sit with uncertainty. When I’m in a production flow state, I’m completely present — and that’s a form of meditation in itself. The stillness of an Otley evening, with the town quiet and the Chevin looming in the distance, creates the perfect conditions for that kind of focus.