Hey Reader,

Last year, I was producing almost every week.
But still—every time I started a new track…
I felt stuck.

I’d open Ableton, load a kick, maybe a clap…
scroll through Splice…
and 90 minutes later, still no real idea.

That feeling?
​Creative block.​
Not because I wasn’t motivated.
But because I had no starting point.

🎯 This is how I finally broke through:

Now I start every track with a system.
Not to limit creativity, but to unlock it faster.

And no, this isn't just for producers who want to release on labels.
It works whether you're chasing a signing or just want to finish more music with intention.

Sometimes I pick a label I’d love to release on.
Other times, I follow a vibe I want to explore.

Either way, I choose 2–3 tracks that I really like.
Then I pull one into my project as my main reference.

But I don’t build the beat first. I find the hook.

What’s a hook?

It’s the part that makes your track unforgettable.
A vocal phrase, a synth lead, a sound that instantly sticks in your head.

Think of it like buying a car:
You don’t buy it because of the side mirror.
You buy it because of the engine and the feeling it gives you.
That’s your hook. It drives the track.

✅ So here’s what I do:

I load the full reference track into my project.

I copy the part right after the intro of the reference track where the bassline comes in, where the groove is simple but no hooks have been played.

And that's where I start experimenting.

I open Splice or dig through my own sample library. I already know what works in the reference:
→ Maybe it’s a vocal
→ Or a stabby synth
→ Or a big perc lead

I search in that direction.
Then I drag 3–5 hook options into the project, one after another.
​I layer them over the groove from the reference.​
No overthinking. Just fast testing.

And usually, one sound stands out.
That’s when I know where this idea wants to go.

Only after that do I build the beat:
Kick, clap, hat, bass – all designed to support the hook.

💡 Why this works:

When the hook fits the groove – and the groove already works in your reference – you’ve got a track that feels right from the start.

And if the label you're aiming for uses similar hooks (vocals, synths, perc lead), there’s a much higher chance they’ll say yes to your sound.

From there, it’s not about building something from scratch.
It’s about recreating the beat around the idea –
and finishing the track with direction and confidence.

You stop guessing.
You stay close to your sound.
And you don’t waste hours chasing “inspiration” that never lands.

🛠️ By the way…

I’m building a system around this exact process.
It’s called the Track Finishing Blueprint, a tool to help you organize your ideas and finish your songs consistently.

The landing page is already done.
Still working on the content, but I’ll share more soon.

Have a great week!

Stay Productive,
- LEMAN

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🚀 Need a productivity boost?

If you're ready, here’s how I can help you:

​Stay Productive Notion Template - The ultimate tool to organize your music business, manage your tracks, and stay productive. Designed for music producers.

This email is sent by Stefan Lehmann via https://musicbyleman.com. I help independent music producers stay organized, consistent, and focused – even with a full-time job. These emails share tools, workflows, and personal insights to support your music journey.
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