Creating Your Sound!

In the last post on Sonic Kingship Art Blog, we talked about the importance of creating the right space for your music—a place where energy, focus, and creativity can thrive. That environment is the foundation of your artistry. But once you’ve built that sacred space, the next question is: how do you actually fuel it? How do you take what’s in your head and turn it into music that sounds like you? One powerful answer lies in using music references as a guide.

Some artists hesitate to use references because they equate them with copying. But let’s be clear: references aren’t about imitation, they’re about inspiration. They act like roadmaps, pointing you toward sounds, textures, and emotions you want to capture in your own work. Think of it like studying architecture before you design your dream house—you’re not replicating someone else’s home, you’re learning the craft so you can build your own.

When you bring references into your creative process, they can help shape both the vibe and technical quality of your music. For example, you might study how Anderson. Paak balances live instrumentation with modern production, or how Radiohead layers sounds to create atmosphere. Listening closely allows you to pick apart what’s happening sonically—whether it’s the punch of the drums, the warmth of the bass, or the intimacy of the vocal mix—and use those insights to elevate your own project.

References are also a great way to stay grounded in your creative space. Every artist knows the feeling of chasing ideas in circles, layering sound after sound until nothing feels right. When you hit those walls, your references act as checkpoints. They remind you of the direction you’re heading, help you compare balance and tone, and ultimately give you a sense of whether your track is hitting the mark you intended.

Another powerful benefit of references is how they expand your creative ear. You might be producing hip-hop, but what happens if you pull inspiration from jazz, gospel, or cinematic scores? Suddenly, your sound opens up. By weaving together influences across genres, you create something that feels familiar yet new—a fusion that separates you from the crowd. This is where originality lives: not in isolation, but in the way you filter diverse inspirations through your own creative lens.

The key, though, is knowing when to step away. References should never box you in. They’re there to spark creativity and give you clarity, not to define every move you make. At some point, you have to silence the external voices, trust your instincts, and let your unique sound shine through. That’s when your music stops sounding like an echo and starts sounding like a statement.

At Sonic Kingship Art Blog, my mission is to give you tools that push your creativity forward—whether it’s setting up your space, learning to use references, or exploring mindset shifts that unlock your best work. This journey is about more than just making songs; it’s about building a kingdom of sound that reflects who you are as an artist. Keep coming back for more insights, tips, and encouragement as we continue this journey together. Your voice matters, and the world is waiting to hear it.

🎧 Action Guide: How to Use References to Build Your Own Sound

1. Build a Reference Playlist: Create a playlist of 5–10 songs that inspire the vibe you’re chasing. Pick tracks that stand out to you for

different reasons—maybe the drums on one, the vocal tone on another, and the mix on another. Don’t overthink it, just trust your ear.

2. Listen With Purpose. Put on headphones and really study those tracks. Ask yourself:

• What’s happening with the drums?

• How do the vocals sit in the mix?

• Is the low end warm, punchy, or subtle? Take notes—treat this like detective work.

3. Compare it With Your Work. While producing or writing, A/B test your track against your references. Not to copy, but to measure: does your kick drum feel as present as theirs? Does your mix have the same clarity or depth? This step helps you stay on track sonically.

4. Cross-Pollinate Genres Don’t just stick to one lane. If you’re making R&B, consider drawing inspiration from gospel or electronic music. If you’re making hip-hop, study a jazz or rock record. Borrow textures and techniques from outside your genre to create something fresh.

5. Step Away & Trust Yourself. When your track starts to feel solid, put the references aside and focus on your sound. At this point, the influences you studied will naturally come through without you forcing them. This is where originality blossoms.