How to Know When Your Music is Truly Done.
As artists, one of the most common and frustrating questions we face is, “How do I know when my music is done?” The struggle to finish a project, especially one that we’ve poured so much energy and passion into, can feel like an impossible task. Every note, every lyric, every instrument—there’s always room for one more tweak, one more adjustment, right?
But here's the truth: the best music comes when we let go of the pursuit of perfection and trust the creative process. Over time, I’ve learned that knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing when to start.
1. Playfulness is Key
The world of music production can sometimes feel like an intense, high-stakes endeavor. We’re constantly thinking about how to make our music sound more polished, more refined, more “perfect.” But what we often forget is that creativity thrives when we let go and have fun.
Music isn’t just about getting everything right—it’s about connecting with the emotions we’re trying to convey. And the best moments happen when we’re not trying to force things. Play around with new sounds, experiment with different structures, or try something that feels totally outside the box. When we allow space for play, we open the door to unexpected brilliance.
Some of your favorite performances will come from the first take. Capturing the raw, unfiltered emotion before the thinking gets involved. One artist I vocal produce - takes 7 +8, ALWAYS, always their best. I know they need those first ones to get to the magic. Learn yourself + adjust to capture the best moments, the imperfect, emotional, colorful ones. Sometimes, perfection is the enemy of great music.
2. Trust Your Process
As you write and produce more songs, you start to develop a deeper understanding of your creative process. You learn what works for you and what doesn’t, and you begin to recognize when a song is ready—or when it’s not.
When I first started out, I had a hard time letting go of songs that weren’t working. But over time, I realized that writing more songs allows you to recognize when something isn’t happening. You’ll get better at identifying the songs that are “almost there” and the ones that need to be shelved (or paused or stripped for parts).
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that you have to be willing to move on. No song is perfect, and sometimes it’s better to finish a track and let it go than to get stuck endlessly tweaking it. Your next song might be the one that truly blows you away.
3. The Power of Collaboration
In music, we often work alone in the studio, but collaboration is one of the most powerful tools in growing as an artist. Working with other songwriters, producers, and musicians opens up new ideas and possibilities you might not have considered on your own.
Collaboration isn’t just about splitting the work—it’s about learning from others. Every artist brings something unique to the table. By collaborating with people who have different strengths, you can discover new techniques and approaches that help expand your own creative toolkit.
Whether you’re co-writing with another artist or working with a producer who has a different workflow, collaboration pushes you outside your comfort zone and challenges you to grow. It’s one of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist.
4. Step Away and Return with Fresh Ears
Sometimes, when we’re deep into a project, we get too close to it. We’ve listened to the same track over and over and can’t seem to make any objective decisions. When this happens, the best thing you can do is step away for a while.
Taking a break allows you to return to your music with fresh ears. When you listen again after some time away, you might notice things you missed before—both good and bad. You’ll also be able to hear whether the song still speaks to you or if it’s time to move on.
This is especially helpful when mixing. As producers, we often tweak endlessly, thinking that a small adjustment will make a big difference. But sometimes, the best solution is to simply take a break, get some perspective, and trust that the overall vibe is what matters most.
5. Focus on Emotion, Not Perfection
At the end of the day, music is about emotion. A song that conveys a powerful emotion will always resonate more deeply than one that’s technically perfect but lacks feeling. Your listeners won’t care if every note is pitch-perfect—they’ll care about whether the song moves them.
As I’ve grown as a creator and coach, I’ve learned that it’s far more important to focus on the emotional core of a song than to obsess over the technical details. The beauty of music is its ability to connect with people on a deeply personal level, and sometimes, the imperfections are what make the song feel more real and relatable.
Conclusion:
Knowing when a song is done isn’t something that comes easily. It’s a skill that develops over time, through experience and trial and error. But with the right balance of playfulness, trust in your process, and collaboration, you’ll start to feel more confident in recognizing when your music is ready.
Remember: the journey of creating art is just as important as the final product. Don’t be afraid to step back, trust your instincts, and let go of the fear of perfection. The world needs your unique voice.