I used to tinker with beatmaking back when fl studio was still called fruity loops, and this post has made me very nostalgic. I would like to get back as a hobby, but it's been like 15 years and I'm quite lost.
Youtube has a ton of stuff, but it's such a vast topic that even in the realm of something like Abelton there's a vast array of things you could be looking at and it's super easy to lose focus.
I have a FL license from around the turn of the century... I think it still works. You might see if you do and start there.
* Julian Earle
* Tom Cosom
* Make Pop Music
* edit: you suck at producing definitely makes the list
Youtube's the spot for info, but the CreateDigitalMusic blog has also been an impressive source since FL studio was still called fruity loops
EDM Tips is far less in-depth, but it's also more Ableton focused and he almost strictly used default Ableton plugins and sounds.
It is kind of overwhelming because the options are huge. Also, we're in a resurgence of electronic music hardware right now, which is super exciting but also ramps up the paradox of choice and analysis paralysis.
However, we have two things going for us: 1. Most music software has free demos or inexpensive lightweight versions. 2. The used hardware market is very strong so you can recoup most of the cost if you sell something (especially if you bought it used).
This means it's relatively feasible to sort of incrementally explore the space and see what works for you. I do think you have to treat it as an exploration. Unlike other music genres, electronic music lends itself to very personalized workflows. The gear and software you have and how you have it all set up is a big part of the creative process. Also, the user experience of hardware and software affects the music you make in profound ways that are hard to predict. You have to just sort of try stuff and see what gels with you.
I'd suggest:
1. Research the artists you like to see how they make their music. You can usually find video interviews with them, often in their studio.
2. Watch YouTube videos for the gear they use and see which things look inspiring.
3. Acquire a piece of it and give it a try. Make sure to force yourself to sink enough time to get past the initial learning curve.
4. If you like it, keep it. Otherwise, sell it and move on. Either way, go back to step 1.
Finding the right balance between just playing around, working to finish songs, and tinkering with your set up is a continuing challenge. Be mindful of it (i.e. don't just fetishize gear acquisition, or grind so hard you take the fun out of it) and you'll be OK.
Blezz Beats (8.68K subs) – https://www.youtube.com/blezzbeats
Synth Mania (126K subs) – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSGAKoBpUJI5jrJLgFQxiiw
Rick Beato (1.93M subs) – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJquYOG5EL82sKTfH9aMA9Q
Ave McRee (71K subs) – https://www.youtube.com/user/AveMcree
Dom Sigalas (23.5K subs) – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGGgrpgOZ-DMvjLSYxn8W3w
Accurate Beats (81.7K subs) – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoT0i4T3r3d4oYkdYQgZ4fg
Da Drank Kang (7.13K subs) – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD7cuqL0P3x8RGsLQxxTpAA
Poli Popo (3.55K subs) – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZv3Yw5jtvjwcrzJ90yscEw
JAde Wii ツ (36.2K subs) – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqjAXHR5DHTCahIHpg7vspg
Doctor Mix (486K subs) – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbzNcFN7cxA8HO18cTYyTfg
Swiftstyle (33.7K subs) – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHPY6JX3EBMo1N9SKIxNDmQ
Kirk State (1.05K subs) – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGGgt68KDkMsHaniWUhjbBw
Tube Digga (14.1K subs) – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCs9r5J_56ta_n_hI3RUcGw
You Suck at Producing (222K subs) – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCapo4XcpVOlTLkbKIDL0WlA
Marlow Digs - mpc head (27.4K subs) – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXTqU3m3XZx_rWV_XaPiDcg