It’s 2022, aka the Future!! We have flying cars and DeLorean Time-Machines, it’s really incredible.
Obviously just kidding. But what we do have is a lot of mobile apps for Music Production. A few years ago, it might sound crazy to do any form of music production on your phone.
Could you imagine telling someone in 2007 ---
“Hey I’m going to make a song!”
“Oh wow that’s great, on what instrument?”
“On my telephone!”
But yes – the future is here, and there’s actually some really cool apps that can either fully produce music, or at least help in the production of music.
We must preface though: we still believe sitting at a Digital Audio Workstation, making music at your desk / on your computer, is probably the most efficient and will yield the best results.
However, if you’re on the go, these are some incredible alternatives.
SoundTrap
This app has actually been around since 2012, but has had some major upgrades since being acquired by Spotify in 2017. It is a full spectrum DAW that includes inputs for external instruments, has a built in instrument player, a way to input / export MIDI files, as well as a host of other cool features. The app also includes an interesting “collaboration” function if you want to work with others.
For all you beat makers out there, the app includes Patterns BeatMaker, which has some playful design. And for anyone looking to use their voice, and autotune feature is built in as well.
BandLab
BandLab also markets itself as a full Digital Audio Workstation. There’s an application version of this program, but it also works in the web browser. An interesting feature for BandLab is its distribution tool, allowing you to create exclusive content for listeners. The platform will also allow you to livestream and do some fun engaging tricks for social media.
Auxy
Auxy has been a fan favorite for a while, due to its stripped-down approach to music production. You don’t look at this app and think you’re in Ableton (nor is that the mission).
The app is great for using loops, pre-installed synths and drum kits, and having the ability to export and interact with MIDI and other devices. The app continues to get new features, most recently in 2018: a redesigned drum sequencer, custom sample import functionality, and always new instruments.
Give it a try. It won’t be replaying your DAW any time soon, but it might be something fun to get you started when you’re not at your desk.
Groovebox
Similar to Auxy, but maybe even more stripped down, Groovebox is a really cool app that allows you to make beats and melodies with a beautifully designed interface. If you're tired of looking at the complicated screens of your DAW, the real selling point of Groovebox is the visual interface.
The creators of this app did a wonderful job making the interface colorful, fun, and energizing, making it a joy to mess around with synths and drum machines.
Like Auxy, you likely won’t be ditching your FL Studio for this, but it’s not trying to be your full DAW. It’s a fun app for inspiration. We love it.
Suggester
Suggester is a tool that assists the music production process. It is neither a DAW, beatmaker, or similar to any of the apps mentioned above.
The purpose of the app is to help you find chords and progressions that aid in the creative portion of the music making process. It’s a nifty little tool to keep handy if you need some ideas in the writing phase.
GarageBand
There’s actually quite a few traditional desktop apps that have a mobile version. FL Studio, Cubase, and several others. However, most are extremely cumbersome, and likely should just remain as your desktop DAW. With one exception….
Garage Band’s mobile app is actually really good. You might have never considered using GarageBand on your Desktop because it’s too limited compared to something like Ableton. But this is precisely why it makes a good mobile app. Give it a try. Apple does a great job in making the functionality seamless on your phone.