Your Music Your Way—Explore the Latest Tools, Techniques, and Trends for Creating and Sharing Your Music

Recording and sharing your music can be an incredibly rewarding experience. With advances in technology, the tools and methods for capturing and distributing music have evolved significantly. Even if you’ve released music before, you may find the landscape has shifted.

With so many choices available, it’s helpful to start with clear goals. For instance, recording a live solo performance to share with friends might require simpler gear than producing a full commercial release with multiple instruments and overdubs. It’s also important to think about how you want to share your music—whether casually with friends and family, as merchandise at gigs, posted to social media, or released professionally as a CD or on streaming platforms. Clarifying your goals will guide you in choosing the right tools, techniques, and methods for sharing your music.

In this feature, we’ll explore the key elements of the recording process, from selecting equipment to navigating distribution options. You’ll gain insights into current industry trends, learn tips for creating high-quality recordings at home, and discover how to maximize your reach in today’s digital world.

Recording on the Go

Portable recording devices have come a long way since the days of the popular cassette-based Tascam Portastudio, with today’s digital recorders offering high-quality audio in compact, affordable packages. If your needs are straightforward—like recording yourself playing and singing at home or capturing a live performance at a gig—there are many options small enough to fit in a guitar case.

You likely already own one or more powerful and portable recording devices: your smartphone or tablet. These devices generally have enough storage and processing power to handle many recording tasks and support a range of apps that can handle both basic and advanced recording needs. iPhones come with GarageBand preinstalled, while the more advanced Apple Logic Pro is available for iPad. On both iOS and Android, apps like Steinberg’s Cubasis and BandLab offer full-featured digital audio workstations (DAWs) for multitrack recording, overdubbing, and effects. And if you’re interested in video production, smartphones now shoot 4K video, often rivaling the quality of dedicated cameras from just a few years ago.

The biggest issue lies in the limitations of built-in microphones, which generally don’t match the quality of professional studio mics. This problem is even more noticeable in video recordings, where the microphone ends up further away from the sound source.

The easiest way to improve the quality of phone or tablet recordings is by switching to an external microphone. For example, the Shure MV88+ ($199) is a higher-quality stereo mic that connects directly to iOS devices, allowing closer mic placement. USB interfaces like the Apogee Duet ($649) also allow you to connect any microphone, even a studio-grade condenser.

Another interesting option is the Audigo remote mic ($249; see review in the January/February 2025 issue). This small, wireless stereo mic can be placed anywhere within Bluetooth range. It records audio internally, then syncs with your phone afterward. Its companion app allows you to record audio or video with up to four wireless mics and also supports multitracking video.

Standalone Options

If smartphone and tablet apps feel too limiting or using external mics adds too much complexity, standalone portable recorders may offer a simpler solution. Devices like the Zoom H1essential ($99 at press time) come with built-in stereo microphones and record directly to an SD card. Much like a point-and-shoot camera, you just aim the mics, hit record, and start playing. These recorders can deliver surprisingly good sound even with built-in mics, though models like the Zoom H1 XLR ($149) allow you to connect your own external microphones for greater flexibility.

There are devices that support more inputs as well, like the Zoom H6essential ($299) or the Tascam Portacapture X6 ($259; reviewed in the September-October 2023 issue), which augment a built-in stereo mic with four XLR inputs. One intriguing trend in some recent hardware is support for 32-bit floating-point recording, which removes the need to set levels. This technology prevents clipping and ensures you capture every detail, even if the input levels are too low or high, making it ideal for live recordings where monitoring levels in real time is challenging.

Both standalone recorders and smartphone apps have their strengths and limitations. Basic devices like the Zoom H1 are easy to use but lack editing features and effects. Smartphone and tablet apps, on the other hand, support editing, adding effects, and multitrack recording but come with added complexity, as well as the challenge of working on relatively small screens. A common approach is to use a simple recorder to capture a basic performance, then transfer the recording to a computer for more detailed editing. This way, you can take advantage of the computer’s greater processing power, larger screen, and keyboard and mouse for fine-tuning.

Computer-Based Solutions

For ultimate quality and flexibility, computer-based recording is hard to beat. Even budget laptops from the past decade are powerful enough for complex multitrack and video editing projects. A typical setup includes a computer, audio interface, microphones, and a way to monitor sound, such as headphones or studio monitors. You will also need some recording software, usually known as a digital audio workstation (DAW).

Most popular DAWs have been around for quite some time. Avid’s Pro Tools is widely used in professional studios, while Apple’s Logic Pro ($199) is a strong contender with similar features. Studio One ($199) is another full-featured DAW, available for Mac, Windows, and Linux, and Ableton Live ($99–$749) is yet another popular PC and Mac option. For more affordable options, GarageBand comes preinstalled on Macs, while Audacity (free) and Reaper ($60 after a free trial) are fully functional DAWs for PC, Mac, and Linux. Cakewalk, formerly commercial software, is now free for Windows.

One growing trend is toward subscription models, where some DAWs charge a monthly or annual fee rather than a one-time purchase.

Most DAWs—whether free or paid—offer a similar suite of core features, including multi- track recording, editing, overdubbing, mixing, and effects. However, each DAW has its own workflow and specific strengths. For example, GarageBand is designed for ease of use, with fewer advanced features than professional DAWs, while others may emphasize MIDI or loop-based music production. The learning curve can be steep, so most users prefer to learn one DAW that fits their style and then stick with it.

An exciting innovation in modern music production is the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into the recording process. Some DAWs now include AI-driven tools that help streamline the mixing and mastering process, making it easier to achieve professional-quality results even if you’re not an expert in these areas. These tools analyze your music and automatically adjust parameters like EQ, compression, and levels to achieve a polished, professional sound with minimal effort.

Apple’s Logic Pro includes Session Players—AI-driven musicians (drums, bass, and keyboard) that generate convincingly realistic accompaniment based on a chord chart. Users can control the style and complexity of their parts without having to specify every note they play. GarageBand offers the virtual drummer feature as well.

Most DAWs support third-party plugins—software modules that add specific functionality, such as EQ, reverb, or unique effects. While most DAWs come with a full suite of built-in effects, third-party plugins allow for additional options and specialized capabilities.

While many plugins emulate classic hardware, companies like FabFilter and Baby Audio are designing innovative effects with entirely new user models. New categories of plugins are also emerging, such as Oeksound’s Soothe2 ($209), a spectral resonance suppressor that dynamically identifies and smooths problematic frequencies. Some plugins are even leveraging AI, like iZotope’s Neutron 5 ($249), a mix assistant that can automatically adjust levels, EQ, and dynamics to create a balanced mix.

Online Recording Platforms

If you’d rather not download or purchase software, there’s a growing selection of online DAWs that offer powerful recording capabilities. Platforms like BandLab, Soundtrap, and Amped Studio provide multitrack recording in your browser, with features that rival desktop DAWs. One advantage of online DAWs is their flexibility and portability. You can access and work on your projects across multiple devices—whether you’re using your desktop at home, a laptop at the coffee shop, or a tablet while traveling. This cloud-based approach also makes collaboration easier. You can share your projects, invite others to add tracks, and work together in real time, regardless of your location.

Many of these platforms also include social media–like features, allowing you to post your work, receive feedback, and connect with a community of musicians. While most online DAWs offer free access to basic features, premium subscriptions unlock more advanced tools and functionality.

Speaking of collaborating with others, online marketplaces such as Fiverr, AirGigs, and SoundBetter make it easy to find and hire musicians for remote collaboration. Whether you need a singer, fiddle player, drummer, string arranger, or mixing engineer, these platforms connect you to musicians around the world.

You can browse musicians’ profiles, listen to samples of their work, and send a request detailing your needs along with any tracks you’ve already recorded. You will get a quote and, if you proceed, receive tracks you can import into your recording project. Rates vary widely, with musicians ranging from emerging talent to seasoned professionals with impressive credits. It’s essentially like having access to a global network of studio musicians, ready to be booked at the click of a button—almost like ordering an Uber.

Taming Your Acoustics

One of the biggest challenges musicians face when recording at home is dealing with room acoustics. Capturing studio-quality sound and mixing and polishing your results at a professional quality level requires a quiet and acoustically balanced environment that is difficult to achieve without some effort and investment. This is an area where commercial studios still hold an advantage over DIY home recording setups.

However, there have been some developments that can help. Companies like ATS Acoustics and GIK Acoustics have long provided materials for acoustically treating your space. Their product offerings have evolved to include everything from DIY materials to finished panels that are both effective and aesthetically pleasing—perfect for anyone concerned about the look of their room. 

There are also products designed to mitigate the impact of less-than-ideal acoustics. For example, sE Electronics’ Reflexion Filter is a wrap-around baffle that reduces the room’s influence on vocal recordings. AEA Microphones has developed its N22 ribbon mic specifically for home recording. Placed just a few inches from the sound source, it captures the sound of your guitar (or other instruments) while minimizing room noise. Similarly, Shure’s SM4 Home Recording Microphone ($199) includes extra shielding to reduce electromagnetic interference from devices like cell phones, laptops, and Wi-Fi routers.

If you need to record in noisy or acoustically challenging environments, pickup-based solutions offer a possible alternative. Devices using Impulse Response (IR) technology, like Audio Sprockets’ ToneDexter ($599), L.R. Baggs Voiceprint ($429), and NUX’s Optima Air ($189), help transform the sound of your acoustic guitar pickup into something closer to a traditional microphone recording, offering a cleaner, more natural sound without the room’s interference.

When it comes to mixing, having a clear and accurate sound is critical—and arguably requires even better acoustics than recording. Sonarworks’ SoundID Reference is a software package that measures your room’s acoustics and automatically adjusts your monitors to compensate for acoustic problems. Some monitor manufacturers now integrate SoundID support into their products, while others have proprietary software for room correction. Sonarworks also offers corrections for popular headphones, making them more suitable for mixing.

Steven Slate Audio’s VSX system takes a different approach by combining its own calibrated headphones with software that models different speakers and control rooms. This allows you to hear how your mix would sound in various environments, from a high-end studio to a car, regardless of the acoustics in your actual room.

Media Matters

So you’ve recorded your song—now it’s time to share it with the world. These days, the options for distributing music are more varied than ever, and the best approach depends on your goals, your audience, and what technology both you and your listeners are comfortable with.

It’s still possible to create physical copies of your music, such as CDs or even LPs or cassettes. You can either burn your own copies if you have a CD burner or order small runs from manufacturers like Disc Makers or Oasis, where you can order as few as 100 CDs. In 2025, however, the question is whether your listeners still own CD players. If you want to offer a physical form of your music—perhaps to sell or display at gigs—CDs remain an option, but alternative formats are gaining popularity.

Some musicians are opting to sell download cards, which provide a URL for digital downloads, or even USB sticks pre-loaded with their music. One unique option, offered by companies like Disc Makers, is a small plastic card that looks like a business card but unfolds into an ultra-thin USB drive.

If you’re simply sharing your music with a small group of friends, digital options are often easier and more cost-effective than making CDs. You can email an MP3 or upload the file to a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox and share the link. For a larger but still casual audience, posting your music on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram is a great option. There are also some sites dedicated to music, like the Acoustic Guitar Forum, where members often post music. YouTube is a popular platform for video, but you can also use it to post music by creating a simple video that just displays a still image or slideshow along with the music.

If you want to share multiple tracks at once, creating a playlist is the modern equivalent of a CD. SoundCloud is a popular platform for this, offering free and paid options, including the ability to monetize your music.

Bandcamp has emerged as a popular platform for promoting and distributing both physical CDs or vinyl and digital downloads. Bandcamp manages downloads and provides codes that can be distributed or sold at gigs, and notifies you to fullfill sales of physical CDs. Similar to SoundCloud, Bandcamp also allows fans to preview tracks online. Setting up and using Bandcamp is free, with the platform taking only a small percentage of sales. Musicians can set their own prices and even make tracks available for free. Additionally, Bandcamp provides various services, including the sale of related merchandise, support for a subscription model, live video streaming, and more. 

Reaching a Larger Audience

For broader public distribution, you can release your music to streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, or Apple Music. Streaming is controversial with musicians because it turns the music revenue model on its head—rather than being paid once for a physical CD, you are paid royalties each time your songs are played. Because there is no physical product, the promotion process is different as well—you can’t sell your streaming music at gigs, for example. But streaming offers at least the potential for your music to reach a worldwide audience in a way that would have previously required a major label recording contract, and some indie musicians also do quite well monetarily.

To get your music on streaming services, you need to go through a distributor, but the process is straightforward. Companies like CD Baby, DistroKid, and TuneCore will handle getting your music on all the major streaming platforms and collect streaming royalties on your behalf. These services have different business models—some charge a fee per track (probably best if you just have a tune or two to release), while others offer unlimited distribution for an annual subscription fee.

While streaming services handle the distribution, promoting your music is your responsibility. Getting your music on playlists, which function somewhat like radio stations, is one way to get your music noticed and played. Some playlists are curated by editors at services like Spotify, while others are created by independent users or artists. One way to promote your music is to identify playlists where your music would fit and pitch your songs to the playlist curators. You can also create your own public playlists featuring your music alongside tracks from other artists you admire and promote those to attract listeners.

Releasing Covers

Another significant change in recent years is how permissions for recording cover songs are handled. Any time you record and release a song written by someone else, you must obtain permission and pay a statutory licensing fee—even if you don’t make money from the recording. If you’re releasing a physical CD with cover songs, you’ll need to obtain a license, usually through Harry Fox Agency, and prepay based on the number of copies you’re manufacturing. 

For digital releases on streaming platforms, CD Baby, DistroKid, TuneCore, and others can now handle the licensing for you, ensuring the appropriate royalties are paid to the composer based on your streams. YouTube has its own process for cover songs: the site automatically detects and flags your recording as a cover and allows rights owners to decide if the cover is permissible and whether they want to receive royalties from ads placed on your video.

These systems simplify the legal release of cover songs, ensuring original composers receive fair compensation. However, social media platforms remain a bit of a gray area. Technically, you owe money for each play or view of a cover song posted on these platforms, but there is currently no mechanism to track or pay for these plays.

Getting Paid

The topic of generating income from your music is complicated, and details are beyond what we can cover here. CD sales are easy to understand, but the world of streaming is far more confusing. Revenue can come from radio play, streaming services, music downloads, songwriter and performance royalties, mechanical royalties, others using your music on YouTube, and more. For streaming releases, your distributor may collect some, but not all, of these for you. If you compose your own music and/or self-publish, you may benefit from joining a performing rights organizations (PRO) like ASCAP or BMI. Also investigate the newly created Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), as well as SoundExchange.

Unlimited Options

We’ve covered a lot of ground in this article, but at the same time, we’ve barely scratched the surface. Recording and releasing music in 2025 involves much more than just playing or singing—it’s about leveraging the tools and technologies available to create, refine, and share your work.

The good news is that many of the traditional barriers for musicians have disappeared. You no longer need a major label deal or to book a costly studio to produce high-quality recordings. With affordable, powerful recording equipment, you can capture your music anywhere, anytime—whether at home or on the go. You don’t even need to spend money upfront creating physical CDs.

You also have many more options for how you share your music, whether it’s intended for friends and family or a global audience. While there’s a lot to learn, the rewards include the freedom to record, produce, and release your music on your own terms.

This article originally appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine.