Recording music at home doesn't have to be expensive

                You may be under the impression that music has an obligation to sound good, to be made with expensive equipment, with the most skilled musicians and producers at the helm. The average idea of a home studio even still comes with images of large walls of expensive audio gear, $400 microphones, and expensive recording software. The truth is, all you really need is $20 to spend and a laptop. Install yourself a copy of a DAW; while many choose to use less-than-legal means, for safety, it’s safer to install a free version of a DAW (like Studio One Prime) or if you have a mac or iOS, you can install a copy of GarageBand that comes free with iOS products. There are a few different budget tools you can use to record audio, although it might not sound as good as an official soundcard (like a Focusrite Solo) you can purchase a USB microphone to record your voice and your instruments. If you have a guitar but no amplifier to record, you could instead purchase a USB-to-¼ inch which will enable you to plug your guitar directly into your laptop. Both of these can usually be found on or below the $20 price point on most digital retail sellers.

As you progress in skill level, you can eventually upgrade to a full audio interface with professional XLR microphones and more high-quality setups, and eventually purchase the full version of whatever DAW you use (using our previous examples, you could upgrade to Studio One Professional or Logic Pro X.) However, leaning into the grittiness and lo-fi qualities of cheaper products could enhance your recording by playing your weaknesses as strengths; lo-fi music is all about experimental and budget recording, and even as I experiment with more professional-sounding mixes myself, I still find myself returning to grittier sounds and styles. It doesn’t have to sound perfect; all that really matters is that you write songs and have fun.