How do you decide when a track needs more production elements versus when it's time to strip back and keep it simple?

Many artists tend to be emotionally very close to their material, so they might overthink it a little bit. My job as a producer, mixing or mastering engineer, (depending on in which capacity I’m involved) often consists in providing a more unbiased point of view on a project. I can provide that objective feedback that can help artists really fine-tune what they’re doing and make them understand their strengths, whether it means to keep things simple or to go bigger with more production

My thought, is that if a song cannot stand on it's own, when it's played with ONLY an acoustic guitar and vocal. That is not a song in the first place. It's instead a product, made in a factory, as opposed to the workshop that is the mind of a creative human being. Many of the best songs ever made, are minimalist songs. Take the Beatles for instance (for a cliche example)

With this said, it's important to also take into account the example of producers like Skrillex. (I'm showing my age by not giving more modern examples), the production is very dense, yet many of his songs, are masterpieces. 

But I would ask the question, if you strip back Bangarang, and play it on acoustic guitar and sing it, is it a song?

So I guess that is the answer?

Is your song even a song? Or is it a PRODUCT. 

There's nothing wrong with a track being a product, based on PRODUCTION. Like Bangarang. But in that case, naturally there is a need for very sophisticated, satisfying and dense production, with many elements. As opposed to a Beatles song, which could have been released as acoustic guitar and vocal, and that would have been enough.

There's different ways of deciding how complex the production should be, but for me an easy one is to ask yourself: do you want the listener to focus on the overall music and production or do you want their focus to be on the lyrics or any other single element? If it's the latter, then I go for a simpler production.

Deciding whether to add or strip back production elements comes down to the track’s core emotion and clarity. I start by asking if each element is genuinely contributing to the song's mood and message. Here’s my approach:

1. Emotional Impact: If the track’s feeling or energy isn’t translating as strongly as I’d like, I might add layers—like subtle textures, fills, or atmospheric sounds—to deepen the emotional experience. But if the vibe is clear, I focus on refining rather than adding.

2. Clarity and Space: I listen for any elements competing for attention. If the mix feels cluttered or certain sounds aren't cutting through, I start stripping back to give the essential parts more room. This is especially true for vocals, melodies, and bass, which I prioritize in terms of clarity.

3. Momentum and Energy: For sections that feel flat or lack drive, I consider additional elements like percussion or effects to add dynamics. But if the song’s energy is already strong, I resist overproduction, relying on arrangement or slight variations instead of extra layers.

4. Intuition and Repeated Listening: I often take breaks and listen with fresh ears, paying attention to how naturally the song flows. If I find my ear drawn to something that feels out of place or unnecessary, it’s usually a sign to simplify.

Ultimately, if the track feels immersive, balanced, and emotionally resonant, it’s a sign it’s time to stop adding and let the simplicity shine.

It's a question of style, taste and quality...

If you're using high quality instruments or samples you may find they need less layers/elements with them. Which will allow them to shine.

If you don't have access to the best instruments or samples, layering more elements together may give you the sound you're looking for.

For example maybe you have a Piano sound but it's missing something in the low end, you could try layering with a different sound that has the missing low end you're looking for.

Alternatively you may have a really great vocal you're working with so you might not want to drown it in a lot of elements, instead keeping the track quite minimal.

Being able to correctly pan, eq and adjust each element will give you more space in the mix for more elements. 

Music is relative though, so just do what feels right for you!

I listen to it on my tiny iphone speaker. If it sounds muddy or things are getting lost I decide something needs to go. On the other hand, if it feels really empty when I wear headphones or play it through mastering monitors, I know I need to add something more. Sometimes the balance comes by putting some quieter things across the stereo channels to make it more spacious without cluttering it up. 

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The important thing about the track is to never overload it, however, to know that you are at the exact point you need to pass the car test. If you have a car, put the track on and don't listen to it in a determined way. Listen to it in the background and if you feel a void there, you need to fill something there.

The important thing about the track is to never overload it, however, to know that you are at the exact point you need to pass the car test. If you have a car, put the track on and don't listen to it in a determined way. Listen to it in the background and if you feel a void there, you need to fill something there.

This is something that you won't find in any books and the experience making and listening to music is the only thing that will really help you! I always try to get out of my role of composer and listen with no previous judgements. This is where I put myself in the role of critic and see if low end is missing or there are many competing elements. Sometimes you will need to add more layers and other times you will need to let a specific track has room to shine and the best to do would set a lower complexity to the other tracks.