I just got here, time to be an asshole and ruin my rep.
> What defines "generic"
Being replaceable.
I mostly do dubstep. Most mainstream dubstep from the last couple of years sounds like it's all made from one formula, and that formula controls EVERYTHING. Sometimes that formula changes slightly, and then everyone changes to follow it. But either way, I'm kind of sick of hearing another track with the exact same structure, exact same drop setup, exact same sound design, and exact same mixdown, even the exact same
key signature (F minor). It gets boring after a while, and having the same lead sound playing a slightly different melody (in the same style) isn't enough.
how can you avoid a generic structure
Make tracks because you want to, not because you have to.
Music is entertainment, but it's also a creative field. I mean, you could be all "me too" and make another interchangeable banger, but why? Once your technique (arrangement/sound design/mixing...) is in a good place, it's time to learn how to channel your inspiration into a track, and use different elements to convey different ideas. I think that's something most producers skip, and you can tell which ones they are pretty easily. And if you're having problems getting inspired, go out and find something that inspires you! Heartbreak, politics, religion, friends, a place, or just TV/books/movies, or even more music. You don't have to make music about something specific, and EDM is mostly instrumental anyway; as long as it makes you want to create.
But how exactly does someone do that? I think the best way to expand your musical style is to listen to other music. Haywyre and Koan Sound both have great jazz influences. Dubstep originally had a lot of reggae influences. When trap started out, it had some rap going on, AFAIK.
^ that too
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