• Start with the Right Sounds: The quickest way to achieve an organic feel is to use samples that are inherently rich with character and life. Look for libraries that capture the natural imperfections, textures, and nuances of real instruments and spaces.
• Humanize Your MIDI: Avoid robotic, perfectly-quantized sequences.
  
  • Velocity Variation: Never use the same velocity for every note. Subtly varying how “hard” each note is hit is crucial for a dynamic, human performance.
  • Micro-timing: Nudge notes slightly off the grid. Real players rush ahead or drag behind the beat, creating a “pocket” or groove. Pushing or pulling notes by just a few milliseconds can transform a rigid track into one that breathes.
  • Note Length: Vary the lengths of your MIDI notes. No one holds every note for its exact mathematical duration. Small overlaps or shortened notes mimic real playing.
• Embrace Imperfection: Use techniques that simulate the inconsistencies of the analog world. This can include adding subtle tape saturation, vinyl crackle, or using plugins that introduce slight pitch warbles and fluctuations.
• Create a Sense of Space: Use reverb and panning to place your instruments in a virtual room. Not every sound should be perfectly centered and dry. Layering different reverbs can create a rich, believable acoustic environment.

Further Reading:

• Unison Audio – “How to Humanize MIDI Like a True Professional (20+ Pro Tips)”: This article provides an in-depth guide with actionable tips on varying velocity, timing, and note length to create a more human feel. (unison.audio)
• Reddit (r/FL_Studio) – “Ways to make music sound more natural and organic?”: A community discussion offering a wide range of creative techniques, from layering foley sounds to using automation to mimic natural performance changes. (reddit.com)