What it Takes to Succeed as a Music Producer
So you read the reasons why you’re not cut out to be a producer and you still want to be one huh? Great. The first step to success is an incessant doggedness to achieve victory. But that’s only the beginning. If you want to “make it” in the music industry as a producer, it’s going to take a lot more than just determination to get you there.
We’ve come up with the next steps you need to take to prepare you best for success in your field.
Solid business knowledge and intuition.
Music is at least 50% about business. If you don’t posses any business knowledge you won’t make it in the industry. This applies when you’re about to sign with a music label as well.
You need to read every contract that’s handed to you, copyright your music and constantly find distribution deals to cash out from.
Talent and vision.
A lot of upcoming producers seem to think that music is all about antics and taking shortcuts. Regardless of how much attention you can generate with a viral video, picture or story, the fans will decide to pass you up or not.
Vision is also a quality you need to have. You need to come up with a long term plan and stick to it regardless of any struggle you might endure. The sun is not going to shine all the time but when that day comes you need to make it worth all the efforts invested.
Jack of All Trades, Master of None.
Being an independent artist has its benefits. But it takes a lot to get there. You have to do it all by yourself or know the right people who can deliver some professional help.
You need to handle your PR, videos, studios to record and mix your music and build your brand at the same time. This is pretty much a label’s worth if you’re a signed producer but if not you have to do it all by yourself. You can work with other contractors but then again you have to know how to build a successful team that will support you on a long run.
Hard work (always making new music).
Cooking beats and providing your fans with new music should never stop. You need to invest all your free time into producing new music all the time. You need to reach out to as many people as possible (network) and maintain a high level of quality. Any less won’t do.
Be humble and fan connected.
If you’re music picks up don’t go Hollywood on people, especially on your day 1 fans. Free tickets, VIP passes, free shows, gifts and contests will solidify your place on the top. Take a few moments to study all the famous producers and their attitude. You will see that each and every one of them are open to interviews and fan connected. Also, if you chose to be arrogant that’s just extra pressure on your shoulders so remain humble.
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