Becoming a music producer is a tough achievement, and the responsibilities that follow can be even more daunting. Before going after your dream of becoming a music producer, it is worth learning about what exactly music producers do. Music producers have to face just as many challenges as any other worker. So, what does a look in the life of a music producer look like?
Music producers tend to have extremely busy schedules. Plus, their responsibility is not only creating a beat on a computer. To be a successful music producer, you must maintain a determined, personable, and focused attitude towards your work.
Read on to see a look in the life of a music producer.
Any position in the music industry can be exciting, but just like so many of the others, producing music is not as simple as it may seem.
One cannot simply make one beat and become a renowned producer. Although they are important, it takes much more than technical skills to succeed as a music producer.
A Look In The Life Of A Music Producer
There are several different paths one can take to find themself becoming a music producer. Perhaps they started at an entry-level job at a music studio and worked their way up.
On the other hand, maybe they began making beats early on, and, through connections and personal talent, scored a few top artists to get their name out there.
Other times, past and present musicians dip into the world of music production as a way to expand their career.
Since there are so many different ways to become a music producer, it is understandable that each music producer is unlike the other. Everyone has their own taste, style, and method of production. However, there are universal duties required of music producers, which you will learn about below.
Although the music industry allows producers to have quite a bit of freedom, they have to stick to similar paths to achieve their goals. Below are the basics of life as a music producer that you might come across as a music producer, no matter what region you are in, the genre you produce, etc.
What Is The Life Of A Music Producer Like?
Once you have reached the title of music producer, it is important to try sticking to a loose schedule. One of the most important parts of being a music producer is finding the talent you want to work with. This can be best achieved by going to live concerts to find what you are looking for.
After finding artists to work with, the production process begins. However, before getting into making beats, finding harmonies, and putting together the song, you need to get together for brainstorming and rehearsals.
Talk with the artists about their vision for the work, keeping in mind their label’s requirements. Unfortunately, you will not have complete freedom, but when someone is under contract, abiding by the rules is the best option.
Still, listen to the wants of the artist as much as you can, forming in your mind a plan for the song or album while you speak with them. After hours – and sometimes days – of collaboration, you should have enough information and inspiration to begin producing a song.
As mentioned above, the actual process of recording a song does not just include using a free app on your computer to compile a beat. For some – and perhaps most – genres, recording involves using real instruments played by the artists to make the song their own.
Finding the right instruments and adjustments to make in the song can be one of the most grueling parts of being a music producer.
Chances are that you are not going to record the perfect song on the first go-around. Recording takes time; meshing harmonies, adding and deleting sounds, and eventually using lyrics, if needed, all take a lot of determination. As you will learn below, music production may not be productive if you try to do it all in a few days.
Even after completing the first draft of a song, there is still a lot of work to do. You will need to go back and listen for perfection. You might choose to mix the recordings yourself or have an engineer do it with you.
Either way, combing the recordings and coming out the other end with a song takes patience and creativity.
Music Producer Requirements
As a music producer, you will have a few other things to do that do not directly involve making music:
- Negotiating finances
- Working with record labels
- Maintaining relationships
Figuring out the finances is an important part of the job to consider how much money you will be making from music production. Working with record labels is equally important for your success, whether it be you or your artists’ record labels.
Finally, keeping the relationships you have made in the industry can typically do much more good than it can be. Maintaining and appreciating your relationships in the music industry is all part of succeeding.
What Percent Of Music Producers Make It?
There is no set percentage of music producers that do or do not make it. However, if you do not put in the effort, you will never succeed. Make it a point to stay determined, excited, and optimistic about your involvement in music production. Below are a few tips to encourage your success in music production.
Take your time.
Of course, you may have to meet deadlines, but rushed music will not be successful music.
Take the time to get to know the artists you are working with. Try to find something in the production process that means something to you. Add your own spice to the piece. It may not be best to spend twelve hours a day working with one artist.
Make yourself available.
Be willing to meet and work with your artists when they are willing.
After finding them, you have already finished half of the battle. Although producing their music may be much more strenuous than the first half, you will not have the chance if you are not personable and actively looking for artists to work with.
Takeaway
The life of a music producer involves much more than simply putting together a beat in a studio that is given to you. From finding talent to negotiating business to maintaining relationships, there is much more that goes into music production than meets the eye.