Do you have a different vision of the song you hear on the radio? Do you have a dream to see your musical masterpiece make it into the top ten on the charts? Want people to appreciate you for your work? Continue reading this article to find out how to become a music producer!
Step
Part 1 of 2: Learning How to Become a Producer
Step 1. Learn a musical instrument
You don't have to be an expert at playing an instrument to become a music producer, but training your ear and studying music theory will pay off in your career. You should also try writing your own songs, mastering the tempo, or even learning to play from sheet music; understanding music from the other side will better equip you to hear its full potential. Consider learning the following musical instruments:
- Piano/Keyboards. Maybe this is a musical instrument that has various functions for a producer. Mastering the piano is a big thing. Whether you want to work on an idea or want to record a part, a piano is indispensable, not only for its melody, but also for its flexibility in live performances!
- Guitar. Learning the guitar will help you read chords (tone guides) and quickly become relevant to rock music and popular songs.
- Bass. Underrated but important, bass will help you take the lead on the beat and create a solid foundation for your music production.
Step 2. Master the technology
To create and manipulate music, you need to learn how to use your soundboard and music processing programs as much as possible. If you don't have a little background in sound production yet, a great sequencer program for beginners is Cubase.
- Sequencer software programs such as Cakewalk Sonar, Reason, and Pro Tools help music producers organize and modify the music they record. Hip-hop and dance music producers can use FL Studio, which can also be used for pop music.
- If you're considering producing hip-hop music, consider purchasing a sampler. The MPC60, SP1200, and S950 are all popular with "Golden Era" hip-hop producers like Pete Rock and DJ Premier.
Step 3. Know the basics of mixing music
Knowing how to put a song together: how to put all the different sounds together into a melodious mix.
- Know the difference between "in the box" and "out of the box." In the box means that you put together using only a computer program; out of the box means you put together using a soundboard and other non-computer equipment to get the sound you want.
- Know the difference between stereo mix and mono. A stereo mix represents two tracks in the same song, one for the left and one for the right: mono represents one sound for the track.
- Know what to put in the center of the mix. The bass guitar and vocals are usually located in the center of the mix – not one side. Musical instruments and other production elements can be placed to the left or right to create a fuller sound.
Step 4. Become a student in music
Take your scholarship seriously. Music producers are in the music-making business, and often use help from other songs. In particular, a hip-hop producer whose job is to take samples from other songs and rework them into different rhythms, needs to be a music student with great desire. If you're not a music student, you'll soon find that you're limiting yourself unnecessarily.
Step 5. Think about what sounds will mix well
Your job as a music producer is to make music that is catchy, amazing, and soul-stirring. Often this means experimenting with mixing different sounds with different genres of music.
George Martin, the acclaimed producer of The Beatles, introduced what we call today's "World" music into vogue. Martin has helped link the sitar into pop songs. This is truly the embodiment of the East meets the West
Step 6. Create some music
Try to do whatever feels best: Punk, Ska, Skirt, Rap, R&B, Country, Funk, Jaz, and the like. At first, focus on mastering one genre of music. This will make your name famous in one genre of music before switching to another genre. Because it usually involves fewer musical instruments. Hip-Hop, R&B, and Pop are some of the easiest genres to learn to start with.
In the end, try to experiment with different genres of music. The more genres of music you are good at, the more insight you will have (and the more clients you can get). But don't do it too fast. Master one genre of music before switching to another
Step 7. Recycle famous old songs
Take a well-known song–preferably one that is rarely recycled–and incorporate your own personality into it. What potential will the song have? How can you make the song even better? What vision do you have to turn that song into something completely different?
Create multiple versions of the song to get a feel for the possibilities. Maybe you could make a Reggae version of the song "The Wall," or recycle a lesser-known jazz song into a Hip-Hop beat. Don't be afraid to think big here
Step 8. Collaborate with other music producers
The collaboration has produced some of the most memorable music of all time. Don't be afraid to reach out to producers you admire and ask if they'd like to work with you. Collaborations work because you can use the strengths of other producers to cover your flaws, and hopefully use your strengths to cover theirs.
Part 2 of 2: Music Production Business
Step 1. Start building the network
Tell family and friends that you have skills as a music producer. Create a business card. Post a newsletter in the area around you. If the price you offer is affordable enough, you will get clients in a relatively short time. Offer low prices by the hour or by the song.
- It might be helpful to try being a music producer for your family and friends. Do you have a friend who is a great singer? An uncle who is good at playing the tuba? Be a music producer for them and save samples of your work to show potential clients. (But remember to keep family and business separate).
- If nothing interesting comes up, volunteer your services to build your reputation. There's nothing bad about working for free, unless you're being taken advantage of. A good first impression in volunteer work can pay off for you if your work is too good to be considered free work.
Step 2. Intern at a record company
Of course it's hard work, but maybe you can spend some time inside a real recording studio for free. Meanwhile, you can make new friends in the record business (and take those earnings home).
If necessary, start small; The goal is to make your name known. The harder you work (and the happier you are at doing it), the more likely you are to be recognized
Step 3. Complete education
If necessary, take evening classes to earn your degree. If music production doesn't work, you still have something to spare.
Step 4. Take advantage of the amazing power of the internet
Usually you have to use a personal connection so that your music can be heard. Now, if you can use the internet proficiently, then you can make a quick impression, both locally and globally, if that's what you want.
- Post the music you create on a music website, such as bandcamp. Take this seriously; post only the best work, and always add new and different material on your webpages to keep fans excited.
- Use social networks to promote your music. Social networks have provided hundreds of artists with success, although some of that success has been short-lived. Use–don't overdo it–your social network with updates, promotions and free stuff. They will thank you for it.
Step 5. Save
If you already have sufficient knowledge of this business, a stable source of income, and a large number of clients, you can create your own music studio. If you have a bigger desire, maybe you can move to another city to try to get into the bigger music industry.
Tips
Never think that you are too good–or not good enough for a client. Take all clients who call or come to you seriously
Warning
- Music producers make two things: music and sacrifices.
- At first you won't earn enough money to support your daily life, so find a job that can provide for you and become a music producer in your spare time.
