According to recent data, the total revenue of the recorded music industry topped $21.5 billion in 2019. Though the way we listen to music changed dramatically over the last 20 years, our love of music remains strong.
For many, a job in the music industry is a lifelong dream. The music industry, however, is notoriously challenging. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.
Do you dream of becoming the next George Martin or Rick Rubin? Becoming a freelance music producer takes some time, but you can do it with the proper guidance.
Read on for five vital tips for working in music production.
1. Be a Good Student
You can’t buy a set of wrenches and say you’re a mechanic. Becoming a bricklayer takes years of apprenticeship. The same goes for learning how to produce music.
If you want to know how to become a music producer, you must first love music. Then you have to study it. You must learn the craft of songwriting, as well as the process of recording it.
Take your time and learn from the masters. Figure out what sounds good to you, and learn how the famous producers achieved those sounds.
2. Build Your Music Producer Skills
If you want to make a career behind a mixing board, you better learn how to use it. Mixing boards are complicated pieces of equipment, and learning the ins and outs of a board is how you find your unique production aesthetic.
You can build your engineering and mixing skills through practice. You can find free multi-track recordings to run through your board to create your personal mixes of famous songs.
By doing this, you’ll be able to deconstruct your favorite audio tracks and learn how the best engineers and producers crafted your favorite tunes.
3. Buy Good Equipment
If you’re looking for artists willing to trust your ear with their recordings, you better invest in quality equipment. Quality doesn’t always mean state-of-the-art equipment. Many producers create sounds with older equipment.
Of all the music production tips, you must know you will only be as good as your equipment. If you’re wondering what is the best computer for music production, you’ll find out there.
4. Market Yourself
Social media is now how you get yourself out there. Possible clients should be able to find the music you’ve produced and be able to listen to it.
Start and maintain accounts on every possible social media platform to reach as many people as possible.
5. Find Your Sound
Your sonic vision is what sets you apart from other producers. Did you ever wonder why some recordings are more popular than others? Sometimes it has nothing to do with the musicianship or the songwriting.
The way records sound can push them to the top of the charts. Finding your sound is the same as a writer finding their voice. Work to make your production unmistakably yours.
Become a Freelance Music Producer
Breaking into the music industry and finding success isn’t easy. Many try and fail. If you want to become a freelance music producer, follow these tips and get yourself in the studio!
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