I've received many texts inquiring about the essentials for entering this industry or how to produce music, which inspired me to write this blog. Welcome to the ultimate guide for aspiring music producers! Whether you're new to the field or someone looking to break into the music industry, this comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know. From finding your initial motivation to navigating the complexities of the industry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the exciting world of music production!
Finding Your Motivation
My journey into music production began with remix contests by various artists. The thrill of reimagining a track and the challenge of standing out among other talented producers fueled my passion. Finding your motivation is crucial as it will drive you through the ups and downs of your music career.
Key Takeaways:
Identify Your Passion : What excites you about music? Remix contests, a favorite genre, or a particular artist can all serve as great sources of inspiration.
Set Goals : Whether it's to create a specific type of music or to win a contest, having clear goals can keep you motivated.
Overcoming Initial Challenges
Starting out in music production, I faced several significant challenges:
Releasing to Spotify : Understanding how to get my music on streaming platforms was a mystery.
Monetization : Figuring out how to make money from my music seemed daunting. (I'll discuss this topic in a separate blog post.)
Audience Engagement : Getting people to care about my songs was tough.
Lack of Guidance: Lacking proper guidance and mentorship, I'm writing this blog to offer you any assistance I can. I didn't have the right kind of help and had to navigate things on my own. However, I would still encourage you to discover some things independently, as experience is invaluable.
These challenges are common for many beginners, but with the right approach, they can be overcome.
Key Takeaways:
Educate Yourself : Research and learn about the different aspects of music production and distribution.
Seek Mentorship : Find a mentor or join a community where you can get advice and feedback.
Stay Persistent : Challenges are part of the journey. Keep pushing through and learning from each experience.
Getting Started: Equipment and Software
I started making music with the FL Studio trial version on a basic desktop, which wasn’t optimal but sufficient to get me going. For beginners, here’s what I recommend:
Essential Software and Hardware:
DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations):
FL Studio : Beginner-friendly with a straightforward interface. has free trial with the only limitation of not able to save projects + free unlimited updates
Ableton Live : Great for live performances and seamless workflow. has limited time free trial for 30 days
Logic Pro : Known for its extensive library of sounds and effects. offers 90 days free trial
free Plugins
Komplete start from Native instruments : comes with 7 effects and 7 kontakt libraries
Vital by Matt Tytel : the most powerful synth you can get for free
Melda Audio free plugin bundleware : comes with free 37 effects i have seen alot of pro producers using
Kilohearts essentials : All essential effects are available for free, and they are praised for their beginner-friendly approach, which includes explanations of each knob's function as you hover over it in the plugin. Hardware:
Computer : A decent laptop or desktop with good processing power.
MIDI Keyboard : Useful for playing and recording melodies.
Headphones/Monitors : Invest in a good pair for accurate sound.
Audio interface : it enhances the audio quality by converting signals in an optimal way, reduces latency while recording and provides phantom power for condenser mics, and quality is everything in music production
Microphone : to record sounds or vocals
Key Takeaways:
Start Simple : You don’t need the most expensive equipment to begin. Focus on learning the basics first.
Upgrade Gradually : As you improve, you can gradually invest in better equipment.
know how to use your equipment : Before making any purchase, it's crucial to do thorough research, understand the equipment's functionality, and know how to operate it. Invest in it only if you foresee its utility in the near future.
Learning and Improving Your Skills
Listen and Experiment : Listen to the type of music you want to create and experiment with different sounds and techniques.
Online Tutorials : YouTube is a treasure trove of free tutorials. Channels like Jonas Aden, InTheMix, Larry Ohh, and Jay Eskar offer valuable insights.
Structured Courses : For a more structured learning approach, consider courses from PML (Production Music Live) or 789ten. These courses reveal hidden features of DAWs and provide exclusive tips from professionals.
Key Takeaways:
Practice Regularly : The more you practice, the better you’ll get.
Stay Curious: Always be willing to learn and try new things.
Use Free Resources : Utilize free online tutorials before investing in paid courses.
Promoting Your Music
At first, I used to text everyone i knew about my new songs, hoping they would listen. I hesitated to create content and made excuses to avoid promoting my music. But as I started putting in effort, I found I could engage with my audience better and share my songs without being overly promotional.
Effective Promotion Strategies:
Provide value on your content : rather than trying to sell your music like an advert, try repurposing your song which can be used in edits or make a template that can easily be used by people and hopefully be a trend
Research viral content : All viral content offers some form of value, such as education, entertainment, or gratification. If you don't provide a reason for people to follow or get to know you, they simply won't.
Leverage Labels : Aim to get your music supported and promoted by reputable labels.
Key Takeaways:
Build a Brand : Establish a unique and memorable brand for your music. Avoid using complex usernames for your artist identity; you'll want to be recognized effortlessly.
Utilize Social Media : Use social media to share your music and connect with fans.
Network with Labels : Build relationships with labels that can help promote and distribute your music.
follow people who tell you effective ways of how to grow on social media like @viralvideo.club and alike
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Being Hasty : Take your time to learn and perfect your craft. Rushing often leads to mistakes.
Lack of Education : Continuously educate yourself about music production and the industry.
Tool Hoarding : Focus on mastering the tools you have before buying new ones.
Poor Networking : Build meaningful connections within the industry.
Key Takeaways:
Patience is Key : Good music takes time to create.
Continuous Learning : Never stop learning and improving.
Quality over Quantity : It’s better to master a few tools than to have many that you don’t know how to use.
Navigating the Industry
The music industry can be complex, but here are some tips to help you navigate it effectively:
Networking and Collaboration:
Instagram : Instagram is a goldmine for talent. A simple DM can spark a collaboration.
Communities : Join Discord and Reddit communities to connect with like-minded individuals.
Distribution Services : Learn about distribution services like CD Baby, LANDR, and Amuse to get your music on various platforms.
Key Takeaways:
Be Proactive : Reach out to other artists and industry professionals.
Join Communities : Engage with online communities for support and collaboration opportunities.
Understand Distribution : Know how to distribute your music effectively.
The Role of Social Media
Social media has helped me connect with many people in the industry, even though it’s still a growing platform for me. Consistent and engaging content can slowly build your presence and network.
Key Takeaways:
Consistency : Regularly post content to stay relevant.
Engagement : Engage with your audience to build a loyal fanbase.
Networking : Use social media to connect with other industry professionals.
Be yourself : Personality and quirks are unique to each individual, and authenticity is often appreciated, as it gather trust among your potential listeners
Staying Motivated and Dealing with Setbacks
As a beginner, keep your expectations realistic. Understand where you are and work from there. It’s a hit-or-miss situation—every miss brings you closer to a hit. Remember, once you achieve a hit, it’s hard to forget.
Key Takeaways:
Set Realistic Goals: Don’t set your expectations too high as a beginner.
Learn from Setbacks: Use failures as learning opportunities.
Stay Persistent: Keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.
Recommended Resources
YouTube: Free and full of valuable content. click Here for a playlist of videos that i found helpful
Courses: PML and 789ten provide comprehensive courses that may cover topics you weren't initially seeking, yet they contribute to a better understanding of the concepts.
Podcasts: Dave Pensado’s podcast is an excellent resource for learning mixing techniques.
Key Takeaways:
Free Resources: Utilize free resources like YouTube.
Paid Courses: Invest in paid courses for more in-depth learning.
Podcasts: Listen to industry experts for additional insights.
Starting your music production journey and entering the industry can be daunting, but with the right motivation, tools, and guidance, it’s entirely achievable. Remember to stay patient, continuously learn, and build connections. Your hard work will eventually pay off. Happy producing!
Feel free to reach out with any questions or for further guidance. Let’s make music that moves the world!
SEO Keywords: Music producer, Music industry, Music production, Music career, Music passion, Music industry trends, Music production techniques, Music networking.
Comments