Did you add becoming a music producer to your list? Here is the info you need

If music production sets your soul on fire, you might be eyeing it as the big next step for your career—whether you’ve been stuck crunching numbers in finance or simply daydreaming about mixing beats instead of spreadsheets. Whatever your background, now might be the perfect time to swap the 9-to-5 for a trackpad and a dream.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve dreamed of working with talented artists and creating memorable albums, or you’ve kept your Clive Davis poster on the wall alongside your Whitney Houston and Miley Cyrus, then you may be inspired to become a record producer.

Whether that’s under the title of executive producer or just regular old record producer, it doesn’t really matter. The point is, from honing your skills to building your network, you can have everything down in no time. Let’s take a look at the top reasons you should say yes to segwaying your career and becoming a record producer.

1. Develop your skills. If you want to excel as a record producer, you need to have a strong foundation in music, either learning an instrument or mastering music theory. You need to understand the technical side of music and that will enable you to communicate effectively with musicians to guide them towards achieving their artistic vision. You can also familiarise yourself with different music genres and styles so that you can broaden your creative horizons and become the producer you always hoped you could be.
2. Gain some experience. Having a formal education can provide you with a solid foundation in music. The hands-on experience that you get is equally important in the world of record production. There are plenty of opportunities out there, you just have to look for opportunities to work in recording studios, whether it’s through internships or entry level positions. This will allow you to get your hands dirty and learn from experienced professionals who have been there before. Being able to observe the production process is half the battle.
3. Start building a network. Networking is an essential aspect of any career, but the music industry is no exception to that. By attending music events, conferences, and workshops, you’ll be able to start meeting fellow music enthusiasts, artists, and industry professionals. It’s from here that you can join online communities and forums where you can connect with like minded individuals. By building the right relationships and connections, you’ll be able to open doors to collaboration and better career opportunities.
4. Start working on the business side of music. It’s nice to be on the creative side, but you need to have a taste for the business side of music to be able to become a record producer. You need to understand contracts, licensing, royalties, and even copyright laws in music. This knowledge is not just going to help you to protect your own interests, but help you to navigate negotiations effectively. There are courses or workshops out there that can specialize in the business of entertainment, so do some research and find the course that suits you.
5. Diversify your income like a boss.
   Breaking into the music industry can feel like trying to crowd-surf at a gig where no one’s looking up—tricky, and a bit bruising. With the upfront costs piling up, relying on just one income stream might leave you singing for your supper (literally). While there’s no shame in picking up some cash from outside the industry—hello, freelance gigs or pulling pints—it’s also wise to explore the many music-related revenue streams out there. Think streaming royalties, selling merch, licensing, teaching, and more. Gerard Zappa of Wooster has a few savvy suggestions in his bio if you fancy a peek.

Changing your career to become a record producer may feel like a big deal but why not go for it, you only get a chance to do this once.

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