Making a Living Off Music: The Entrepreneurial Journey for Producers

Hey, electronic music producers!

Let’s be real—most of you reading this probably have one big dream in common: making a living off your music. You want to trade your day job for a full-time music career. If that’s not your goal, feel free to stick around, but this post might not be for you.

If you do want to make a living from your music, then buckle up, because you’ll need to think like an entrepreneur. Making it in the music industry isn’t just about being a great producer; it’s about being great at running your own business. And yes, that means building up multiple high-level skills.

The Two Main Paths to Success

There are two ways to go about this as a producer:

A - The Artist Route

This is what most people dream of: being the artist. You release your own music, build a fanbase, and get paid for gigs, streams, and merch. It’s a great path, but it requires more than just making killer tracks. You’ll need to market yourself, manage your brand, and turn casual listeners into loyal fans.

B - The Service Provider Route

The other option is to offer services. This could be anything from producing tracks for other artists to mixing, mastering, or even getting into sync licensing (getting music placed in TV, ads, and movies). You become the go-to person for others who need top-tier production skills.

It’s a Simple 2-Step Process (But Not Easy)

Whether you choose the artist or service provider route, the formula is the same: you need high-level skills in both the studio and in selling/marketing yourself. This part is crucial—because what’s the point of being great at making music if no one ever hears it, right?

It sounds simple, but it’s definitely not easy. If it were, everyone would already be living off their music. That’s why it’s so exciting. If you’re willing to push yourself and do what others won’t, you’ll end up in a space where the competition is way less saturated. You’ll be one of the few who make it.

Step 1: Choose Your Path and Get There Fast

Here’s the first big step: decide what you want to be great at and then find the fastest way to get there. And by “fast,” I don’t mean rushing through it stressed out and cutting corners. I mean smart, efficient, and focused. Fast means not wasting time on unnecessary detours. Fast saves you from lost opportunities.

Invest in Yourself

The fastest way to level up is to invest in yourself. Learn from people who are already doing what you want to do. Whether it’s through courses, mentorships, or hands-on experience, it’s crucial to learn from those who’ve been there. It might cost you some money upfront, but it’ll save you years of trial and error.

Step 2: Keep Learning and Leveling Up

Once you’ve made it to that next level, guess what? You apply the same thought process again. Keep learning. Keep growing. Whether you’re aiming to be an artist or a service provider, you need to stay sharp. The industry evolves, and so should you.

Success Isn’t an Accident

The truth is, only about 1% of producers out there actually follow through with this process. That’s why success feels rare—it’s not that there isn’t room for more successful producers, it’s that most people aren’t willing to put in the work. But if you’re willing to push yourself to do what others won’t, you’ll be in that 1%.

Be Willing to Do What Others Won’t

At the end of the day, the key to making a living off your music is doing what others aren’t willing to do. Whether it’s taking the time to learn new skills, staying disciplined, or stepping out of your comfort zone, it’s those who keep pushing that eventually succeed.

Keep It Up!

You’ve got this. The road to making a living off your music isn’t easy, but it’s simple. Follow these steps, invest in yourself, and keep moving forward. Before you know it, you’ll be in that unique space where only a few make it—and that few could be you.

Finding Your Sound: Stop Sounding Like Everyone Else

There’s a lot of mystery around the idea of "finding your sound" as an electronic music producer. It’s something everyone talks about, but no one seems to have a clear path to getting there.

So, how do you find your unique sound?

The best way to approach this is to reverse your thought process. Instead of trying to “find” your sound, think about what holds most producers back. There are two main issues that keep electronic music producers from standing out.

1. Sounding Like Everyone Else

I can’t stand listening to Spotify anymore.

Once you start, it’s like falling into a rabbit hole of sameness.

One track leads to another, and before you know it, you’ve listened to a thousand producers doing the exact same thing. It’s wild how Bicep came out with Glue, and now half the producers out there sound like them.

This happens for two main reasons. First, producers convince themselves they need to sound like someone else. Maybe it’s because they think that sound is popular, or maybe they just love a particular artist’s work so much that they subconsciously start imitating them.

Then there’s the issue with dance labels. Labels often brand themselves around a specific sound, and if your track doesn’t fit, you’re out of luck. This creates a system where producers feel like they have to fit into a mold to get signed.

But here’s the truth: pointing the finger at others is easy. Blaming labels, Spotify, or the scene won’t help you. The responsibility to sound unique is yours.

The good news? Every producer has their own unique sound.

The bad news? Most producers decide not to pursue it. It’s easier to copy what’s already working. But deep down, you know that’s not going to satisfy you in the long run. You’ve got to make the decision to pursue your sound, and that’s something you can start working on today.

2. Relying Too Much on Sound Design

Here’s where a lot of people get stuck: they think their sound is all about presets or some fancy synthesis technique they’ve come up with. That’s what I call micro sound design.

Your true sound isn’t just about the individual sounds you use.

Sure, coming up with a killer synth line or unique patch is cool, but that’s not what’s going to make your music sound like you. Your unique sound comes from the thousands of small decisions you make throughout the production process. It’s the way you approach arrangement, structure, mixing—all the stuff that adds up to something bigger.

That’s the macro side of sound design. It’s less about the individual sounds and more about how you use them together to create a cohesive, professional-sounding track. Unfortunately, there’s a ton of education out there on the micro side—tons of YouTube tutorials on sound design—but barely any on the macro side. And that’s where your sound really starts to take shape.

Getting your macro game right takes time.

It’s not something that happens overnight. It requires education, constant progress, and an environment that challenges you to grow as a producer. But here’s the thing: while #2 is a long-term journey, #1 is a decision you can make today.

Stop Hiding Behind What’s Easy

At the end of the day, it’s easy to hide behind what works for others—whether that’s copying a popular sound or trying to fit into what a label is looking for. But that’s not you, and even if you find success that way, you won’t feel fulfilled.

The only way to truly be happy with your music is to be genuine.

Stop trying to chase someone else’s sound. Be yourself. That’s your story, and it’s what will make your music stand out in a sea of copycats.

So, what’s it going to be? You can keep following trends, or you can decide today to start pursuing your unique sound. The choice is yours.

How to Compose Better Music in Electronic Production

I often get asked by electronic music producers, “How can I compose better music during production?” This is a complex question with multiple facets but focusing on a few key areas can significantly enhance your work.⁣

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Understanding Basic Music Theory⁣

Music theory often seems daunting to those new to it, but understanding its basics can make a substantial difference in your production. It’s not about needing advanced classical training but rather grasping fundamental concepts like scales, chords, and progressions. This knowledge helps in structuring your tracks and making informed creative decisions. For instance, knowing how chord progressions create tension, and resolution can enhance your ability to build emotional impact in your music. Theory provides a framework that supports your creativity, rather than constraining it. It’s about using these principles to enrich your musical ideas and ensure they resonate well with your audience.⁣

Learning to Play an Instrument or Sing⁣

Learning to play an instrument or developing your singing skills offers profound benefits for your music production. Engaging with an instrument gives you a practical understanding of melody, harmony, and rhythm that goes beyond what you can achieve in a DAW alone. This hands-on experience can lead to more organic and innovative musical ideas, as you’ll interact with music in a more tactile way. Whether it’s piano, guitar, or vocals, each instrument can unlock different aspects of your creativity. This process might take time, but it’s a valuable investment. Enjoy experimenting with your instrument and let it inspire fresh melodies and chord progressions that might not emerge from digital tools alone.⁣

Using Your Ears⁣

Your ears are ultimately your most critical tool in music production. While theoretical knowledge and instrumental skills provide a foundation, listening critically to your music helps you refine and perfect it. Trust your instincts and listen for what works and what doesn’t. This means paying attention to the nuances of your tracks, such as the balance of elements, the quality of transitions, and the overall cohesion. However, don’t rely solely on your ears—combine this with your theoretical knowledge and instrumental skills. This balanced approach helps avoid repetitive patterns and fosters a more dynamic and engaging sound.⁣

Being Mindful of Sound Choices⁣

In electronic music, the variety of sounds and textures available is immense, and choosing the right ones can greatly affect your track’s vibe. Pay careful attention to the sounds you select and how they contribute to the overall feel of your music. Experiment with different synthesis techniques and sound design to find unique tones that set your tracks apart. Additionally, analyzing and breaking down tracks you admire can offer valuable insights into effective sound selection and usage. This process can inspire you to experiment with new sounds and refine your choices to better match your artistic vision.⁣

By focusing on these areas—understanding music theory, learning to play an instrument, using your ears, and being mindful of sound choices—you’ll develop a more robust approach to composing and producing electronic music. Hope these insights help you elevate your music and achieve better results in your productions!⁣