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.
Great advice. Seek out help. And then, continue moving forward. One step at a time.