Hey First name / producers,
Here are 4 things I've learned throughout my journey helping 100+ record producers make the transition to working with artists full time…
Remove The Uncertainty
There are a few traditional business principles that don't just neatly “plug into” the music industry, but there is an important one that does… If you hit your metrics (micro goals that represent each step of your project acquisition process) then you have a working business.
Period... Music industry or otherwise.
And, the only way that someone wouldn't hit their metrics is because they lack certain skills. Do whatever possible to acquire those skills and pay off your “ignorance tax” as quickly as you can.
Trying to build any business on a foundation of hope and guessing is not only stressful… It isn't necessary. Hopefully that takes some pressure off!
Grow With Intention
As I just mentioned… Acquiring skills quickly is important. It allows you to make better decisions.
With that said, transitioning to “full time" as fast as possible isn't and shouldn't be every producer's goal.
There have been many times where I am working with a producer and based on their long-term career goals… It would make more sense for them to keep their day job a little longer and use that fuel source (cash) to create another asset.
Or, I get the sense that they wouldn't be happy working full time on music until the level of projects that they're working on are bigger. They may delay the gratification of ‘short term income’ for long term reputation plays.
Everyone has their own goals so don't feel pressure that you need to go full time as quickly as possible. Maybe, but maybe not. Seek guidance on this if you are unsure.
The Full Time Trap
That last point sets up this next one. Before you feel jealous of that producer on Instagram who is younger than you and is already full time, remember that not everyone's “full time experience” is the same.
For some producers it is great! However, many other producers will transition to full time way too soon because they had a few good months in a row and it “felt right” to just go for it.
However, having a few good months doesn't mean that they possess the necessary skills to run a business (see point one)… And what can happen is that they get stuck in a vicious cycle working on a bunch of projects that aren't moving their career forward, but they can't say NO because bills are due. I call this the full time trap.
Overworked and underpaid. I've unfortunately seen the full time trap scenario rip the passion for making music right out of many producers.
Normalization Wins
I've noticed over the last decade that the producers who refer to this career as their “dream” (before they have achieved it) seem to have a lower chance of actually making it a thing.
Don't feel bad if you have btw. At some point, we all have referred to this as our dream.
I know that sounds silly and I don't 100% know why this is the case. The only thing I can think of is that it's a mental thing.
The more we treat something like it's a dream and put it on a pedestal… The more disconnected it is from actual reality. I recommend getting into networks where it's normal for people make a living producing songs.
Normalization is powerful. It's why I put all of my consulting & mgmt clients into a group together so that they can mingle. I don't have to do that in order to render my services, but I've found that it can dramatically increase their results and experience.
Have a great and productive week!
Produce prosperously,
Dan
