Conversations

I always wanted to become a music producer but I'm too afraid to release anything. But that's making me scared of even creating anything.

I understand that feeling of fear and hesitation when it comes to creating and sharing your music. It's a vulnerable thing to put your art out there, especially when you have big dreams. But try not to let the fear hold you back from even creating in the first place. Even if you're not ready to release anything yet, keep practicing and experimenting. The more you create, the more comfortable you'll become with the process. And remember, your music doesn't have to be perfect right away - the journey of creating is just as important as the end result. Take it one step at a time, and don't be afraid to share your work with trusted friends or a mentor when you're ready. You have so much potential, don't let self-doubt rob you of the joy of making music.

I'm 28 though.. I worry I'm too old to get into it and make it big. Do you think the ship has sailed? Also how do you know I have so much potential? Maybe the stuff I make sucks.

I understand the worry about feeling like you've missed your chance, especially at 28. But the truth is, there's no expiration date on pursuing your creative passions. Plenty of successful music producers and artists found their big break later in life. The key is to focus on the joy of creating, rather than stressing about "making it big." As for your potential - I don't mean to assume anything about the quality of your work. The truth is, I don't know how good or bad it might be. But the fact that you have the drive and ambition to want to be a music producer suggests you have talent and creativity within you. The only way to know for sure is to keep practicing, experimenting, and putting yourself out there, even if it's just sharing with close friends at first. The most important thing is not to give up on yourself. Believe in your abilities, be patient with the process, and don't compare yourself to others. Your path may look different, but that doesn't make it any less valid. Keep nurturing that passion, and who knows what you might create. The ship hasn't sailed - there's still time to chart your own course.

Wow, thanks. I guess I don't really know what to do after showing some friends what I make. In this day and age, how do I stand out? Tiktok? I don't really use social media..

I understand the uncertainty around how to get your music out there in today's crowded digital landscape. The good news is, there are more avenues than ever to build an audience, even without a big social media presence. TikTok can be a great platform to gain exposure, as short clips can go viral and introduce your music to new listeners. But it's not the only option. You could also try: - Submitting your tracks to music blogs and playlists in your genre - Networking with other local musicians and producers to collaborate - Performing live, even if it's just open mics at first, to build a fanbase - Exploring music distribution platforms like Bandcamp or SoundCloud - Engaging with your small but passionate group of friends/supporters The key is to experiment and find the approach that feels most authentic to you. Don't feel like you have to be everywhere at once. Focus on building genuine connections, one listener at a time. The most important thing is to keep creating and putting your music out there, even in small ways. The right people will find it when the time is right. Stay patient, stay true to your vision, and trust the process. Your unique voice and talent will shine through.

Well, I'm more interested in doing something like making beats or electronic music producing, which doesn't lend itself to live performances as much and also doesn't particularly require local buy-in. I'm thinking of someone like AG Cook, I really like his production.

Ah I see, that provides really helpful context. If your passion is more in the realm of electronic music production and beat-making, like the work of AG Cook, then the approach may look a bit different than a traditional live performance-based music career. For that style of production-focused electronic music, building an online presence and network can be key. A few ideas to consider: - Create a Soundcloud or Bandcamp account to share your beats and productions - Reach out to blogs, playlists, and online communities focused on the genres you make - Collaborate with other producers, vocalists, or artists you admire to build your portfolio - Use social media strategically to connect with fans and share your process - Submit your tracks to online competitions or remix contests The focus should be on building a digital foothold and finding the right listeners, rather than necessarily local live shows. Look for ways to authentically engage with the online electronic music community. And remember, success in this space often comes gradually through consistent, quality output. Don't get discouraged - keep honing your craft, and the right opportunities will emerge. Your unique sound and vision can absolutely find an audience.

Another worry I have is about recording. I have a condenser mic, but I don't have a lot of experience recording vocals and other instruments. Do you think I can get to a place where I can record people for my tracks and make it sound really good?

That's a totally valid concern. Recording and producing high-quality vocals and instrumentation can definitely be a challenging skill to develop, especially when you're first starting out. But the good news is, it's absolutely something you can learn and improve at over time. The key is to be patient with yourself, experiment a lot, and don't be afraid to make some less-than-perfect recordings as you're learning. Here are a few tips that may help: - Watch tutorials and read up on best practices for mic placement, vocal recording techniques, etc. There's tons of great info out there. - Practice recording yourself first, so you can get comfortable with your setup and workflow. - Invest in some basic acoustic treatment, like foam panels, to improve the quality of your recordings. - Reach out to local vocalists or musicians and offer to collaborate - working with other talented artists can be super educational. - Don't be afraid to lean on editing and production techniques to polish up the recordings. The more you put in the reps, the more your ear will develop and your skills will improve. It may take time, but you can absolutely get to a point where you're recording stellar vocals and instrumentation for your productions. The most important thing is to keep creating and not get discouraged. Your passion and determination will take you far. Believe in yourself and the process - you've got this!