We’ve explored how to become a record producer before, but we focused largely on the skills you need. Now we’re going to focus on the communication routes you should focus on. Communication routes that lead to becoming a professionally recognised music producer.

The skills that you learn and develop will only be a small contribution to your road map of becoming a music producer. The truth is, the real power is all in networking.

If you want to make money as a music producer, it’s important that you have the right network and skills. Starting a career as a music producer can be a long process if you only hide away in your room making music. Sure, you can develop a fan base this way (whoop!) but you’ll struggle to build a network unless you’re4 actively doing so online or in person.

Getting placements as a music producer for artists or in film & TV is tough when you don’t know where to start. The key is to research and gather as much information as you can from music producers who have already made it. We have summarised our favourite tips that will allow you to break the mould and earn your way to the chair behind a professional mixing desk.

Establish Yourself in the Community

Network. Network. Network.

Becoming a music producer takes time. Use that time to get yourself seen. You have to stay connected to the scene at all times, else you may fall out of relevancy. The community is constantly shifting, and you should be at the forefront of it.

Get out and meet as many music producers, artists, DJ’s, and sound engineers as you can! None of them has to be big, but the chances are that at least one of them will “make it” big. Wouldn’t you like to be in their phone book when that happens?

In music, your connections are just as valuable as your skills.

Content Marketing & Social Networking

A fantastic way to start getting seen is to utilise content marketing on your social media pages. If you’re not on social media, get on it.

Aim to build up your following with relevant and engaging content. Don’t aim to attract clients, but do aim to attract followers! A big following will speak for itself is equally as likely to bring clients in with the right content.

Our means of online communication are constantly improving. Consequently, more and more professionals (from sound engineers to managers) spend more time on social media. Whether for headhunting or for general browsing, they’re on there.

With the right content marketing strategy, there’s a strong chance they’ll find your profile. But don’t wait for them to find you. With the right portfolio, you’ll be able to reach out to them too. Actively contact producers, managers, and artists on their social media accounts. If you’re looking to work with a specific artist, contact their manager online after researching them.

You may even find their email address online, which we advise you to contact any day over a social media account. It’s direct access to them in most cases while their secretaries or marketing teams may run their social media accounts.

For more info on content marketing and how to make it work for you, click here.

Contact Sound Engineers

Reaching out to sound engineers is vital. Sound engineers work directly with artists and are far more likely to return your communication than a busy artist (not that sound engineers aren’t busy) or their managers.

Waiting to introduce an artist to your beat could leave you waiting forever and a day. But the people around the artist? They’ll likely be more open to building a relationship with you. The relationship is vital to your success.

Show sound engineers your passion with time. Don’t just throw all of your beats at them. Get to know them personally and talk about what inspires you. You may even have the same inspirations!

And when you build up a strong relationship, or even before, they may be open to listening to your beats/backing tracks. If they dig your work, they’ll probably introduce it to the artist. And this, my humble producer, could lead your o that producer chair for your favourite artist.

Contact Artists Without Managers

Working with up and coming artists is far more likely to get you a hit than aiming to the stars straight off the bat. Not only are manager-less artists more likely to be open to new producers, listening to other beats and expanding their own network, but they’re also going to be more personable with you. You’re both in the same boat, just in different oceans. The chances of building a lifelong connection are incredibly high.

Not all artists you contact will be in the same boat, of course. Some will have an established fan base which will be insanely beneficial to you to get access to. If an artist with a big fan base does respond, it’s equally an opportunity to get a placement as a producer as well as a chance to get your name out in the music industry.

Learn How to Contact Influencers

But how do you contact these professionals?

When contacting a professional from a sound engineer to an artist, it’s critical that you do your research on them.

What are their real names? What do they make or do? Is it relevant to your aspirations?

The next important thing is to be aware of how you should contact a professional. The approach you need is relationship building. Make sure you don’t make it about you – even though it is. If you want a professional to take you seriously, let them come to you. Don’t throw everything about you at them.

For more info on contacting a professional, click here!

Go To Live Events

Intimate shows, concerts and festivals are fantastic avenues for networking.

The easiest way to get in on this slice of cake is VIP tickets for shows. These are often direct access to artists and their teams, and it also presents you as someone who is committed to their brand. You’re putting yourself across as a real fan.

So when you present your portfolio to them, the artist may realize how valuable an asset you could be to them.

---

All music producers need a place where they can find great sound at any time. Most importantly, they need indisputable access to those sounds.

We at Mixxed work with a growing number of sample labels and contributors to provide you with an affordable sample subscription service that’s more accessible than any before.

You’ll have access to our growing catalogue of thousands of loops, one-shots and sound effects that you can browse, download and keep forever for less than $3 a month.

Sign up today to find your sound!