Tips For Beginner Music Producers
Sam Feldt is starting a fresh chapter in his career, launching his first ever record label Heartfeldt Records, with debut release ‘Hold Me Close’ (feat. Ella Henderson) set for release on Friday, 27th of March.
Having built his career from the ground-up, Sam knows it better than most, the kind of challenges that face upcoming producers/DJs, when it comes to pursuing their passion.
To celebrate 8 Years Of T.H.E, Sam Feldt shares 8 tips that he feels would incredibly benefit upcoming producers/DJs.
Have a look, and don’t forget to share those with your producer/DJ friends.
Find your own sound
This might sound cliche, but I’ve done this wrong for many years so this is my number one tip to all the young producers out there. Don’t focus on trying to make the next radio hit, Beatport #1 or a track for a specific label. Instead, make music that you love listening to yourself. Because, if you love it, others will love it too and you will build a following on your unique sound.
Get comfortable with multiple DAW’s
This is especially handy when it comes to collaborating with other artists and musicians. If you’re an FL Studio user, explore the basics of Ableton and Logic and vice versa. This way, you will always be able to contribute to productions (from a distance or at writing camps) in a meaningful way, even if the project is not in your main DAW.
Get creative with instruments
With the amount of VST’s available right now, it’s easy to succumb to getting all your sounds from a software plugin. But there are many ways to get creative with this. One thing I love is live recording instruments, really getting into a studio with live musicians and recording/transforming sounds in a way that matches your project.
Don’t focus on getting shows
Here’s another thing that I did wrong for many years. I tried too hard to score DJ gigs, while my music and my profile weren’t at a point yet where I could actually sell tickets and make a promotor money. Instead, focus on releasing good music and building your profile. If you do that right, the shows will follow.
Choose your manager wisely
When you’re just starting off as a producer, it’s tempting to accept the first management offer that comes your way, as it feels like a step in the right direction. Before you sign any contracts, it’s always important to ask yourself if you really need a manager at this point – and if you feel like you do, if the one you are signing with can take your career to new levels. In short: do a cost-benefit analysis.
Invest smart
If you’re not making a lot of money with your productions and shows yet, investing your money in the right way is essential. Don’t go and buy all kinds of expensive studio equipment when it’s only going to improve your tracks with 1%. Save that for later. Invest in getting your tracks released and promoted and in yourself and your skills first.
Get a residency (if you want to do shows at all)
Once your profile is at a level where promoters are interested in booking you, try and find a residency in a club or a venue close to home where you can perfect your craft, experiment with your mixing techniques and learn to read different crowds. It might only pay you 100 dollars to play the entire night, but the lessons you’re learning are going to be invaluable for the rest of your career.
Drop me a demo
Once you feel confident your productions are good enough, make sure you send your best tracks my way via www.heartfeldt.me for a chance to get discovered and released on my label Heartfeldt Records!
