5 Lies Music Producers Believe

We all have them! Incorrect presuppositions, false narratives, and even straight up lies we’ve believed since we were kids. And yes, we have them as producers as well. We see things, hear things on social media and the news and think that must be the way it is. But the truth is, it’s not.

In this most recent podcast Raymond and Roman talk about these lies that music producers believe and sets the record straight.

1. You’re going to get a viral hit.

This is a big assumption. Once you finish a record and release it, it’s out of your hands, And a song going viral is an exception not the rule. The best way to avoid this lie is to love the process of making music. If your joy comes from the process, what happens after it is up to God. Love the process.

2. You need a commercial studio to put out good quality.

For some reason this lie is persistent. It’s very clear that most producers are building tracks in their home studios, on vacation in Costa Rica, or sitting in a window seat in row 10 heading to Cleveland. From time to time you may need the resources of a big studio but it’s definitely not mandatory anymore.

3. You could do it on my own.

Artists have been called lone rangers for years. And for good reason. Most creatives need their space and need alone time to collect their thoughts on what they’re envisioning for their next creation.

But the resounding truth is that no-one gets there alone. This principle has been proven time and time again. From being a child to needing a hand. From needing a teacher to getting a recommendation. We need each other. At some point we all need someone to help us. So pursue relationships, creative communities, and see how far that will take you.

4. You think it’s about your gear

At Forward Producer we say, It’s not the gear, it’s the ear. The gear is only part of the equation. If thats all you rely on, you’re missing out.

The reality is that what really moves the needle for creatives is the idea. For example, instead of concentrating on a particular keyboard sound spend extra time on what PART the keyboard is playing.

It’s those interesting melodies, those drum patterns, those vocal harmonies that really will make the difference and set you apart from the rest.

5. If you have X amount of money you’ll break an artist.

Truly, I have watched labels and independent artists spend millions of dollars and we have never heard their names. I have managed artists that have toured as an opening act with some of the biggest bands in the world and we still don't know their name.

The truth is alot of things have to come together for an artist to break. It took Little Big Town over 11 years to break. Don't get me wrong money is good when you have it but to suggest that money is primary factor in an artist breaking is simply not the whole picture.