I'm 37. If You're a Music Producer in Your 20s, Watch This.

Summary

This video shares 16 lessons for music producers, offering insights gained from over two decades of experience in the industry. From early struggles to building multiple successful companies, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discipline, long-term vision, and not relying on initial motivation. Key lessons cover perseverance, financial literacy, professionalism, and personal growth, along with strategic advice on career development, overcoming imposter syndrome, and staying adaptable. Whether you're a beginner or established producer, these lessons aim to guide you towards a sustainable and successful music production career.

Takeaways

• 😀 Don't quit if you lose the initial fire – long-term success as a producer is built on discipline and vision, not just motivation.
• 😀 Don't listen to yourself until you have enough experience – your perceptions are often limited by your current skill and network.
• 😀 Do your thing and learn to let people be wrong about you – critics will always be there, but your vision and persistence matter more.
• 😀 Imposter syndrome is real, but successful producers feel it and push through it anyway by continuing to show up.
• 😀 Going full-time too early can lead to a desperate mindset – ensure you're financially stable and have developed the necessary creative and business skills.
• 😀 The best time to go full-time in music production is when you're afraid to lose your career, as that commitment will help you stick with it long-term.
• 😀 Pick one mentor and focus entirely on their approach – avoid jumping between different pieces of advice and strategies.
• 😀 Professionalism is often in short supply in the music industry – being reliable, communicative, and drama-free will set you apart.
• 😀 Learn how to manage money properly – financial literacy is crucial for a sustainable career in music production.
• 😀 Growth in your career often involves focusing on the wrong things first – learn to commit and focus, even if it doesn't lead to immediate success.

Q & A

What is the main lesson about motivation versus discipline in music production?

The main lesson is that long-term success in music production is not built on motivation alone. While the initial excitement or 'fire' is powerful, lasting success comes from discipline and vision, even after the fire fades.

How does perception affect a beginner's understanding of the music industry?

Beginners often perceive the music industry in black and white, thinking things like 'no one has a budget' or 'the music scene isn't good'. However, these perceptions are limited by their current experience and networks. The music business is much more nuanced and bigger than they can see at the start.

Why is it important to not listen to yourself too much in the beginning stages of your music career?

In the early stages, you're still building your skill level and network. Your assumptions about the music industry are often based on limited experience, so it's crucial to approach your beliefs with skepticism until you've tested them over time.

What advice is given about handling criticism from peers during the early stages of your career?

The advice is to focus on your own vision and let people be wrong about you. People will often criticize or doubt your unconventional moves, but staying true to your vision is more important than defending yourself against their judgment.

What is imposter syndrome, and how can you deal with it as a producer?

Imposter syndrome is the feeling of inadequacy despite evidence of success. It doesn't go away with achievement. The key is to acknowledge it but push forward anyway, showing up even when you feel like an imposter.

When is the right time to go full-time as a music producer?

The best time to go full-time is when you have enough experience, skills, and a stable income stream. Relying on a day job for financial stability allows you to grow without the pressure of making money immediately from your music.

What is loss aversion, and how does it apply to a long-term music career?

Loss aversion refers to the psychological tendency to be more motivated by the fear of losing something you have than by the prospect of gaining something new. Building a career you're afraid to lose increases your chances of long-term success.

What is the danger of learning from too many different sources, and what is the recommended approach?

Trying to combine strategies from various sources can lead to confusion and complexity. The recommended approach is to pick one mentor or source of advice and focus completely on their methods until you've outgrown them, rather than constantly jumping between different ideas.

Why is professionalism important in the music industry, and how can producers stand out?

The bar for professionalism in music production is relatively low, which presents an opportunity for producers who are reliable, communicative, and drama-free to stand out. Simply being dependable and professional can set you apart from many more experienced producers.

What is the connection between personal issues and professional success in music production?

Personal problems often spill over into business, and no amount of external success can fix internal issues. The most successful producers address both personal growth and professional development, as unresolved personal problems can hinder long-term career success.