I think it’s pertinent to enlighten those who read this blog post on some of the many factors that must be taken into consideration when deciding to become a beat maker or better yet, a producer (believe me, there’s a huge difference). If you’re like me, you have no clue what you’re getting yourself into. Besides thinking that I was freaking awesome after my first 14 beats, I thought the “Game” would just open itself up to me. Even when I finally got to a place in my journey where artists were willing to pay money for my beats, I discovered that neither of these were the case.
Before we dive deep into the waters of the inner workings of the life of a producer, I want to discuss some things you should already be doing while in training. The first thing you have to do is mentally prepare yourself for the long haul. Let me be clear on this: No matter how good you are, it is extremely unlikely that you will be producing for Lecrae or Kirk Franklin having less than 5 years experience. The funny thing is, I’m probably being generous with that number. Why is this the case you ask? It’s called having a track record, and it’s huge in the music industry. I’ve had artists tell me they wont even pay a top dollar for a beat, no matter how hot it is, if they’ve never heard of the producer. In the music industry, placements, and track record determine how much you can charge for a beat, not the hotness of the track. Sucks doesn’t it?
This system for career progression ensures that those who work the hardest, develop the best networks, and exude the most endurance and fortitude, reap the most rewards. It also means a lot of great music will never be heard by the masses. As disheartening as this seems, it does set before an aspiring producer a path that will develop him/her into a well polished professional. As much as I want to “be there” I have to realize that I may not be ready to handle the life that comes along with the success I aspire to achieve. In short, we all must pay our dues. Telling yourself that you’ll need at least 7+ years of experience until you’re making the kind of money you want to make, and working with high profile clientele, will help you get through the rejection, cheap skates, flakey artists, lack of motivation, late nights, etc.
Secondly, you need to study. I could talk all day on this one because I believe a failure to do this can be linked to a lot of beat makers lack of progress. What do I need to study you ask? For starters, you need to find a set of producers that tickle your fancy. Most of us started producing because a producer captured our imagination. I would suggest finding at least 3-5 different producers of different styles and studying them. I’d also suggest finding a couple of producers from different genres and time periods as well. I studied Just Blaze and Kanye West heavily, and DJ Toomp and Timbo moderately. However, I paid close attention to Isaac Hayes’ musical arrangement style. Don’t feel bad about this. Its called benchmarking and Fortune 500 companies do this all the time (i.e. Microsoft). It basically means studying how the best became the best and taking the same steps or using the same methodologies they used to get there. There is a reason those producers capture your imagination, and you want to know exactly how they did it so you can do it too.
Too many producers set their hearts on “having their own sound” way too early in their careers. This will have you sounding wack and dated. Get out of your closet and study. Listen to what is playing on the radio, check out the latest albums(Yes, Secular and Christian…we should be confident in our faith enough to check out a secular album every once in a while to catch a glimpse of where overall music production is currently and is headed), listen to the top singles on the billboard. I don’t always like doing this but I know I have to so I don’t get stuck in my own world and find myself wondering why my beats aren’t selling. Don’t be naive enough to think that Christian rappers are not trying to mimic the secular sound because a lot of them are. This is not to say you have to follow every music trend or fad, but at least you’re aware of what is currently in demand. Moreover, in the beginning, don’t be afraid to make beats that sound like other producer’s tracks. It makes for really good practice and also reveals some of the hidden techniques the top producers use to get that sound you fell in love with. Once you have an array of proven techniques, a better understanding of who you are as a person, and a better command of your tools, you can start to develop your own sound. I repeat, don’t try this too early in your journey, you run the risk of being very wack…
Lastly, you need to keep a group of listeners around you that will tell you the truth all the time. I can’t even explain to you how important this is. Ohhh did I have to develop thick skin for this one. My arrogance early in my career led me to believe I was the next super producer, but the Lord blessed me with a girl friend (who is now my wonderful wife 🙂 that told me the TRUTH. The HARD TRUTH too! She held no punches when it came to my beats. In fact, we almost broke up once because I thought she was hating on me! I also had close friends that told me the truth about my wackness even when I thought the beat was tight. This humbling process of ego deflation didn’t feel good at the time, but made me the producer I am today. Not that I have attained or have become what I’m destined to be, but I’m not the producer I was a year ago. This is due largely because my wife, friends, and now other producers, and artists, tell me the truth about my beats before the public hears them. You have to develop thick skin in the music industry. Its best you develop it before you start dealing with artists, lawyers, managers, and other producers.
I hope this will help many of the producers who have that dream of being the next super producer. I’d love to hear your feedback and answer any questions you might have. I’ve been producing for 6 years now and I’m almost at the 7 year mark I spoke of. I’m just now starting to see the rewards of all the years of hard work. I still have a long way to go but I’m not stopping and neither should you. Have patience and realize that you can’t accomplish your dreams alone. You’ll need help.
Stay humble and let the Lord exalt you.
God bless,
Jimmy Natural
www.jimmynatural.com
www.jimmynatural.tumblr.com
@jimmynatural000
