The glow of the computer screen cast dancing shadows across your bedroom wall, a testament to countless hours spent crafting demos, each one a tiny universe of sound and emotion. You’ve poured your heart and soul into these creations, but now a question lingers in the air: ‘What’s next?’ As a fellow musical artist and songwriter, I’ve navigated this very terrain for 14 years, a journey filled with both triumphant peaks and valleys that have shaped me into the musician I am today. Along the way, I learned valuable lessons – some the hard way – and I wish I had this knowledge when I first set out to take my music to the next level.
Have a Budget
Don’t expect anything for free. Unless you’re willing to give up some of your master or publishing rights, you can only rely on getting a decent product if you’re investing money. There have been countless situations where producers withhold projects from artists after free collaborations. This often stems from disagreements and the lack of financial investment. Prioritize saving to invest in your music, ensuring you retain ownership of your art. Production costs typically range from $500 to $2000 per song, depending on the producer’s expertise.
You Need a Producer, Not Just an Engineer
Many bands and artists mistakenly book time at a well-known commercial studio with an audio engineer, thinking that will magically make them sound like their favorite major artist. Spoiler alert: it often doesn’t.
To be clear, an engineer is someone you hire to press record. A good producer, on the other hand, is well-versed in capturing high-quality sound recordings with a creative understanding of musical songwriting. They know how to improve your songs by choosing the right microphones, fine-tuning instrument sounds, and expertly mixing plugins and presets to achieve the exact sound you’re going for. They have a library of sounds to build a song from the ground up, just like you hear on major label releases.
Producers have the ears to hear things you might have missed. They might suggest ideas to enhance your music, such as specific harmonies for background vocals, slight lyric changes, or an added sound for extra depth. Ultimately, you have the final say, but understand that their goal is to create the best possible record for you within the parameters you’ve set.
You Need to Know What You Want
Having one or two song references that you want to sound like will significantly help your producer create the desired outcome. It’s crucial to know exactly what you want before you start this process. Being wishy-washy will only lead to disappointment with the final product – and ultimately, you’ll be the one to blame.
In addition to references, you can create a mood board or write out a summary using figurative language to better explain the vibe or world you’re trying to create for your music.
You Need to Have an Open Mind
Our music is our baby, and it can be hard to hear it in a new light when you’re in the process of taking it to the next level. You might find yourself second-guessing and resisting changes. That’s what we in the business call “demo-itis”.
If this happens, take a step back before you completely scrap it. Ask yourself: “Is this aligned with my references and what I wanted to create?” If you’re working with a great producer, the answer is usually yes. However, if you genuinely feel that your song has gone in the opposite direction, speak up and guide your producer back towards your original vision.
Be Prepared to Work
Bringing your demo to the next level isn’t solely up to your producer. You need to know your song inside and out. Creating something professional takes countless hours of work and many takes. A high-caliber producer will expect a high level of professionalism and will push you to get the best possible take. Don’t take it personally. This recording process is a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow as an artist and songwriter!