Jet Kernaghan
Starting a music production career in 2023 can be an exciting and challenging endeavor. The digital age has opened up numerous opportunities, but it also means increased competition. Ready to kickstart your career in music production? Read on as a music expert, Jet Kernaghan provides a comprehensive guide to help you embark on your music production journey:
“Starting a music production career in 2023 requires a blend of creativity, technical skills, and strategic networking. The industry has evolved, and digital tools as well as your unique personality play a pivotal role,” Jet Kernaghan says. Here are tips to ensure you mark out your path and carve out success in the world of music.
Develop Your Passion and Skills
To pursue your passion in music, you need to first invest in yourself:
- Begin by immersing yourself in music. Listen to a wide variety of genres to expand your musical knowledge.
- Learn to play an instrument, as this will deepen your understanding of music theory.
- Study music production techniques through online courses, tutorials, and books.
- Practice consistently to hone your skills. Experiment with different software and hardware.
Invest in Equipment
To create a professional sounding music, you need the right equipment:
- Choose the right tools for your budget. You don’t need expensive gear to start.
- A computer with a powerful processor and sufficient RAM is essential. Consider a Mac or PC based on your preferences.
- Invest in a good quality audio interface, studio monitors, headphones, and a MIDI controller.
- Select a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) that suits your style. Popular options include Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, and Pro Tools.
Learn Your DAW:
Choose a DAW that suits your workflow and learn it inside out. Popular options include Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools. Mastering your chosen DAW will streamline your creative process.
Master your chosen DAW’s functionalities. Practice navigating, recording, and editing audio.
Explore built-in virtual instruments and effects to understand their capabilities.
Study Music Theory
Understanding music theory will help you create harmonious compositions. Start from the basics and build your way up to the advanced. Study melody, rhythm, harmony. Then, learn about scales, chords, and song structure. This knowledge is invaluable in music production.
Create Your Own Music
Start producing your own tracks. Begin simple and gradually work on more complex projects.
Experiment with different genres to find your niche and style. This will help you to not only develop your own creative voice, but also come up with professional results that are budget friendly.
Collaborate and Network
Networking is crucial in the music industry. That is why you need to collaborate with other musicians and producers. Plus, attend local music events, join online forums, and connect with like-minded individuals. Expert tips and experiences shared by others in the field will help you navigate your way in the industry.
Build Your Portfolio
As you produce music, create a portfolio of your work. Showcase your best tracks on platforms like SoundCloud, YouTube, and social media.
Make sure your portfolio represents your versatility and growth.
Study Sound Engineering
This is the technical aspect of music production and it entails curating, mixing, reproducing, sound equalizing, and bringing out electronic effects.
Delve into sound engineering principles and learn about recording techniques, mixing, and mastering. These skills will significantly enhance the quality of productions.
Learn Marketing
Familiarize yourself with marketing strategies for musicians. Promoting your music effectively can make a significant difference in reaching a wider audience.
Stay Updated
The music industry is ever-evolving. Stay current with trends, technology, and production techniques. Moreover, subscribe to industry magazines, follow blogs, and attend workshops.
Market Yourself
It’s time to put your skills out there for the world to see and celebrate. For this, create a professional online presence by building a website. Social media platforms like LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram have become a powerful tool to showcase your work. Engage with your audience through social media, and consider branding yourself. This way, you can build loyal fan bases, gain support and create a dedicated community.
Seek Feedback
Don’t be afraid to receive constructive criticism. It’s essential for growth. By this, share your music with mentors or peers and ask for their opinions.
Be Persistent and Patient
Success in music production takes time. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks.
Keep producing, learning, and adapting to industry changes.
Pursue Formal Education (Optional)
If you’re serious about a career in music production, consider formal education in audio engineering or music production at a college or specialized institution.
Monetize Your Skills
Explore various avenues for earning income, such as selling beats, offering mixing and mastering services, producing music for others, or licensing your music for films and commercials.
Protect Your Work
Familiarize yourself with copyright laws and protect your intellectual property. Also, consider joining a performance rights organization to collect royalties.
Bottomline
Starting a music production career in 2023 is both rewarding and challenging. Jet Kernaghan believes dedication, continuous learning, and networking are key. Embrace technological advancements and adapt to industry shifts to thrive in this dynamic field. Remember, your unique creative voice is your most powerful asset.
