Modern electronic music production involves computers as its centerpiece, perhaps lending it a less familiar and glamorous image than playing an instrument or drum kit.
Once a producer has identified an excellent musical idea, they’ll start crafting its broad structure and arrangement – this step is central to creating a good song.
Live shows
Performers rely heavily on live performances to earn revenue as one of their main sources. Live shows can draw fans of electronic music to clubs, festivals and stadiums alike and can generate considerable revenues; however, transitioning studio-based projects into live sets is challenging and many producers opt for an ultra-portable setup with laptop software and iOS devices, modular synthesizer hardware, MIDI controllers and FX pedals; however this approach may be difficult for newcomers but offers them the chance to develop their craft more directly and immediately.
Electronic artists differ from traditional instrumental groups in that they usually don’t use acoustic instruments on stage, making it harder for audiences to replicate their sounds live. An exception would be when bands include vocalists that add presence and appeal. Many large-name DJs also travel with dancers, emcees, and vocalists for every show which increases costs significantly but increases take-home pay substantially.
Recent years have witnessed an evolution between DJ sets and live performances as more artists incorporate music production equipment into their performances. This trend can be attributed to sample services and DJ software which encourage the use of component audio loops; alongside innovative hardware such as that used by Yves Tumor at FORM Festival (for which USB-stick backing-tracks were manually launched from one CDJ) or dubstep musician Dub FX’s use of looper pedal and microphone to make explosive bass music.
Regarding gear, most electronic producers will seek a solution that allows them to convert their existing production ideas into performable forms. This could involve using Ableton Live combined with Akai APC controller or standalone hardware such as Elektron’s Octatrack for this task – the latter especially helpful as it can store and playback long clips of various genres of music.
Artist production
Music production is an excellent way to turn your passion into a profitable career. Producing for other artists or selling beats and loops are both lucrative opportunities, though success will take time and patience to achieve. One strategy for starting is connecting with other producers nearby by tapping into your connections – having a solid body of work will increase the odds that other artists want to work with you!
An essential aspect of producing electronic music is having the appropriate equipment. If you want to start, having a good computer with an up-to-date version of Ableton Live or Reason is required as well as microphone and headphones. Furthermore, depending on the genre you wish to produce (such as hip hop music production requiring an external mic for recording vocals).
One of the easiest and most reliable ways to make money in electronic music production is performing at festivals and clubs. This can be an especially lucrative source of income for both experienced producers as well as newcomers; however, finding gigs at reputable venues may prove more challenging; thus you should start searching locally for opportunities.
Ghost producing for other artists can also be an excellent way to generate income. This opportunity presents itself to newer producers who lack the budget for full-time engineer hire; ghost producing can bring in thousands of dollars per track but must only serve as an additional source of revenue.
Create sample packs as another means of earning income online and sell them through third-party vendors like ADSR Sounds and Splice Sounds to make some additional profit.
Sync licensing
Sync licensing has become an increasingly popular way for musicians to earn money. Not only can it increase visibility and expand audiences for their music, but synchronization deals may provide creative opportunities like producing an album promotional music video or providing more visibility than traditional methods alone can.
Licensing companies are businesses that specialize in matching musicians with visual productions needing music. They may be part of an existing music publishing firm or operate as standalone businesses pitching individual artists directly. Licensing companies typically receive commission on any fees that they negotiate on behalf of their clients as well as royalties earned when their music is featured in programs or commercials.
Cost of sync deals will depend on both location and usage. Usually, more recognizable artists with longer usage tend to receive larger fees; however, there are exceptions such as indie bands who may receive greater compensation due to being more easily marketable.
Many actors dream of landing a major sync deal such as being cast in a major film or TV show. Although such opportunities can be an invaluable boost to their careers, you shouldn’t depend on them solely as a source of income; rather they should serve as support for other projects.
Therefore, it is wise to engage a music publisher that can actively seek sync opportunities on your behalf. They can assist with developing your creative process as well as pitch your songs for various projects. Furthermore, music publishers possess the expertise needed to negotiate the most favorable contracts and agreements for your music; explaining any payment structures or how they affect your bottom line; as well as helping build relationships between music supervisors and industry professionals.
Selling beats
Selling beats is an effective way of making money in the music industry, and getting started is simple – all it takes is signing up with an online marketplace and selling your music. Once you have several beats up for sale on your account, promoting them and earning even more can bring in extra earnings. But remember, selling beats is a highly competitive business: millions of producers sell their beats every day so standing out may prove challenging.
Producers have become incredibly successful by selling their beats. Producing beats reminiscent of popular artists’ styles can bring in significant income; Drake-style beats are particularly in-demand on the market. But this type of success takes time; to reach it you must dedicate yourself fully to perfecting your craft and build up your skills.
Social media offers the ideal venue for selling beats. Simply post your beats on Instagram, SoundCloud or any other music platform, and reach out to any rappers interested. This method works because it reaches a wide audience while building connections; just be sure to be professional and polite when messaging artists as many already receive hundreds of emails offering beats for sale, so any message without respect won’t get responded to.
Synchronizing beats into television and video game shows and films is another effective way of making money with beats. While this form of income may not be as lucrative as selling them outright, it still can provide significant earnings potential. To take full advantage of sync licensing income streams, find your niche within the music industry and work to establish yourself before licensing out your beats for TV/film use and earning sync royalties from it.
Live performance can also help musicians make money through music; although finding gigs as a beginner may be tough, you’ll eventually earn more by performing shows and shows by more experienced DJs. Network with other artists regularly in order to increase opportunities.