3 answers
Trenton
Student
Ohio City, Ohio
1
Question
Updated
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Tips and Info on music creating and yourself when it comes to creating music.
1. when did you start or when were you employed?
2. how many years have you worked in this career?
3. did you get an education for your job, and if so what was it?
4. how much is the average amount a new person would make?
5. how much could you make with a decent amount of experience to a lot?
6. what is the work environment like? (surroundings?)(People?)
7. around how long does it take to produce and release a song/beat?
8. tips for creating music.
9. how to avoid non-liked lyrics and create more that are enjoyable to listen to
10. fun fact(s) about the industry or yourself
These are questions for someone in the music industry I have for a school project. I am studying music creators because that is what I wanted to do when I got older. I am mainly wanting a rap artist but it doesn't matter too much.
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3 answers
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
118
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Hi! I'm excited for you to start your music journey!
1. when did you start or when were you employed?
I started playing piano at age 6 (formal voice lessons) and started singing at age 8 (children's theater camp during the summer). I continued both well into high school, doing choir and continuing piano. Freshman year of high school, my choir teacher had a project that involved sampling the choir into a beat. Mine sucked, but I stuck with it all the way to now. That was 8 years ago. I personally do "freelance" for most of my music stuff. I approach people, or people approach me for a certain project.
2. how many years have you worked in this career?
This is a hard question to answer because technically I'm still finishing my degree so I'm not full time yet. However, I can say this. I make most of my money from live sound engineering and some from production. I have been a live sound engineer for 4 years and have been working as a music producer "professionally" for about 2 and a half years. Though I have been playing piano for 15-16 years.
3. did you get an education for your job, and if so what was it?
Yes- I'm finishing a degree in audio production and music business and a certificate in music composition. I'm finishing and should be graduating in Fall.
4. how much is the average amount a new person would make?
Gosh that depends on a lot of things. There are a lot of aspects that need to be looked at to see how much a "new person" can make in this unpredictable industry. Like I said, I make most my money from live sound, but from the music industry as a producer/ singer, my income was next to nothing for a while- I'd say at least 2-4 years before I saw anything and then there was maybe $5-15 a month from music to start out with. The key isn't what you make at first, it's building an audience and building a network to make money money in the future. Keep in mind, if you become a music producer or loop maker or something in the hip hop community, beats can be sold to labels for well over $10k depending on who it's goin to. That's one beat. So money is kind of up in the air in this industry.
5. how much could you make with a decent amount of experience to a lot? I have worked with producers who have made well over $500k during a 3 year (ish) period. That would be about 166k a year. Much more than some other jobs with the same amount of work imo. Then there's the "super" rappers or producers who can easily make over a million each year. This is one of the industries that can be unpredictable when it comes to money. Especially if you don't just work as a rapper. If you assist in writing a song- you get money from that song regularly as long as people are listening. Same thing if you produce a song, or manage (though management may be a little harder to get into).
6. what is the work environment like? (surroundings?)(People?) I may not be the best person to answer this but I will do my best. I mainly work with rappers, singers, and other producers online via email, instagram, and sites like BeatStars. I am very very selective with who I work with in person (mainly because I'm not in a place to travel for work yet) but I plan on traveling to rappers to work with them in person soon (basically as soon as I can afford it). As for people, if you work independently (away from a label or a binding publishing deal) you can work with whoever you want. If people are jerks or clearly are not people you want to associate with, then you don't have to. Because of this, I'd say the people I've worked with are amazing.
7. around how long does it take to produce and release a song/beat? This is another "it depends". If I'm on a deadline for something or have been nitpicking small details and suddenly need to finish something quickly, I might finish a full beat in a matter of 1-2 hours. Sometimes writers block hits VERY hard- those are the days I might spend all day on one thing. As for my solo music, it's pretty consistently 2-4 weeks for working, then another week or so for mixing and mastering. Just to note, I mix and master all my work, because as an audio student finishing his degree I don't trust anyone else to mix for me (yet). I have also had projects that I'm not even done with yet that have been ongoing for years.
8. tips for creating music. You really just got to do it! And don't box yourself into one genre!! I mainly work with rappers and R&B singers, however I'm also the producer and keyboardist for a metal band and a classical music composer. Good music is good music even if you're creating for different audiences. If you have multiple interests like I do, you don't have to do only one thing. Separate your work with different aliases. Finally, if you haven't yet, learn the basics of music theory. You don't have to go into the crazy AM+9+13 kind of stuff. Just the bare minimum so that you understand when you work with people are they speak in those terms.
9. how to avoid non-liked lyrics and create more that are enjoyable to listen to- What do you mean by non-liked? Like explicit? Here's my take on lyrics of any kind in any type of music. Lyrics are your story or a story you want to tell. If someone has an issue with it, then they need to figure out why. Obviously don't be offensive, but if you truly feel like a certain word or phrase is needed to convey something important, then you need it. I used to be very worried about putting certain words in my music but now I write how I feel.
10. fun fact(s) about the industry or yourself- Let's see... fun facts about the industry: it's TINY. It may feel really big because you really only hear big names, but I have worked with producers who have worked with big big names (21 Savage, Lil TJay, and more); you don't need to be a billboard charting artist to make it in the music industry- there are songwriters, producers, audio engineers, movie score composers, and so many more jobs that technically fit in the industry; the industry is ever changing- if you don't like something, you could be the one who changes it; it's unpredictable- anyone can be the next big thing.
Fun facts about me: I've made an edm song with sounds from a Pepsi bottle, I work with the philosophy that there are no such things as a "genre"- just different techniques in the overarching amazing thing called music; big artists like Key Glock and Don Toliver have heard my beats and (potentially) will be using them in their upcoming releases.
1. when did you start or when were you employed?
I started playing piano at age 6 (formal voice lessons) and started singing at age 8 (children's theater camp during the summer). I continued both well into high school, doing choir and continuing piano. Freshman year of high school, my choir teacher had a project that involved sampling the choir into a beat. Mine sucked, but I stuck with it all the way to now. That was 8 years ago. I personally do "freelance" for most of my music stuff. I approach people, or people approach me for a certain project.
2. how many years have you worked in this career?
This is a hard question to answer because technically I'm still finishing my degree so I'm not full time yet. However, I can say this. I make most of my money from live sound engineering and some from production. I have been a live sound engineer for 4 years and have been working as a music producer "professionally" for about 2 and a half years. Though I have been playing piano for 15-16 years.
3. did you get an education for your job, and if so what was it?
Yes- I'm finishing a degree in audio production and music business and a certificate in music composition. I'm finishing and should be graduating in Fall.
4. how much is the average amount a new person would make?
Gosh that depends on a lot of things. There are a lot of aspects that need to be looked at to see how much a "new person" can make in this unpredictable industry. Like I said, I make most my money from live sound, but from the music industry as a producer/ singer, my income was next to nothing for a while- I'd say at least 2-4 years before I saw anything and then there was maybe $5-15 a month from music to start out with. The key isn't what you make at first, it's building an audience and building a network to make money money in the future. Keep in mind, if you become a music producer or loop maker or something in the hip hop community, beats can be sold to labels for well over $10k depending on who it's goin to. That's one beat. So money is kind of up in the air in this industry.
5. how much could you make with a decent amount of experience to a lot? I have worked with producers who have made well over $500k during a 3 year (ish) period. That would be about 166k a year. Much more than some other jobs with the same amount of work imo. Then there's the "super" rappers or producers who can easily make over a million each year. This is one of the industries that can be unpredictable when it comes to money. Especially if you don't just work as a rapper. If you assist in writing a song- you get money from that song regularly as long as people are listening. Same thing if you produce a song, or manage (though management may be a little harder to get into).
6. what is the work environment like? (surroundings?)(People?) I may not be the best person to answer this but I will do my best. I mainly work with rappers, singers, and other producers online via email, instagram, and sites like BeatStars. I am very very selective with who I work with in person (mainly because I'm not in a place to travel for work yet) but I plan on traveling to rappers to work with them in person soon (basically as soon as I can afford it). As for people, if you work independently (away from a label or a binding publishing deal) you can work with whoever you want. If people are jerks or clearly are not people you want to associate with, then you don't have to. Because of this, I'd say the people I've worked with are amazing.
7. around how long does it take to produce and release a song/beat? This is another "it depends". If I'm on a deadline for something or have been nitpicking small details and suddenly need to finish something quickly, I might finish a full beat in a matter of 1-2 hours. Sometimes writers block hits VERY hard- those are the days I might spend all day on one thing. As for my solo music, it's pretty consistently 2-4 weeks for working, then another week or so for mixing and mastering. Just to note, I mix and master all my work, because as an audio student finishing his degree I don't trust anyone else to mix for me (yet). I have also had projects that I'm not even done with yet that have been ongoing for years.
8. tips for creating music. You really just got to do it! And don't box yourself into one genre!! I mainly work with rappers and R&B singers, however I'm also the producer and keyboardist for a metal band and a classical music composer. Good music is good music even if you're creating for different audiences. If you have multiple interests like I do, you don't have to do only one thing. Separate your work with different aliases. Finally, if you haven't yet, learn the basics of music theory. You don't have to go into the crazy AM+9+13 kind of stuff. Just the bare minimum so that you understand when you work with people are they speak in those terms.
9. how to avoid non-liked lyrics and create more that are enjoyable to listen to- What do you mean by non-liked? Like explicit? Here's my take on lyrics of any kind in any type of music. Lyrics are your story or a story you want to tell. If someone has an issue with it, then they need to figure out why. Obviously don't be offensive, but if you truly feel like a certain word or phrase is needed to convey something important, then you need it. I used to be very worried about putting certain words in my music but now I write how I feel.
10. fun fact(s) about the industry or yourself- Let's see... fun facts about the industry: it's TINY. It may feel really big because you really only hear big names, but I have worked with producers who have worked with big big names (21 Savage, Lil TJay, and more); you don't need to be a billboard charting artist to make it in the music industry- there are songwriters, producers, audio engineers, movie score composers, and so many more jobs that technically fit in the industry; the industry is ever changing- if you don't like something, you could be the one who changes it; it's unpredictable- anyone can be the next big thing.
Fun facts about me: I've made an edm song with sounds from a Pepsi bottle, I work with the philosophy that there are no such things as a "genre"- just different techniques in the overarching amazing thing called music; big artists like Key Glock and Don Toliver have heard my beats and (potentially) will be using them in their upcoming releases.
Kelly Kroeker
MOHS Histotech and CMA
4
Answers
North Mankato, MN
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
1. I started performing vocally when I was a teenager but didn't officially join a band until I was about 20. I started off working on studio projects and worked towards fronting a few different local bands over time.
2. I have been fronting bands for almost 20 years now!
3. I didn't go to college or anything for music - but I studied music throughout my childhood and teen years. I was involved in orchestra, choir, and drama club.
4. The money made in the music industry entirely depends on your audience and local scene. When I perform solo for weddings or funerals, I usually make around $200 (and this might be on the low end with where I am located). In my jazz ensemble, we play private parties and wineries and are paid between $500-$900 for 3-5 hours of continuous music (split 4 ways). My punk band was only ever paid in beer and gas money. The band I am in now is maybe paid $90-$200/gig, and we only ever play for an hour at a time (but this is more a project of love - not a career focus. We're writing/arts focused).
5. Again, you could make a LOT of money with the right audience, representation, and location. I feel that a lot of this is luck on top of talent.
6. I hate playing noisy bars. But some people LOVE that energy. I think the vibes differ depending on where you are - the venue and the town/state/neighborhood makes a huge difference.
7. My current band writes a song every month or so - it starts with jamming and progresses from there, as it happens very organically. This can depend on whether or not you work with people who have the same writing style as you, and are fluid collaborators.
8. I like to sit with the music instrumentally first before I put anything on top of it. I let the vibes flow through me and try to pick up on what the song could be saying. I write the melody and lyrics in my band, so I do the next step by sort of humming or making "sound shapes" on a track to get a general melody. The lyrics always just come naturally to me at that point. I always write about what's on my heart - and that tends to be a little darker and slightly political.
9. I'm not really sure how to answer this question. When I write songs, I love my lyrics. The lyrics come straight out of my soul. If other people don't like them ... isn't that a "them" problem?
10. In my previous "popular" band, I was fronted a hardcore punk band and screamed almost everything. My current band is a darker, ambient pop project and people have been SHOCKED to know that I can actually sing. It's been a lot of fun. It's really important to be true to yourself in the music industry. People are always going to try to make you be something you're not - to fit an "idea" of what they think you should be. If you let that happen, it shows up in your music and your presence will lack authenticity. Just some food for thought.
2. I have been fronting bands for almost 20 years now!
3. I didn't go to college or anything for music - but I studied music throughout my childhood and teen years. I was involved in orchestra, choir, and drama club.
4. The money made in the music industry entirely depends on your audience and local scene. When I perform solo for weddings or funerals, I usually make around $200 (and this might be on the low end with where I am located). In my jazz ensemble, we play private parties and wineries and are paid between $500-$900 for 3-5 hours of continuous music (split 4 ways). My punk band was only ever paid in beer and gas money. The band I am in now is maybe paid $90-$200/gig, and we only ever play for an hour at a time (but this is more a project of love - not a career focus. We're writing/arts focused).
5. Again, you could make a LOT of money with the right audience, representation, and location. I feel that a lot of this is luck on top of talent.
6. I hate playing noisy bars. But some people LOVE that energy. I think the vibes differ depending on where you are - the venue and the town/state/neighborhood makes a huge difference.
7. My current band writes a song every month or so - it starts with jamming and progresses from there, as it happens very organically. This can depend on whether or not you work with people who have the same writing style as you, and are fluid collaborators.
8. I like to sit with the music instrumentally first before I put anything on top of it. I let the vibes flow through me and try to pick up on what the song could be saying. I write the melody and lyrics in my band, so I do the next step by sort of humming or making "sound shapes" on a track to get a general melody. The lyrics always just come naturally to me at that point. I always write about what's on my heart - and that tends to be a little darker and slightly political.
9. I'm not really sure how to answer this question. When I write songs, I love my lyrics. The lyrics come straight out of my soul. If other people don't like them ... isn't that a "them" problem?
10. In my previous "popular" band, I was fronted a hardcore punk band and screamed almost everything. My current band is a darker, ambient pop project and people have been SHOCKED to know that I can actually sing. It's been a lot of fun. It's really important to be true to yourself in the music industry. People are always going to try to make you be something you're not - to fit an "idea" of what they think you should be. If you let that happen, it shows up in your music and your presence will lack authenticity. Just some food for thought.
Mike Ward
Musician
1
Answer
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Mike’s Answer
1. when did you start or when were you employed? I began performing in bars/coffeehouses about 50 years ago but ended up in another career (graphic design) for more than 40 years then when I retired I began writing, recording and performing music full time so that has been now 7 years.
2. how many years have you worked in this career? I have been writing songs for more than 50 years but only the past seven years have been full time
3. did you get an education for your job, and if so what was it? I had been singing since age 7 in choirs, had guitar lessons at age 13 to 15 since then I have been self taught though I attend many workshops and seminars
4. how much is the average amount a new person would make? as a solo singer songwriter I make anyhere between $100 for a show up to $1000 for an hour show. Every venue is different and festivals are even more diverse. When I began I made between $50 and $150 for a gig and that could be anywhere from an hour to four hours while I supplied the sound as well. As I have won awards and been recognized as a songwriter and performer, the gigs pay more and are in better listening situations.
5. how much could you make with a decent amount of experience to a lot? At the beginning money will be very tight so many solo singer songwriters take to the road (in a van or a vehicle they can sleep in) to save $ and perform house shows, coffee houses, farmers markets and even busk on street corners to make ends meet. This usually is done before any recordings can be afforded. Recording studios are expensive and producing DC's is also expensive so those must be saved for over tome or a GoFundMe fundraiser among friends and family.
6. what is the work environment like? (surroundings?)(People?) Having played noisy bars, breweries, restaurants and many venues where the music competes for attention, I am fortunate now to perform in listening rooms and won't go back to the bars, etc.
7. around how long does it take to produce and release a song/beat? If you can produce music inexpensively (either in a home studio or you have a source) then releasing the music is another whole segment that is tricky. The first thing to do is to make a plan and a strategy. What do you hope to get from the release? Airplay on radio or online stations? More shows? Sales? Each of those answers comes with a set of plans that should be set down on paper before even recording the song.
8. tips for creating music. Keep things simple. If the song is lyric driven, make sure they are clearly understood.
9. how to avoid non-liked lyrics and create more that are enjoyable to listen to. Study lyrics of artists you enjoy or in the same genre. write a lot. edit even more. Be critical of your own work. Don't stop at the first or second or thrid attempt. Make sure your melody works to bring the lyrics alive and helps them be memorable.
10. fun fact(s) about the industry or yourself I am older so I have aligned myself with many artists much younger than me and it has helped me be releavant.
2. how many years have you worked in this career? I have been writing songs for more than 50 years but only the past seven years have been full time
3. did you get an education for your job, and if so what was it? I had been singing since age 7 in choirs, had guitar lessons at age 13 to 15 since then I have been self taught though I attend many workshops and seminars
4. how much is the average amount a new person would make? as a solo singer songwriter I make anyhere between $100 for a show up to $1000 for an hour show. Every venue is different and festivals are even more diverse. When I began I made between $50 and $150 for a gig and that could be anywhere from an hour to four hours while I supplied the sound as well. As I have won awards and been recognized as a songwriter and performer, the gigs pay more and are in better listening situations.
5. how much could you make with a decent amount of experience to a lot? At the beginning money will be very tight so many solo singer songwriters take to the road (in a van or a vehicle they can sleep in) to save $ and perform house shows, coffee houses, farmers markets and even busk on street corners to make ends meet. This usually is done before any recordings can be afforded. Recording studios are expensive and producing DC's is also expensive so those must be saved for over tome or a GoFundMe fundraiser among friends and family.
6. what is the work environment like? (surroundings?)(People?) Having played noisy bars, breweries, restaurants and many venues where the music competes for attention, I am fortunate now to perform in listening rooms and won't go back to the bars, etc.
7. around how long does it take to produce and release a song/beat? If you can produce music inexpensively (either in a home studio or you have a source) then releasing the music is another whole segment that is tricky. The first thing to do is to make a plan and a strategy. What do you hope to get from the release? Airplay on radio or online stations? More shows? Sales? Each of those answers comes with a set of plans that should be set down on paper before even recording the song.
8. tips for creating music. Keep things simple. If the song is lyric driven, make sure they are clearly understood.
9. how to avoid non-liked lyrics and create more that are enjoyable to listen to. Study lyrics of artists you enjoy or in the same genre. write a lot. edit even more. Be critical of your own work. Don't stop at the first or second or thrid attempt. Make sure your melody works to bring the lyrics alive and helps them be memorable.
10. fun fact(s) about the industry or yourself I am older so I have aligned myself with many artists much younger than me and it has helped me be releavant.
Thank you so much, This helps a lot and I now know stuff I didn't know. I appreciate you responding hope you do well for the rest of your career.
Trenton