Makin' It Magazine's

10 Track Commandments

1. A beat is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it! – Producers can set a price for a track but the market will determine what it is worth. You may feel like your tracks are worth a Million dollars but until they’ve put a million dollars in your pocket they’re only worth what someone is willing to pay for them.
2. Stop working against the artist! – I’ve seen too many producers kill a song because they’re trying to get a ridiculous advance. The industry, today more than ever is about publishing. I’ve never seen an instrumental on the top of the billboard charts or in any radio stations playlist. You need artist just as much as they need you. Act like it!
3. Sample! Sample! Sample! – I’ve heard too many producers swear off sampling because they don’t want to lose money getting a sample cleared. It’s better to have 1% of the publishing on a Hit Record than 100% for one that didn’t get placed. Even if the sample doesn’t get cleared you’ll be the producer of a hot ass record.
4. Promote yourself! – Honestly, Nobody knows who you are… and even fewer know you produce. You need to be visible. Get business cards, flyers, Magazines Ads, Websites, etc.
5. Learn the music! – Study all music, not just your genre. Draw inspiration from across the board. A producer does more than make beats. Learn engineering, vocal arrangement, etc. A producers job is to see the end product and bring that vision to life.
6. Learn the business! – Nobody can look out for your best interest better than you. Learn as much about the business as possible. The more you know, the better off you will be.
7. Stop Biting! – Scrolling through SoundClick you’ll see thousands of beats that say “Dre, Swizz or Kanye type joint”. There’s nothing wrong with mimicking the production styles that you like because it helps you learn but You’ll never find your OWN sound if you are too busy trying to perfect someone else’s.
8. Talent trumps technology – I’ve heard some of the WORSE records come out of huge impressive studios. If they can produce BULLSHIT on MPCs, Phantoms, Motifs and Icon consoles don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t make hits using Fruitloops or Garage Band!
9. Work with Artists – Closing yourself off to the world and just making beats is not a good move. Get a team of artists to produce for with varying styles and tastes. Working with them will improve your versatility and people skills. It will also help you find your own style in the process.
10. Keep Production Samplers on hand – Place a few Beat CDs & a USB Drive with tracks in your glove box. You never know when opportunity will present itself. Be ready!