From Passion to Frustration: Lessons Learned in the Journey of Music Production

I’ve been through the rollercoaster of passion and frustration in music production, and I want to share what I’ve learned from the experience.

We all start from a place of zero knowledge. Every new discovery feels monumental, and the initial phase is marked by rapid growth. This growth fuels our confidence and makes us believe that success is just around the corner.

However, the reality is that we all eventually hit a wall. If you haven’t faced this yet, trust me, it’s coming. This phase can last for a long time and can feel like a painful rut. I experienced it intensely and, at times, I found myself hating the process of producing.

During this period, I compared myself to others obsessively. I would listen to my music hundreds of times, anxiously searching for flaws to fix. This obsession led me to a toxic place where it felt like the joy of making music was overshadowed by stress and self-criticism.

The Evolution of Struggle

This phase of struggle can appear at various points in a producer’s journey. Whether you’re a newcomer with a few years of experience or a seasoned producer with tracks signed to prominent labels, this challenge is universal.

1. A Learning Moment
   

Let me share a quick story that highlights this point. Recently, I worked with a talented student who was deeply dissatisfied with his track. He felt it didn’t sound professional and that something was missing.

Given my extensive experience as an artist, studio engineer, and educator, I’ve seen a lot of tracks and have a broad perspective. I reassured him that his track actually sounded great. Often, as producers, we get bogged down by minutiae that don’t impact the overall feel of the music.

1. Taking a Step Back
   

I suggested he take a week off from his track. The idea was to come back to it with fresh ears, listening not as a producer, but as a regular listener would. This approach requires creating some distance from the work, allowing it to sit and be forgotten for a bit.

When you’re too emotionally invested in your art, it can lead you down a negative path. It’s crucial to check yourself, create that distance, and return to your work with renewed perspective.

1. The Professional’s Struggle
   

Even as a professional producer, this concept remains vital. It’s a simple yet powerful tool to combat frustration and maintain a positive mindset. Don’t underestimate its importance—keep it in mind and remind yourself of it regularly.

Keep pushing forward and remember, these struggles are part of the journey. They shape you into a better producer. Stay resilient and focused, and don’t let the frustrations overshadow the love for your craft.

The Journey of an Electronic Dance Music Producer: From Education to Your True Sound

This message is for electronic dance music producers who have been navigating the scene for some time. If you’re committed to advancing your craft and achieving your unique sound, understanding the three critical stages of your journey can offer valuable perspective and direction.

EDUCATION

The Education phase is where you embark on your production journey. During this stage, you immerse yourself in learning the ropes of music production. You spend hours deciphering how to use your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), understanding sound design, and mastering various production techniques.

Your focus is on acquiring knowledge—whether through formal education, online courses, tutorials, or self-study. This phase is about building a foundation and learning the essentials of production. Depending on your available time, resources, and dedication, this stage typically lasts 4 to 6 years (plus or minus). This variability is influenced by many factors, including the depth of your learning and the pace at which you absorb and apply new information.

EXPERTEASE

The Expertease stage is where many of my private students find themselves. By this point, you have developed a solid grasp of production techniques. You can complete tracks with relative ease, and your music has a professional sheen to it. You are skilled at producing, and your focus shifts towards refining and perfecting your craft.

In this phase, you're closing in on the final 5% to 10% of production mastery. You understand the nuances of sound design, mixing, and arrangement, but there are still subtle areas where mastery is needed. Like the previous stage, this can also take 4 to 6 years (plus or minus), depending on your ongoing learning and practical experience.

YOUR TRUE SOUND

Your True Sound is the ultimate goal of your musical journey. By this stage, you are not just a producer; you are a distinct artist with a unique sound that sets you apart. Success may already be on your horizon—you might have signed tracks with prominent labels, toured, or started making significant income from your music. However, achieving your true sound is about more than just these external markers of success.

Even if you have achieved notable milestones, this phase is about refining and discovering your authentic sound. It’s a continuous process of evolution and deepening your musical identity. The industry often imposes specific "sounds" that can overshadow individuality, making it challenging to fully realize your unique voice.

Remember, the examples of producers who seem to achieve success quickly may not reflect the complete picture of their personal journeys. Circumstances, backgrounds, and the details of their experiences can vary widely, and jumping to conclusions based on limited information can be misleading.

THE SIMPLE SECRET

All producers will pass through these stages. However, many do not reach the pinnacle of their true sound because they stop before reaching the top. The secret to overcoming this is straightforward: Just don’t stop.

If you are committed to accelerating your progress, consider the value of mentorship. Having a mentor can significantly speed up your development by providing personalized guidance, feedback, and support tailored to your specific needs. This principle applies not only to music production but to many aspects of life.

Embrace the journey through these phases with determination and seek the right mentorship to help navigate your path. The opportunity to accelerate your progress and achieve your true sound is within reach.

The Reality Behind How Life Decisions Impact Your Future

Making a significant life decision can change your entire future, especially when that decision is about becoming a professional music producer. Whether you aim to be:

• An artist,

• A studio professional, or

• A hybrid producer, which combines both roles and accelerates growth with each project and client interaction.
  

The hybrid producer has a distinct advantage. They learn faster and gain experience rapidly, leveling up with every project. All three paths are commendable and, for many, far more enjoyable than traditional jobs.

My Journey

Let me share a bit of my journey. I left my job more than 10 years ago, back in 2013. Determined to succeed in music production, I tried to learn from as many sources as possible. Unfortunately, mentorships were scarce back then. We’re now in a golden age of education, where high-level problems can be solved quickly without enduring an ineffective college program or wasting a decade of your life.

I didn't have access to the resources available today, so I did it the hard way. It was a long, painful journey, even though I dedicated myself to it full-time. The most significant reason it took so long is a crucial lesson I hope you’ll take to heart.

The Hard Way

I encountered the same production issues repeatedly—50 times or more—until one day, it clicked. Finally, I figured it out by myself. The feeling of accomplishment was fleeting because the next obstacle would take another 50 trials before it clicked again. This cycle continued for a decade.

This trial-and-error method wasted an enormous amount of time and money. Producers often don't think about the cost of time. They play it safe, making little progress, and then wonder why their careers are stagnant. Many set themselves up for regret, preferring a comfortable, risk-averse path that ultimately leads nowhere.

Seize the Opportunity

The issues you're facing in your production career have been solved many times before. You’re not reinventing the wheel. To make real progress, you need to be smart and seek the right help. Imagine yourself at 80 years old, looking back on your life. Do you want to wonder why your music career never took off? No more excuses. If you genuinely feel that you deserve the success you’re chasing, seize the opportunity right in front of you.

Every decision you make shapes your future. Choosing to become a professional music producer, whether as an artist, studio professional, or hybrid producer, is a significant commitment. Learn from my journey—avoid the pitfalls of trial and error. Take advantage of the resources and mentorships available today to accelerate your growth and achieve your goals. Don't set yourself up for future regret; seize the opportunities available to you now.