Download a program to your computer to start building your workstation. Popular DAWs you can purchase include FL Studio, Bitwig, and Pro Tools. Many DAWs include tutorials that will teach you how to use them.
Make the recording space soundproof so your recordings are high quality. Have comfy chairs and couches so you can relax while you’re working.
Play around with different sounds until you find something that you like. Listen to other music to come up with interesting combinations. Remix a classic song into something brand new. For instance, you could sample vocals from a church choir and add them to a catchy electronic dance beat.
Make sure the beat makes sense with the rhythm. For example, if you’ve got a fast-paced punk rock guitar riff as a hook, you’ll want a fast kick and snare to go along with it.
Try singing the words or having a singer use them to see how they sound out loud. Have a friend who writes poetry or lyrics try to come up with some for your songs.
Reach out to musician friends or acquaintances to see if they’re interested in working on a project with you. If you need a specific musician, like a drummer or guitar player, you can pay one to come to your studio and work with you. Look online or contact other studios for information about hiring a musician.
Use websites like Bandcamp, Soundcloud, and YouTube to upload your songs so you can share them with other people. Create social media pages for your music and put your songs on there so they can be heard and shared by listeners.
Learn how to play the drums so you can develop an understanding of how rhythm and beats work. Knowing the basics of an instrument such as a guitar will allow you to better collaborate with professional guitar players because you can make suggestions and get better performance from them.
Look for a music theory course that you can take at local colleges or music education schools. Search for an online musical theory course you can sign up for. Study books on musical theory the learn about it on your own.
Look for artists and genres that you’ve never listened to before to inspire your own work and to stay current. If you plan to be a producer in a specific genre, like hip-hop or pop-punk, make sure you’re listening to new artists in your own genre so you’re up to date with new musical developments in your field.
Some recording studios may let you hang out if you ask them. You can take tours of larger record label studios to see the best of the best setups.
Search online for tutorials on how to use an audio mixer. Some audio mixers may come with instructional videos or pamphlets when you purchase them. Buy a book about how to use a mixer that you can keep handy as a reference.
Look for universities that have music production programs that you can enroll in. Take an online music production course so you can earn a certification and learn the tools of the trade.
Write a cover letter that talks about why you want to be a producer so you can include it in your application. Research the record label you want to apply for so you’re familiar with their music and you can answer any questions they have if you get interviewed for the internship. Ask a professor or teacher if they can help you get an internship at a label or music production company.
Avoid bragging about being a producer so you don’t turn people off. For example, you could say something like, “Oh, you like R&B music? Me too! I’m actually a producer, so if you know anybody looking to collaborate, let me know!”
Look online for networking events that you can attend. Talk to other musicians that you meet at events and get to know them.
