Music Career Advice for Producers [10 Tips and Mistakes for Music Producers to Avoid]

Music career advice for music producers. Here are 10 common music producer career mistakes to avoid and some great career advice for music producers, if you want to further your music production career.
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Presented by award winning music producer/engineer Arty Skye, these music producer career tips for producers and recording engineers are coming from 30 years of experience producing literally thousands of singers and artists.
Arty Skye has earned 14 Gold/Platinum Records, 8 #1 Billboard Hits, and a Grammy Nomination.
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If you'd like to have a career as a music producer, you need to avoid making one of these 10 common career mistakes that music producers often make, that can hold you back from achieving success.
Maybe you're not being honest with the artist, or you don't know how to get paid, or you're working without a contract, or using uncleared samples, or more. By being aware of these mistakes, you can plan a more winning strategy to success in the music industry, and save a lot of time, energy and money.
As a power tip, I discuss a big problem that every music producer will need to confront at one point or another in their career, and how to deal with it.
This music producer career advice tutorial will give you a proven strategy used by pros to help get you more clients, more opportunities, and help take your music production career up to the next level.
Hope you love it, and we'd love to hear what you think. If you have any music career advice or music producer tips to share, please post them below, as we can all learn from each other here.
If you'd like to work with the SkyeLab Music Group and hire us to produce your music, please contact us at [e-mail]
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[@Breakbeat90s]

Huh? Am I being paranoid or do the tips sound very similar to what Warren Huart said in his "11 Mistakes To Avoid In Music Production" video? 🤔 I mean the issues Producers/Engineers run into are mostly the same but could it be that you were inspired by that video?

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Glad someone noticed!!! But I released mine 6 months before his. (Check the dates) But coincidentally, I guess, the 11 tips Warren picked were exactly my ten, plus my bonus one. Guess Warren liked them 👍-Arty

[@Breakbeat90s]

@@SkyeLabMusicGroup oh fuck me lol sorry my bad

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

@@Breakbeat90s You kidding? It's a great call! Thanks. Now go post the same comment on Warrens page! LOL. (I love the guy) -Thanks, Arty

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

@mproducer No. But in Warren's defense, many of the points (mistakes) I made, he used from my video, but he told his own stories.

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

@mproducer If it's targeting a specific artist, then you have to find a way to get to the music publisher who might be getting songs together for the artists new album, if they're in the process of actually looking. Get the timing right. If you don't have a connection to the publisher or manager, you can hire a good music attorney who can present it to them. But there are also a lot of services you can submit your music to, where companies are actually looking for music. Like musicxray, musicsubmit, taxi, etc. (with varying degrees of success, or not) Good luck. Sound like a good subject for a video?

[@Squidaniel]

Some of the best advice my father ever gave me “don’t burn bridges until you own a boat “

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Hey Ryan, I like that!!! Your dads a smart guy! -Arty

[@harvestmediacompany7810]

Great tips for all producers. In actuality, they are sound life skills that lean toward character, morality, and humanity. I've re-posted this video to our social media accounts. Thanks again... HMC

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Hey HMC, I really love your comment!!! And thanks so much for reposting 👍👍👍

[@harvestmediacompany7810]

@@SkyeLabMusicGroup Glad to help... HMC

[@RussPaladino]

Great advise as usual Arty! Thanks.

[@aleonxyou6790]

would you be willing to release copies of the contracts you use so upcoming producers can learn more? also an entire video on contracts would be dope!

[@axepantherlinatiger]

Thank you for the wise words Skye ! So glad I've discovered your channel. I've finally got my own studio and I'm gonna spend my enitre life in it :D

[@tristanishtar8906]

More great stuff. Thank you Arty

[@dontrunk]

I've watched this video once a week for 2 years! thank you for always keeping me in a good headspace as a producer!

[@thecapn94]

Great video!

[@raymondjoseph9311]

Dude! This is awesome! I almost didn’t watch because most of the “10 tips” videos i watch are not good. You went in on things that need to be said. Keep up the great work.

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Hey Ray, Thanks! I might do a part 2. There's a lot to be said about dealing with clients! -Arty

[@DrRaynbow]

thank you for making content for such a specific audience !! great tips

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Hope it helps you avoid some pitfalls 👍

[@ustulo3488]

Another great vid sir...This gentleman has seen it all. Almost everything you described I've experienced in the last 17 years as a producer. There really is a fine line to jump over or be held back by if you make any of these mistakes, especially more than once. In reality, your people skills matter as much as your producer skills. Something that's happened to me very often is over-investing yourself into a project and the people in it because you feel connected to it and want it to succeed. Sometimes that's the only way you can get something great. Other times it leads to disappointment as the music business is very transactional...and when your realize you did your part, you need to be able to let go and get to the next project. However, I think it's very important no matter what kind of deal has been made to give it everything you have in the moment regardless and only work with artists, songs, and projects that inspire you or fit your skill set. Taking a project for any amount of money simply to make money is a big mistake in my opinion. Having the honesty and discipline to say "this isn't up my alley" if you know you truly don't believe in it or feel it on a musical level is an important part of being a producer...its like an actor who doesn't take every script that comes because for them to be at their best they need to connect with that script and the vision for it. Also, resilience is very important...there will be lots of highs and lows, just like every other part of the music industry, and you have to stay in it and keep learning while refining what you know already works in your approach. Again, another great vid...fantastic job of passing what you know to others.

[@tribalrecordz8661]

Thank you for sharing really good tips/advice.

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Hey Tony, I appreciate the comment. Got more videos coming soon so check back. 👍-Arty Skye

[@danielsado7857]

Real nice 🔥🔥

[@ATOMOCDOG]

you're so right, my friend

[@themagicianofsound]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing. I will definitely share this. Kindest Regards! 🙏😀

[@mikewallace1270]

Arty, I love the short stories in your videos. I hope you make that a permanent part of your video style.

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Hey Mike. Thanks, Glad you appreciate that! I guess I'm a storyteller! More coming :) -Arty

[@EuropaMan]

Great overview Arty. There's no question you've lived through all these experiences you've covered in your examples. Expertly put together. Nice work!

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Thanks Eric! Yep, lived it all. And a part 2 coming soon. :). -Arty

[@kagansenoglu9774]

thanks for the video please make the part two

[@frankademoye44]

Invaluable information.

[@OFFICIALBEATSLANGERZ]

Thank you much your helping me out a lot much respect you got me back going!!

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Glad to help! More videos on the way soon so check back. Thanks, Arty Skye

[@NinjaKnuckleJoe]

This was great! I'd love a video about scams you've encountered and how to avoid them!

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Good idea! I got a lot of stories!!!

[@laleyendadeltaco]

Great advice

[@musicrocks9087]

Tnx for guidance sir.. I am learning alot from your videos..

[@MusicSymptoms]

I love your videos. All love from New York! You really know how to keep a presentation interesting and meaningful.

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Hey Mike. I really appreciate that comment! That's what I'm shooting for, So it's great to hear that I hit it sometimes. Thanks 👍 Arty

[@CalebBrandalise]

👌👌👌 Great vid Clear msgs Way to deliver :)

[@CalebBrandalise]

But you mentioned you'd have a link below that helps w clearing samples and those details.. and i dont see it.. can you share?

[@TheWiseMonk]

Love this video!

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Thanks! Hope it helps. Also, I checked out your channel. You got a nice voice bro! 👍

[@loveit8602]

Your videos are great!

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Thanks so much. I appreciate the comment. 😀

[@anujmuzik]

So informative , very experienced advices, Thankyou.

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Hi Anuj. Hope it helps you avoid some mistakes. 👍

[@samcool2814]

nice one thank you!

[@NeilRaouf]

Thank you Sir!

[@musicsamples-electronicdan9717]

Superb Work, nice featuring 👊 👦

[@nichttuntun3364]

Hi. Could listen for hours. I´m not a producer but that matter is most interesting to listen to - Thank you :)

[@thesuncollective1475]

Nice..I agree totally..I am a TV Exec so it all resonates..you got to be professional..its the only way. I will add is if someone comes out with a different musical idea..let it sit. 5 times out of 10 the idea will be better so "let it sit" for a week or so before you decide

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Good advice, when you have the time. Sometimes there are deadlines :) But as a TV guy, I kinda think you know all about that! Thanks for the comment. -Arty

[@JohnSk82]

Arty you're so spot on. Those ones rang a bell from the past to me. Great video sir.

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Do you remember any I didn't mention? Post it! BTW, I like your composing you did for Westworld! Good luck!

[@JohnSk82]

Thanks for your kind comment :) Well i think you pretty much covered every aspect of it .

[@kreamygbeats9863]

just subbed. Im a new producer and this was so valuable! thanks

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Hey Jimmy. Glad you found it valuable. So I just checked out your youtube, and you're in a good starting place. I think this video would be really useful to you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3_Jg4R4hLeYpck Let me know if it helps. Thanks, Arty

[@sINGLE_hANDED]

Really love your communication style, I really have lot to learn from all of you pros :)

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

So many great ones out there. But there are sooo many pros I know that just don't have channels or anything. But I"m trying to encourage them to do it 👍

[@vewilli]

Absolutely professionell, highest quality in every respect! 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Hey Willi, thanks for the words of encouragement! Please check out the rest of our channel if you can, and we have more videos on the way soon.

[@filtafacta]

Solar Records silver disc, nice! Good tips, much appreciated :D

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Haha, you recognize that one! Babyface! Thanks :)

[@benjaminmagambo3849]

I suscribe !

[@andreyivamusic]

Thanks!

[@CyanBlackflower]

Great Video. Solid advice which can be transposed across contexts. Thank You Mr. Skye. I'm just beginning on this path of making music. Producing exclusively my own material. (For Now) It has been my true vocation since childhood, into adulthood, unaddressed UNTIL Life intervened with Death, changing the course of my life, forcing me to hear and respond to my Vocation. It is late in my life. Better than Never. There are also benefits to starting late, because I've learned many lessons elsewhere which are VITAL Now. This brings me to the point I wish to share. The greatest benefit of my time of embarking, on this is Why I feel #8 (In this Video) Should Be Number ONE. (Or TEN) It is ALWAYS underrated, understressed, but above all Mr. Mrs. Miss-Understood. Sadly the main reason for this has to do with the fact that TRUE knowledge leading to powerful insight we call Wisdom, simply cannot be GIVEN, but like the POWER it is, MUST be Taken. A Personal, and Solitary contract must be drawn up to access WISDOM, with ACCOUNTABILITY on one side, RESPONSIBILITY on the other. Doing so "exercises" POWER (Yours) bringing it into existence. Something IS what it DOES. Therefore the FIRST and ONLY real way to acquire it, precludes this simple act of IT. IMO. This is actually VERY simple. In short it means that We Must take the time to be As CLEAR as we Possibly can, sure about What We WANT, Why we want it, and some notion at least as to how We might assist in our acquisition or point of Departure to Destination. When You are fortunate enough to Find or Create a highly compatible Vocation, it is verifiable, because one should resonate with it, and feel as if one was Born for this purpose. Mark Twain once wrote : "The most important day in our life is the day they are Born. The second most important day, is the Day We find out WHY." Most people Never Do, going to their graves knowing Not What happened to them. Gone forever. I hope I'm reaching even ONE person. I've been working at this for 4 years almost to the day. Full time being unemployed and self educating, and rising to the challenges of those Multiple "Hats" (Which is Understated here too..) has made me aware of the Sheer magnitude and scope of this rapidly evolving, expanding Profession. Physical death is about the only thing which will stop me. Once I KNEW what I wanted, and Why, doors opened up. It seems as though the Universe - the World at Large is working in tandem with me..,You bet it's hard work. I've had doubts. Darkness. I have found that these are NOT the enemy, but hidden allies... It is for me a TOTAL system, Deep as You please. If it is Your Vocation, and I hope it is, arm yourself with Accountability, and Responsibility. This means that You CHOOSE to KNOW What you do, why, and Stand by it constant and steady. Start with this, and You cannot go wrong. Failure is possible ONLY where effort is discontinued, and yet, here is a GEM secret: You MUST fail. If You are to become your vocation and master it and Yourself (Life) YOU MUST FAIL. Sometimes repeatedly. However, You MUST NOT ever give up the resolve to continue effort. Each "failure" is an opportunity to TAKE from it POWER. Learn what your role in the process is. Resp. Accoun. See? The journey IS your destination because it's a journey to the CORE (Heart) It is really something to KNOW why you get out of bed. That NO ONE can stop or harm you for long if you are focused on your Role in Your own Life. This requires one to UNDERSTAND more and more along the way that we are always connected to the world around us FAR more than we will ever realise. More knowledge usually reveals and exponentially growing vista of ever more things there is to know. Be aware of this. One must deal with it in a way best for them. Great peril may come by closing one's self off. Responsible. Accountable. Here. Now. There's no OTHER time. One last thing I can say, which I've been finding out more and more as I move forward, aside from the Understanding that Stillness gives Meaning To Movement. (Like the Space between Notes & Beats are one thing...) What We know, think We know, or do not know is often an illusion, inflexible, and of little consequence. ~~ One small grain of UNDERSTANDING is Greater Than 10 Pounds of "KNOWLEDGE" and Ten Tons of "BELIEF".

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Hey Cyan, really profound. You should seriously consider starting a blog (if you don't already have one) Thanks so much for comment 👍 Arty

[@n.e.7316]

Great video!!! You mentioned that you would provide a link that relates to getting clearances. I don't see it in the bio. Can you upload it please?

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Yeah, I have to try and find it. Sorry.

[@Accentor100]

I love reading everyone who contributed to a song or album. If I were to ever get my music produced by someone, I'd want the producer, mixer, mastering engineers etc. name on my credits.

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Hey Gentoo, I agree 100%!!! And unfortunately it's been a fight in this industry to just get proper credit for the work you do. But I always look for who did what on a song or album I like, and it's sometimes very hard to find. But I think my friend Ann Minicelli (Jungle City Studios) is helping to change that, woohoo! Thanks, Arty

[@LampShadesMusic]

I had to write down these tips. Thank You!

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Awesome 👍. More videos coming soon. -Arty

[@LampShadesMusic]

@@SkyeLabMusicGroup looking forward to it.

[@Vambibuda]

Again 🔥

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Thanks Vam! -Arty

[@pankajnegi6002]

It feels like these are life lessons

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Yes, very much so! Thanks Pankaj. 👍

[@soundkillah]

You are too wonderful GOD BLESS THE GOD THAT CARRIED ME TO YOUR PAGE

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Haha!!! Thanks so much Soundkillah! More videos on the way. Got a great one coming on Producing a Great Vocal, or something like that. Stay tuned! -Arty

[@godsgiftpro414]

Ligit! Your vidz are genuinely created to help. I can tell you are not withholding information.

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Thanks for the comment. I am not withholding any information intentionally, but I definitely can do a part 2 with more tips. And I have a good video coming up soon, on how to produce a great vocal! Stay tuned. 👍

[@agthaog1986]

seem to me like 48% of these are directly connected to each other. the only one that wasnt that i noticed was the one on clearing samples

[@BopsStudios]

ha ha loved the ending

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Finally, someone who actually stayed long enough to recognize my genius! Lol. Thanks for the comment. Cheers 🍺

[@sleatbuts]

agreed with @god'sGiftPro down below, this feels like very genuine and heartfelt advice!! Thank you, +1 sub

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Thanks, sincere is all I know. 😁 Thanks for the comment. More videos on the way so stay tuned. -Arty Skye

[@Platnumbaby]

nice

[@indigenousscott6199]

The Godfather again ! Always giving Great advice

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Hey Tiwa, you crack me up! Wait til I bring in my friend Johnny!

[@indigenousscott6199]

@@SkyeLabMusicGroup I did not know you will have time to reply, I'm from the Caribbean and music is always in my head so I wanted to learn more and then I found the Godfather!

[@davidasher22]

So you know, I just left that comment on Warren’s video. This can’t be a coincidence.. can it?

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

I just commented back. It's not a coincidence, But I didn't have a lot of subscribers yet, now he puts out a ton of content. Probably figured no one would notice or care. So I'm actually very flattered. 👍

[@carlyleadriaans4050]

🙌🙌

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Thank you Carlyle. Just released a new video today, so please check it out if you can. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6DChn6Zds-Bn8U

[@MCAlvesPortugal]

😎cool

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Thanks MC! 🍺-Arty

[@kamranfallah]

Im collabing with someone talented but i barely know and she asked me to send her the project so she can rap on and master it,so id ont know if i should send the WAV or the whole project,do u have any tips for me?

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Hey Aleswell. As long as you get some agreement signed, stating that you'll split the income if any, split the publishing, make sure you get a credit for your work, etc. Once that's done, you can send her everything.

[@Sumbibebe]

You are AWESOME!! Do I still need tp clear samples I bought or that came with my bought software like Logic, Reason, Kontact, etc...? Sumbi

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Hey Sumbi, no, all those are cleared beforehand. So I"m watching your review of Dr. mix now. Pretty cool there Sumbi. Thanks. -Arty

[@DaVibes20]

💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Thanks Davibes! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@4realesharpe]

Let's collab. Send me some loops..

[@WebbChannel1]

NEED GUIDANCE - I had a GIFT all my life where I can LISTEN to a song and IN MY HEAD I can hear how that same song would sound rearranged. Maybe changing the percussion, maybe adding horns and keys. I want to be the one in the sound booth telling the audio engineer what I want done to the music, to SHAPE the music into a better marketable, sell-able product. Making the difference between a nice song to a great Grammy Award song. WHAT IS THE TITLE OF SUCH A PERSON?? A music producer?, A production manager? Please advise, Thanks in advance - Ade

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

Yes, that's a music producers job. Everyone wants that. If that's what you're feeling, then either you fund a project yourself and you call all the shots. Or you build a career where people are now paying you money to do it because you've developed the skills and proven you know how to make hits. Get a program for your computer and start making music. That's the first step. Good luck! -Arty

[@WebbChannel1]

@@SkyeLabMusicGroup Arty, I want to REALLY thank you for taking the time to reply, and Yes - I would rather make a name for myself as being a HIT maker. When you say ; " Get a program for your computer and start making music" - Not sure what you mean. Yes, I have a dedicated computer with DAW software, and I do sort of think of myself a singer/songwriter. Are you saying to record and promote myself? Hope I'm not a bother and thanks in advance - Ade

[@WebbChannel1]

ON ANOTHER NOTE - You say; "you fund a project yourself " What kind of money are we talking about? and I guess I have to be the bird-dog and find new talent? Just trying to get the whole picture - Thanks Arty.

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

@@WebbChannel1 whatever you want, but it can run thousands. You hire the studio, the musicians, the engineer, and you dictate what you want. I've seen it done with mixed results. But it's better to hone your skills as a producer, and just hire online musicians when/if you need them. It's a DIY world :)

[@WebbChannel1]

@@SkyeLabMusicGroup Arty - thanks for all your input. I'm giving you a thumbs up and I will subscribe too. No doubt you can teach me a thing or two :)

[@alex333andcrazyminde]

WHO IS WRILL ARTIST? PRODUCER IS.

[@SkyeLabMusicGroup]

I'm sorry Alek. I'm afraid I don't understand the question. Can you please clarify?