What I Learned From Being In The Music Business For 40 Years

[@FREESPUR]

"The only thing that matters is what is coming out of the speakers." That part Billy...

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

Someone said that to me years ago and it changed everything. Glad I could pass it on.

[@helldotsin]

I started making odd tunes that not many people liked, in 2010 which spanned until 2018. It was my own style. I started to listen to haters and learned to hate all of my old work. In 2023 I remastered and released 65 songs of those past albums and relearned to love them all! Making music and soundscapes now, I don’t care if anyone likes it and has rude things to say about it. I LOVE this stuff! Relistening is very therapeutic for me!

[@mikethebloodthirsty]

At least you got haters, I got nothing. It's a sign you were putting yourself out there.

[@magicvelvetband]

"Don't worry so much about being good, just think about being real" 💯

[@gemmagrumlig6831]

I'm very grateful for people like yourself who just get on youtube and dump a load of information that has been hard-earned. Your experience is so valuable and I love that you have chosen to share it. This is peak interneting!

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

Thank you! When I was younger the only advice I could get from the few music pros I met was to not do music for a living. I understood why they were saying it but I DID want to do it and to know what I should and shouldn't do. This is my answer to them.

[@BuckpLAYZnOGAMEz]

Man this is church ! What you were speaking on in this video is what all of us regular Joe Smoes who make music need to hear

[@Cliff-Young607]

Amen!

[@AcousticWisdom]

This was fantastic. Not going into debt is huge! There’s so much freedom in not owing anyone money. Starting something like a Roth IRA can easily make you a millionaire by the time you’re in your 60’s if you start early enough. Keeping your car until the wheels fall off is one of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard. Thanks for sharing your stories, Billy.

[@unlovablemusic]

100% true about waiting around for passion. I tell people this all the time that the ability to "act" supersedes any feeling you have in the moment because those feelings are temporary. If we wait around for inspiration, passion or motivation -- it might take months or even years before it arrives; however, the ability to act in the present will outweigh "inspiration" because the action (or act of 'doing') itself can spark inspiration, passion or motivation. For example, I did not want to practice music today, but I forced myself to and was very grateful after the fact because I ended up having fun and doing MORE than what I told myself I would do. It is 100% compounding and the little things we learn on a daily basis will carry on with us over time. Very well said and thank you for sharing your thoughts. Much love from Seattle.

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

Thanks! You stated it so well. Today I'm having one of those days but I'm about to dive in anyway because I know it will be productive and put me in a better mood.

[@zacharysmithingell5460]

Oh boy, this is a really great way of thinking. Well said, indeed!

[@telpusmusic]

I cant believe I am only finding this fella now , what a Quarry of wisdom . well played Sir .

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

Thank you!!

[@Nello2399]

I also can’t believe it. I’m just finding this guy today he’s a blessing 😂

[@andrachambers4234]

Same here! This is my third episode in a row.

[@soysos.tuffsound]

I feel like I'm watching myself talking to younger artists and engineers! All wise words. The thing about relationships and friendships is so true. I have folks I worked with as an engineer as far back as the late 80s early 90s who to this day will tell me how much they appreciate the work I put in for them or that I was the best engineer they ever worked with. I don't even think I was better technically than anyone else, but I listened to them and tried to get their music to sound the way they wanted or presented them with ideas they liked. I have many folks I worked with over a 10-20 year period. You've got to be attentive, alert, helpful and do your best on every job. Even if you don't love the music, the kid they bring in to do a hook or verse on their new song might become a new client.

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

Good point about doing a good job even if you don't like the music - you're doing a good job because you care and you are helping your clients dreams come true. I've been wanting to recreate the conversations I have with artists in the studio in these videos and feel like I'm getting closer. This one was from one of my livestreams. In case you haven't seen it, this one is in line with that approach: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWjEnn-fed2Aprcsi=i_YVAyxNDyjvfA4x

[@genuinefreewilly5706]

Good advice. Organizing a small catalogue music is challenging in my humble opinion and experience and not easy for lots of people. Write, record, mix and master, document and park it and repeat. Volume these days counts Dont putze around too long on social media. That time is better spent on learning how to use a spreadsheet or something as useful

[@imjulesgabriel]

These videos are the best advice Ive seen in this territory hands down. Thanks!

[@hazemsy2797]

Dude, holly shit. I found your channel today and am shocked of how good your Videos and advices are, thank you

[@biner01]

i do like most of your points here. i think they apply to working in any industry, really. any industry where you might be creating or inventing something.

[@incognitomuziq5763]

This video means so much to me. I have been wanting to be in the music in history my whole life yet I wasn’t able to enter in, but you have given me so much inspiration. I really thank you. 22:19

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

Thank YOU!!!!

[@mewfan84]

Really nice video with great advice. Have to disagree about the Nashville songwriting equal splits thing, I think it really discourages people from sharing their best ideas that they've worked out before. Sometimes it's that riff or hook from an earlier unpublished song that's needed, but who wants to share if everyone in the room gets a piece? I think the correct way to go is to record the whole co-writing session and have somebody taking notes, because after the fact everyone thinks everything was their idea.

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

Thanks! I never thought of that since I've never been involved in any writing sessions like that. I guess I was just thinking about the business side, but what you say makes sense. I've done quite a few sessions in Nashville with some of the top players there. It's impressive for sure but after awhile all those incredible parts sound just like all the other incredible parts and I think it's because the whole system is setup like a assembly line machine and no one wants to be the guy who wants to do a 2nd take and do something different. I've always mic'd open back guitar amps with 2 mics - 1 in front and one in the back with the polarity flipped (usually a Sennheiser 421) and blended them together. A few times when I did that the guitar players (all of who have done thousands of top level sessions at the best studios in town) have remarked that they'd never seen this. Seemed weird since it's pretty standard. But then I think everyone there is rushing through the sessions and not experimenting that much. It was great great working with those people, in those studios and love the town, but I'm glad I didn't move there after all. Not enough odd balls like me.

[@Cliff-Young607]

Thank you! that was really insightful on many different levels!

[@PhilcheshireCoUk]

How brilliant is this guy? Half an hour well spent.Thanks Billy.

[@BlurredTrees]

This channel kicks ass. 🎉 glad I found you.

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

Thank you!

[@Mr.PhatsVarietyVibesShow]

good advice.. just make music even if they are bad make them anyway All my songs are shitty but it's fun for me to make shitty songs.. it's my shitty hobby

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

"my shitty hobby" ha ha!!! love it!

[@kidohchi]

LůV

[@careydixon8189]

Out of your comfort zone get out of your comfort zone...do it. Ty ty ty Bro...I needed this rap today. Have a studio...work my ass off...run into what we all do...a out...I do not give up but great talk my friend!

[@incognitomuziq5763]

I just wanna say thank you so much for posting the video you have really gave me so much inspiration and taught me so much. I really appreciate this.

[@kitcatmama]

Damn, this packed a ton of really helpful stuff in!

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

Thanks sooo much!

[@HunterMann]

Wow, if I had to move to a deserted island somewhere and could only take 10 different video series with me from KZbin, your series would be one of them. This is some great stuff, even though I might not have electricity on that island to do any recording or mixing ha ha ha ha

[@prince_kna]

I'm a self taught producer from Namibia that has been producing for 6 years and I appreciate the work you upload. Sometimes in your area or field you may be really good but it's humbling to see videos from someone better than you because it pushes me and reafirms me that I'm nowhere nearmy goal

[@sseltrek1a2b]

point 6 is very true- one of my fav quotes: "when you see someone who is really good at something, people tend to forget that they went through a long period where they "weren't..."...

[@EFPianist]

Man!!! This videos applies to all business areas!!! A trully masterclass. I'm totally grateful to find your content-rich channel. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. Keep going. Thanks, from Brazil!

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

Thanks so much!!

[@alkaponememphis]

Great info Billy! I can relate to a lotta things u spoke on.

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

Thanks Al!!!

[@klapsigaarenbasgitaar1931]

This was an excellent vid, kudos to you sir. I had a discussion with a friend some weeks ago about why everything sounds the same nowadays and I'm sending this vid to him right away!

[@klapsigaarenbasgitaar1931]

Oops, commented at the wrong vid somehow.

[@EDawg_32]

Great video you’re awesome!

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

Thank you!

[@hansmjakobsen6865]

BRILLIANT ADVICE FOR ANY ARTISTIC GENRE

[@maxmixproductions]

Like a college 101 course and a master class on being in the music industry.

[@theworstguitarist]

so true about networking..its hard to find someone you like and make music with him..if its not just work like wedding gigs or something..but F that..

[@markgriskey]

Hans Zimmer once said that you could tell how deep into his latest project he was by how overgrown his beard is. From clean shaved to scruffy old man in a matter of weeks :)

[@bwashburn1972b7]

Just ran across your channel. I follow Rick but dang man! I dig your down to earthness ...I got a question. Do up and coming Producers post there stuff on Spotify. Reason I ask is I'm learning as I go and I'm being real about it. I'm the ginny pig in other words

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

I don't know what young producers do. I'd look at sound cloud and would also just post your stuff on youtube. Most of my clients and my kids use youtube to listen to music.

[@bwashburn1972b7]

@FreakingOutWithBillyHume thx Billy, appreciate it man

[@briancase6180]

"you'll find your way, you'll find your way" [if you just start working]. I totally agree. Writer's block is kind of a myth. Just start working and work for a while. Make yourself move into a or your zone.

[@devon-graves-studio-D]

I really don't know how to thank you. Every video I watch seems to speak directly to me. You are amazing, Perfect. Thank you!

[@jakearnold5684]

Bedtime stories with the Wizard!!!! Love it!

[@Beeback-g4g]

blessed to find this channel. thank you

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

Thank you so much!

[@clintondoggermullins]

Thanks for all this great content. I recorded my debut album last year with Jonathan Plum @ London Bridge and just got done with my studio at my farm. I’m a full time musician and these videos have been super helpful. I would love to work with you someday. My latest record is dogger atta bomb. No auto tune and we used amps mics and dynamics. Thanks again for these amazing videos

[@MusicalVenture]

This is pure GOLD, thank you so much! I discovered couple of these wisdoms myself, so I believe you have just helped me to discover the others

[@fredwilliams1910]

This is great advice!

[@johngardnergraphics]

Good advice and insights for almost any business...

[@Monokitsune]

Im definitely gonna take all this to heart

[@nilsre7882]

Great video man! Thank you for sharing the knowledge and your experiences. These are great insights and reflections - truly valuable for a young musician like myself. Cheers from Norway

[@bshawlab]

It’s about what you do,, yes it is

[@comedycrackhead]

Great advice and positive spirit

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

Thank you!

[@ancientsun1291]

I like your outlook on things.

[@tiadiad]

BOOM! 5:52

[@angermanagementstudios]

Fast becoming my fave channel this is. Sage advice.

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

Thanks so much!

[@thestarseeker8196]

Man it’s so difficult to get back up and out there sometimes and things like this are helping me. On to the 4th album…

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

If it were easy everyone would do it. Carry on!!!!

[@andrachambers4234]

Great episodes sir! Chocked full of vitamins and minerals! Love it!

[@thoughtscores]

Truly enjoy your insights buddy - thank you for putting these out

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@gisfortheguitar]

Sage wisdom ✨️

[@ALACGltd]

Invaluable❤

[@thespacealienssmogandgrog4283]

Thanks for the info and the split and register forms.

[@djrobotcitizen]

Thanks for sharing your insights from the years of experience! Sub'd! :)

[@stanleyassor3172]

Billy Humes, he's like that cool uncle you always want to hung out with

[@bentully8621]

This is golden

[@ayoubthegreat]

24:00 using AI can help with contracts. To understand and explain

[@Nello2399]

Your videos are amazing fr I get a lot of inspiration from your videos ❤🎉

[@ayoubthegreat]

So much information. Thank you.

[@sseltrek1a2b]

these are all really good tips...

[@3GreeneBJ]

Very wise. But I could never have stood what you call "the business" It has more madness than you could get in a bag. I enjoyed some of what you said but my you're so wound up - like speeding - 100mph - full on man! Excellent advice mind - no question of that. I think like art, and bags of crisps, too much is made of too little. It's a sound - that's all it is. A sound. If people like it enough they might want to hear it again. Goodness knows why - but that's what we're like. Yeah I do prefer "live" mostly. I like patches and fixes too. They can be the making of a track(s). The patience needed in the mix-down - oh no not for me. Madness is knocking............. No wonder there are "medicines".... Thanks and goodbye now..... BjG

[@ChrisM-mu8rc]

This can be expanded to a greater philosophy. It’s just narrowed down to people who like music.

[@markgriskey]

Managers… yeah went through 3 :) my first one was the only one that ever got me a gig… the other 2 got me raises. Any time my contract was changed it was because I pushed for it. My agents (managers) would always just say “looks good, sign it” I wish “song splits” would help my situation. Disney and Lucas have denied me any royalties whatsoever. Fortunately my publishing deal with BMG still makes me a few bucks :)

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

Wow! Sorry to hear that... it's a tough business. I'm still owed quite a bit on something but can't say what it is now because lawyers may soon be involved. Fun....

[@Dr.CoCoL1na]

DaMn....Why didn't I start listening to this Channel years ago! Have a big Catalogue, and have wanted to get to Monetizing some music.....but being Classically trained and growing up in a Classical musician family...I feel stuff always has to be 95% perfect.....and rarely do I ever get to 75% for a track that I consider a good idea..... Would love to talk to you on Zoom or something sometime....Curious if you do Consultations.... Best Wishes☘

[@kitcatmama]

Yes, he does private consultations. You can sign up on his Patreon, or email contactbillyhume at gmail.

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

Thanks! Yes , I do consultations. Email me at: [e-mail]

[@SonnyGreenwichJr]

haha! You speak the truth! 🔥🧨💪🏽🤠👍🏽🧨🔥

[@BrianGreenGoogle]

Sleep Head is a hero!

[@BMicalMusic]

I think if you work on 1 song for a long time & you still love it when it’s finished … it’ll be good.

[@markgriskey]

Inspired. Thanks. Cool gear too :)

[@rODIUMuk]

17:50 I love that song by Lemar! Are you credited as a writer ??

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

Yes.

[@FREESPUR]

Gems!

[@ludwigbouwer1080]

You don't need a manager until you start having trouble getting to everything you need to do.

[@Bildernaut]

#19 Find a End ! I know People they working 30 Years for her Debut Album. Greetings from Germany!

[@bradchatterton2576]

What patch is your Midiverb II set on? LOL. I had a few of those - 21, 24 & 27 were constants.

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

It's so funny you ask that. My Midiverb II mostly sits in that rack because ... well... where else can it go? And besides I like having a lot of lights in the studio. As far as the patch number: I started putting it on 02 a while back when I started making videos so that it wouldn't be on the default. Then whenever I made a breakthrough on making videos or something in my career... any kind of big step, I would go up one number. I have been on 35 this last week and things are moving fast here so I might go to 36 soon. It's just a thing I do and never thought anyone would notice. However, I always liked the room sounds on that unit usually in the lowest patches up to patch 20 or so. Never cared for the modulation ones som much.

[@bradchatterton2576]

Cool... Like notching a bed post I suppose. Mine are long gone, but I still have some blinky lights I use. Ensoniq DP4 is a favorite. Dig your channel and history.

[@Johnny-oy9fh]

I've known so many do this...make great music, do great gigs, and get nowhere

[@EDawg_32]

18:47 😂😂😂 JACKASS

[@markgriskey]

“Who you know” lol. Want to become a poser go for it! Want to become a musician you got to work at it.

[@mitchelstephen7536]

Lol... no, it's not worth the money. You do art because you love it. I had a hit song on the rock radio charts on every radio station and 4 songs of mine put in movies.. We didn't make any money. Later I got number 3 on the Billboard dance charts. Very little money.

[@waynesmith733]

YAHWEH peace, whosoever believeth in YAHUSHUA the messiah son of YAHWEH shall have ETERNAL LIFE, peace, peace, peace, peace

[@markgriskey]

You will remember the “Jack Ass” if he steels your music and puts his name on it. Other than that. I agree about no excuses. It took me a while to emotionally recover with that. :)

[@steventrimmer797]

Such a dirty business. This advice makes me so glad i left the "industry." Just do sonething else and enjoy making music.