How to Find a Music Producer That’s Right for You

Are you a budding artist ready to take your music to the next level? Sometimes the trickiest question comes down to the people you work with. You’ve got your equipment, you’ve got your band, but who is going to deal with the technical stuff and bring it all together. If you’ve been Googling ‘how to find a producer for my music?’ you’ve come to the right place. 

The thought of hiring a music producer may seem simple, but you don’t want to grab on to the first one you find. You need to find the right person for your music, suiting your style and your budget.

That’s why we’ve composed this handy guide on how to find a good music producer so you can get studio ready.

The Cost of a Music Producer

Like most forays into the music industry, you’ll need to be upfront about budget and costs before taking any producers on. They don’t come for free. A good producer is a worthy investment in getting you to that professional sound, and they don’t always come cheap. If you find you don’t have the budget now, it may be a good idea to hold out until you’re ready.

The cost of a music producer is going to vary depending on their experience and the genre of music they work in. Most producers will ask for an advance of a per-song fee that can range anywhere between £200 – £7,000. 

Once you’ve got the advance cost set up, you also have to keep in mind the percentage of royalties you’ll have to give them. It’ll be hard to find a producer who doesn’t take royalties, and it’s usually based on how much you get paid for your music. The typical rate your producer receives will either be three to four per cent of your record sales price or 20- 25 percent of your own royalties.

Finding a Music Producer Online

It can seem tempting to hop on to Google and select the first music producer that comes up. But, if you want to find the right match for your music, it’s worth taking some time to explore certain steps. Although this doesn’t mean avoiding web searches all together — the internet is a gateway to a treasure trove of musical talent. If you want to know how to find a music producer, take a look at freelance sites, referral sites, or even contact a university with a music department to see if they have anyone working with them. Just make sure you mention the type of music you’re making, so the search gets you the best profiles. 

Also, make sure you explore options and reach out to more than just one producer. Make a list of your top five or top 10 favourite prospects. Consider sending them a demo of your music or even inviting them to one of your gigs. This way, they can get a thorough understanding of you and your music, and will be more excited about taking your project to the next level.

Questions To Ask Before Hiring

With any creative collaboration, it’s worth knowing if you share a vision, and can actually bounce ideas off another and work proactively. Here are six questions you may want to consider:

What music do you listen to?

Understanding what music your potential producer listens to can help you determine if they’ll be a good match for your genre. If they’re all about rock and you’re producing a rap album, it may not be a good fit.

How do you organise your ideas?

This is more a competency question — we always believe that organisation is key. It’s not all rock and roll mayhem, you need a person to approach music professionally and efficiently. This is your investment, and it’s worth going with someone who will do it right.

What does your daily routine look like?

If your producer goes to the gym everyday at 10am and is packed with clients from  11-17pm, then how will they squeeze you in? Make sure you’re not treated like an easy buck on the side, and go with someone who actually has the time and energy to dedicate to your music.

How do you overcome obstacles?

Setbacks are bound to happen and it’s best to find someone who will come up with solutions than a producer who will just add to the problem. If the music producer has a strategy for dealing with hiccups along the road, that is a good sign.

What are your hobbies?

Alongside their working skills, you want to get to know their character. You’ll hopefully be spending lots of hours together in a cramped up room, so find someone who will keep your creativity flowing and who you will feel comfortable with.

What have you achieved with other artists?

You don’t want to appear fame-hungry, but you want to know how the producer has managed to help other artists. Knowing they’ve had previous successes can bring peace of mind that you’re choosing the right person.

Qualities to Look Out For

There are fundamental qualities that every music producer needs to have. You can easily see them when asking questions or looking at reviews online. Here are four that are important when finding the best fit:

• Listening skills

You’re hiring a music producer to help you, but you don’t want all your ideas thrown down the drain either. If a person appears to not take your views into consideration, then it may not be worth hiring them. It is your music and voice, after all. 

• Confidence

There’s no point in hiring someone who isn’t confident in what they do. You also don’t want someone who’s extremely cocky. Finding that middle ground is the best quality in a music producer.

• Passion

Someone who is passionate about their job is always going to go above and beyond. You want someone who cares about the outcome of their work and wants you to be successful. 

• Ambitious

A producer can really take your music to the next level. They should have a plan for you that really exceeds your expectations. Staying in your comfort zone isn’t going to get you far.

Success is Right Around the Corner

You now know how to find a good music producer. Budgeting, research, and communication are key to finding the perfect music producer for you.  The right partner could really rocket your career and get your music feeling tight and exciting.

If you’ve found the ideal producer and are ready to get into the studio, check out Kore Studios. We have a  range of equipment and facilities for you to use, making the experience better for both of you. If you want to book a session, all you have to do is contact us.