How to Become a Music Producer in California
Becoming a music producer in California follows similar strategies to other areas of the country. Music producers act as film directors of the music world, providing artistic and technical advice and expertise for recording projects. A combination of formal education and experience in the music business and studio engineering are recommended, but it is the producer's reputation that will land paying production jobs. Marketing prowess and industry knowledge are additional necessary skills, as is the ability to manage, influence and inspire recording artists.
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Instructions
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Obtain music producer training at a music school or recording studio of your choice. There are a number of music colleges that offer degree courses in music production, but practical experience can count as much as a degree in some cases.
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Register as a small business by obtaining a local business permit from your town hall and apply for a sales and use tax registration certificate with the California State Board of Equalization. Most independent music producers operate their business as sole proprietors, so registration with the California Secretary of State is only necessary if operating as a corporation, partnership or limited liability company.
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Purchase business cards, brochures and stationery to use for marketing your production services to prospective clients.
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Build a website, create pages on social networking sites and register with as many music industry directory sites as possible. Visibility will be important to establish yourself as a producer.
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Hire a music business attorney to draft contracts or modify those purchased from a music business contract supplier. Professional producers always use contracts; hiring an attorney will ensure that your contracts are legal in California and suited to the particular production job.
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Call, mail or email California recording studios, other music producers and recording artists to let them know of your services and attend as many live shows and music conventions as possible to meet and network with others in the music industry.
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Tips & Warnings
Many music producers do not own recording studios. Partner with commercial studios to keep costs down and take advantage of different equipment and facilities best suited to specific production jobs.
Relocating to an area rich with recording studios and recording artists will help keep travel down and increase your chances of landing jobs.
Always use a music business contract attorney unless you have intimate knowledge of California contract law and understand the complex workings of the music business. Failure to do so may result in lost revenue and/or legal issues.
Get a deposit in advance for all production jobs and do not release copies of the music recording in any form until full payment is made to you and the recording studio you've chosen. As the producer, you are sometimes responsible for booking the studio and will be held liable for non-payment.
References
Resources
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