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A piece published by BBC states that the global music market was worth around $26 billion in 2021, making it one of the fastest-growing industries on a global scale. As popular as vocalists are, there’s no denying the fact that music producers are the backbone of this booming industry.
Producers are not only responsible for shaping the sounds used in individual tracks, but they also have to collaborate with artists, musicians, and studios to define the direction of entire albums. In short, they are the all-in-one packages of the music industry; a good producer can write songs, create beats, and mix music to create works of art that have the power to move souls.
From the looking glass, few other markets offer similar boons. However, finding your place in the music industry is easier said than done. Producers and artists face years of rejection before achieving the level of perfection we see and hear. Fortunately, a few successful individuals in the industry are more than happy to welcome new talent. The only problem is; they need to earn their keep.
We got the opportunity to interview Tony Scales, professionally known as Chef Tone, and quiz him as to how an aspiring individual could thrive in the music industry as a producer, after which he shared five to-dos that helped him scale in his career.
Gain Real Industry Experience
As the first of five, gaining industry experience tops the list as it can help you “get an insider’s view of how everything works.” Tony further added, “There are dozens of internships available for anyone who would take them. I know most of them are unpaid, but that’s not the point; you’re going there to learn how the business works, so don’t go expecting to get paid, and if you are getting paid, then good for you.”
Tony Scales also emphasized the importance of socializing for young producers by saying, “Networking is at the core of every internship. If you can maintain a positive attitude and are willing to learn, I guarantee you’ll find a ton of people who are willing to teach. So get in there, make some connections, learn and try to leave an impression. That about covers it.”
Have Realistic Expectations
Tony explained how most young producers and artists are itching to make it big without putting in the effort, “If you’re expecting to go big in just a couple of months, then I’m afraid I got some bad news for you. Everyone you know, everyone you aspire to meet, has struggled to get where they are, and chances are that it’s going to be the same for you. If you’re not crazy about music the way we are, somebody else will probably take your place. So keep moving forward.”
Think Outside the Box
“Everyone who graduates from music school wants to work for some bigshot company like Apple Music or Spotify or even SoundCloud, which makes it all the more competitive to get in. So what do you do? You keep trying, and you keep perfecting your craft. Music is a form of art, and art has the ability to exist in any medium and in any form, so don’t just limit yourself to what’s trending. Learn to play around a little. Do what no one else is doing every once in a while,” Tony stressed.
Get Along with Other Artists
Moreover, Tony Scales shared how his networking and socializing helped him work better with major artists, including Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Jay Z, and R. Kelly. “My journey started when I got the opportunity to go on tour with R. Kelly and Jay Z for Best of Both Worlds, but even before that, I had already learned to work with others. Talent is a wild card; you’re in the room with half a dozen people who are talented, passionate, committed, and just as crazy as you,” he explained. “So you need to be able to work with all sorts of people. You can start by headhunting other artists like you – artists who are on the same wavelength because, as a team, you’ll grow much faster, and that’s the whole point,” said the record producer.
Find a Mentor
Tony’s final tip revolved around the importance of finding a reliable mentor: “Most people don’t know this, but the hardest thing to do in this industry isn’t creating music; it’s wrapping your head around its business aspect. The best way to get around is to find a mentor, someone who’s seen it, done it, and won it. Obviously, it’s not easy, but you never know unless you try.”
On a parting note, Tony Scales advised up-and-coming producers to keep a positive attitude and not give up. He further elaborated that they would have to stay in sync with global trends while leaving enough room to explore their own paths. “The one universal piece of advice I give to everyone and that will never fail you is to always bring your A-game. No matter what you do, always be the odd one out,” he concluded.
