Producing The Right Tracks: An Essential Guide To Music Production in India

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Last updated on May 7, 2023

Making the transition into a music production career often isn't easy. You need motivation, inspiration, and knowledge - a determined mindset is always key to success. Here, we take a look at some essential tips for those interested in pursuing a career in music production in India.

Insights into the Music Production Industry in India

The music production industry in India has experienced great growth in recent years, with the number of producers in the country more than quadrupling in just five years. This growth is partly a result of the number of platforms available to independent artists, allowing them to draw attention to their music online. Additionally, this growth is also due to a number of international artists who have been attracted to the vibrant and diverse music scene in the country. Music production jobs provide the opportunity to create, mix, master and collaborate on music, often living their life as they move from one musical project to the next.

The music production industry in India currently stands at around 1.5M INR per annum, with junior producers earning an average of 30k-50k per annum. As you gain experience, you could be looking at a salary closer to 70k-1M INR per annum, with the ability to earn lucrative bonuses for completing projects quickly. This is particularly true for senior level producers, who may also be able to access better job roles such as teaching, clinic work, club and concert promotion and so on.

Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Success in the Music Production Industry in India

1. Start by gaining experience in producing music: The music production process is a complex one and you need to have a good understanding of it to be successful in this career. Start by learning the basics such as recording and mixing, as well as more advanced topics such as arranging and sound engineering. You can gain this experience through music production courses and internships or even self-learning.

2. Focus on developing a network: The music production industry is all about who you know and being able to utilize the contacts you make. Start by building professional relationships in the music production industry and focus on expanding your network. This will allow you to access the right opportunities and gain more of the industry's knowledge.

3. Familiarize yourself with the Indian music scene: India has a vast and vibrant music culture that is constantly developing. Being familiar with it will help you when it comes to understanding the chart and sound trends. Knowing the local players in the industry, the opportunities available and the latest trends in music production will help you stay up to date in this dynamic field.

4. Develop a portfolio: Having a professional portfolio that showcases your skills, experience and achievements is crucial in order to stand out in the field and reach out to the industry. Make sure your portfolio highlights your technical and creative abilities. You could include samples of your work, videos or even reviews from the music industry.

5. Invest in the right gear: Investing in the right equipment and software will be key in your journey to become a successful music producer. You need to invest in the appropriate gear and tools, so make sure you research what you need beforehand. The software you use, the pre-amps and microphones are important facts to consider for any music production setup. Additionally, make sure you have a good computer that can keep up with the work you’re creating.

Real-Life Examples of People who Made It

Rahul Varma is a music producer and sound engineer based in Mumbai. He started his journey as an independent music producer while working part-time in the television industry. Gradually, his career in music production bloomed, and now he has worked with several international and national artists. His biggest success was producing the title track of the hit Hindi film ‘Raazi’.

Abhinav Gupta is another successful music producer based in Delhi. Abhinav started as an intern in a music studio and then worked his way up. With his aptitude for producing music, he saw success early on and has now worked with some of the biggest music labels in India. He has also collaborated with some renowned international artists.

Shweta Gupta is a composer and sound designer based in Bangalore. She started making music as a hobby and soon had the chance to produce music for an independent film. She gradually took up more projects and now works for renowned clients in the ad film and video game industry. Shweta’s latest project is producing the background score for a Gujarati feature film.

What Are The Challenges Music Producers Face in India?

One of the biggest challenges musicians face in India is lack of access to the right resources. With a large number of unsigned and independent musicians, there is a need for more opportunities and resources to help them increase their reach. Additionally, music producers may find it hard to find the right talent to collaborate with, leading to delays in the delivery of their projects. The number of digital platforms available to independent artists is also limited, leading to a lack of potential exposure.

At the same time, copyright is one key challenge posed by the industry. With large multinationals continually looking to make profits from music, small and independent producers can find it hard to protect their rights. Additionally, the lack of governmental support does not help, with many indie and unsigned artists not having their work recognized.

Tips for Overcoming Challenges in the Music Production Industry

1. Invest in the necessary equipment: Investing in the right gear will help you make sure your music sounds professional and stands out in the industry. Invest in the appropriate tools and software and make sure your computer can handle the work you will be creating. This will save you time and money and provide you with the right results.

2. Connect with the right people: Gaining connections in the industry will help you stand out and make sure you have access to the right opportunities. Make sure you have identified the key people in the industry and actively promote yourself and the projects you have worked on. This will help you increase your chances of success.

3. Make use of digital platforms: Make sure you have access to digital platforms and make the most out of them to get yourself noticed. Utilize social media, streaming services and other digital channels to increase your reach and followers.

4. Protect your work: Copyright is key when it comes to music production. Make sure you protect your work and are aware of the procedures for copyrighting your music. Additionally, stay familiar with the top music labels in the industry and get in touch with them to protect your work from being copied.

Conclusion

Making the move into a music production career is a challenging and often rewarding process. With a large amount of experience in the field and the right connections, any music producer can make it in the industry in India. With the right investment in the right gear, the right network and digital resources, you'll soon be producing the tracks of your dreams.