Last updated on May 7, 2023
Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash
The music industry has been ever-evolving and growing. With artistic expression through music gaining more and more attention, there has never been a better time for aspiring music producers to unlock their potential and excel in their craft. But what does it take to shift gears from dreaming of having a career in music production to actually making it happen, especially in India?
The answer to that question is simpler than it seems. With a few pointers, determination, and focus, you can easily start putting your talent to work and make a fruitful career out of it. So if you’re looking to kick-start your journey in music production in India, here’s what you need to know.
The first step to any music-making process is getting familiar with your desired genre and the range of skills of a successful music producer. This means understanding and mastering the basics of harmony, rhythm, structure, sound design and production, mix engineering, and even the business side of music. Depending on the type of sound you’re going for, having a good ear and a sense of what the audience is looking for can go a long way. Additionally, investing in a good set of equipment and music production software such as Logic, Ableton, ProTools, Vienna Instruments and Filemaker can give you an overall professional feel.
Last but not least, equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and skills that you need to become an excellent music producer in India. This includes understanding musical trends, the process of recording and producing music, audio mastering, music theory, copyright laws, and much more.
Having professional contacts in the music industry can pave the way for better opportunities and collaborations. Some of the ways to go about this include creating a profile on social media platforms, connecting with existing artists, creating a network of like-minded people in the industry and attending seminars and events. Building your professional network is essential if you want to establish yourself in the music production industry in India.
You can also reach out to existing artists, mentors and experienced professionals in the field. Having a successor, mentor or someone to look up to can give you the much needed direction and sound advice that you need to succeed in your craft.
Gaining hands-on experience as a music producer can help you further hone your skills. You could start off by getting an internship in a music production studio for free or for a stipend, and gain some professional experience in the process. You can also get in touch with music production companies, independent producers or record labels and offer help with their projects.
Gaining on-field experience with successful professionals in the industry can give you an opportunity to learn from them and understand how the industry works from the practical perspective. It also goes a long way in helping you make connections and expanding your professional network!
Given the booming music industry in India, the competition in the field is on the rise. Hence, it is crucial to spot opportunities and stand out to get recognition. To do that, research the existing music producers and trends in the industry and know what kind of skills and services you need to offer. This can go a long way in helping you understand the market you’re entering and create a unique identity for yourself.
Additionally, understanding the salary range is important, although it varies depending on experience, skill set and the type of projects you’re involved in. A beginner in music production can typically start at an average minimum salary of 40,000 INR per month and go up to 1 Lakh INR. Establishing a reputation and gathering more experience along the way can open new doors that can fetch an experienced music producer on average 1.5 Lakh INR and above per month.
There are a number of people who have successfully transitioned into music production in India. Some of them include Neeladi Chaudhari, a 26-year-old music producer from Mumba, India, who specializes in folk, folk rock, world fusion, New Age and Eastern music. He has successfully worked on several albums and tracks and has opened his music studio to help other aspiring producers. Then there’s Chaitanya Bapat from Pune who made a successful career in music production after starting out as a sound mixing engineer. His works include sounds for theatricals, short films, and reality TV shows.
These are just a few of the many real-life stories of successful music producers that serve as an inspiration and motivation to embark on the journey and fulfil your dreams in this industry.
Making the shift from your current job to a full-time career in music production can come with its own set of challenges and obstacles. Understanding the correct way to approach the process can be confusing and daunting at times, however, with the right set of skills and networking, it can be made much easier. Apart from the lack of knowledge and experience, there exists a risk of a lack of industry recognition and marketability. This can be overcome by taking the necessary steps and paving your own path.
So now let’s move on to the actionable steps that one should keep in mind while transitioning into this career:
Making the shift to a career in music production in India requires dedication, focus and great networking skills. With the right approach and guidance, you can easily make the transition and reach greater heights in this industry. So make sure to research, understand and equip yourself with the skills and experiences required and you’ll soon be on your way to your success story!