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The music production game has changed a lot, especially over the past decade. With just a laptop and some software, anyone can start making beats and arranging it into a full track. But here’s the thing—just because it’s easy to get started doesn’t mean it’s equally as easy to make an actual living from it.
There’s a big gap between creating music and actually becoming a successful producer, and that gap is widening as AI-generated music and the people wielding it are quickly chopping off whatever the lowest-hanging fruit in the game is that they can find—the very opportunities that working-class, professional producers would rely upon to make ends meet.
So, the big question is: Is There a High Demand for Music Producers?
In this article, I’ll explain how the role of a producer has evolved, what it takes to stand out, and make an argument why those with the “It” factor will always put a producer in high demand, no matter how much the industry changes. I will keep this article light on the images and mixed media, so pardon the wall of text while I work through and progress these thoughts I’ve been having on the topic throughout this article…
Image Courtesy Of Magnetic Magazine Recording Artist Discognition, Whose Music You Should Check Out!
How Being A “Music Producer” Has Changed Over Time
Before anyone could open a DAW on their laptop, music producers had a different role in the studio. They were responsible for keeping everything on track (pun intended)—organizing the band, managing the budget, and ensuring the production schedule was met.
It was a logistical and creative role, as producers guided artists to create their best work.
These producers were more like project managers in the studio, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and on time. They had to balance the creative needs of the artists with the financial and time constraints of the project. It was a delicate dance, but those who mastered it became indispensable to the success of the recording and the industry overall.
Fast forward to today, and the role has shifted significantly.
With the rise of digital tools, producers are now far more hands-on in the music-making process to the point where when somebody asks “what is a music producer?” it’s more the assumption that they’re an indie artist making beats and songs themselves, in their DAW or studio. They’re not just managing the production; they’re creating the music, crafting the beats, and preparing tracks for distribution.
This change has made the role more dynamic, with more avenues to potentially earn a living, but also more competitive, simply because anyone, literally anyone, can crack open a laptop (or even their iPhone) and start producing original music.
Take someone like Rick Rubin, who embodies the older approach—more of a behind-the-scenes guide—compared to modern producers like Kanye West or Fred Again.., who are deeply involved in every step of the process. These modern producers aren’t just guiding the artist; they’re the ones shaping the sound, often taking on multiple roles, from beat-making to mixing and mastering.
Despite all these changes, the “It” factor is still crucial, and if you really think about it, all the artists at the top of their game right now have something incredibly unique that sets them apart from the sea of type-beat producers and clout chasers that plague the game.
Obviously “It” is easier said than done, but it helps to break down at least what “it” is so that you can start working your way towards “it” (okay, I’m done). But before we do that, we need to address the elephant in the room just so that we know what the stakes are and maybe reshift how we via the inevitable onslaught of robots in the music production – or any creative field really – space.
The Role of AI in Music Production
AI has been a big topic in music production lately, with many producers worried that their jobs might be at risk.
While AI can replicate certain aspects of production, it lacks the human touch, creativity, and emotional depth that the “It” factor provides. AI can only build on what’s already been done—it can’t create something entirely new or connect with audiences like a human producer can meaning that AI isn’t the one who will take your gigs away from you or sell more beat licenses; it’ll be a human being whose using AI in a way to make music that hits and who can package that music in a way that other people are willing to pay for and consume.
At best, it can generate a ton of ideas and different “stuff” that you, the producer, will still have to decide whether it’s usable or not and isn’t taste and curation most of what being a human producer is all about. Taste and style, even in the age of AI, will be as invaluable as ever in this game. Decades ago, producers acted more as curators instead of performers, and the producers in the highest demand in tomorrow’s music industry will likely lean harder into the curation of sound and leverage their taste to get the music over the finish line.
It’s important to remember that while AI can be a tool, it’s not a replacement. The music industry thrives on creativity, innovation, and emotional connection—all things that AI struggles to replicate. The human element in music production is what makes it resonate with audiences, and that’s something that will always be in demand.
The saturation of AI-generated content might actually highlight the value of human producers even more. As listeners become fatigued with the sameness of AI music, they’ll likely gravitate towards artists and producers who offer something different, something real. This could increase the demand for producers with that unique touch, who can create something that stands out from the sea of AI-generated content.
The “It” Factor
So, what exactly is the “It” factor?
It’s that combination of creativity, technical skill, adaptability, personality, and a unique sound that makes a producer irreplaceable.
The “It” factor isn’t just about being good at what you do—it’s about bringing something new and unique to the table that no one else can replicate. You notice that I omitted both “luck” and “talent” from the list as those are less of the hard and soft skills needed to achieve that coveted “It” factor and are more the outcome of trusting the process and the result of chasing the craft (which we’ll talk more about here in a second).
Key Traits Of The “It” Factor:
- Creativity: The ability to bring fresh ideas to the table. This isn’t just about making music that sounds good; it’s about pushing boundaries and exploring new territories.
- Technical Skill: Mastery of the tools and techniques of music production. A producer with the “It” factor knows their way around a studio, but more importantly, they know how to use their tools to create something that stands out.
- Personality: The reality of the people-driven aspect of the game is that you not only have to be easy to work with but also have the temperament and patience to weather the storms the industry throws at you daily. Not everyone is cut out to be a producer, let alone one that’s in high demand (and to be honest, that’s okay).
- Adaptability: The ability to evolve with changing trends and technology. The music industry is constantly evolving, and those who can adapt and grow with it are the ones who stay in demand.
- Unique Sonic Signature: A distinct sound that sets them apart from others. This is what makes a producer instantly recognizable—when you hear a track, you know exactly who produced it.
Producers like Rick Rubin, Kanye West, and Fred Again.. have these qualities in spades and they wear the qualities on their leaves. Watch any interview with any of them and you can see all of the above qualities radiating off of them. And sure, they’re producers who are at the very top levels of the industry, but that doesn’t mean that similar qualities, on a smaller scale, won’t bring success on the level that afford a producer a sustainable life.
Artists, labels, and brands want something fresh and innovative, and they look for producers who can deliver that.
Future-Proofing A Career As An Artist In Demand
So while we’re being told to keep running on this hamster wheel, doing this endless checklist of different things every single day just to get your music heard and gain more followers, I really feel like we’re starting to see a shift. We’re moving back to older methodologies, the kind of ideas that made artists in the first place. Especially as the industry’s pendulum swings the other way, it’s not about quick wins anymore. It’s about focusing on the two main things that will keep you in demand as a music producer: craft and community.
When I say craft, I’m talking about what you bring to the table as an artist—the beats you make, the musicality of your work, the whole vibe of the music. Is it the highest possible quality? Is it unique? Is it saying something new, or at least saying something familiar in a way that’s never been done before? Your craft will always be your resume in this industry, and it speaks volumes more than any credits, accolades, or vanity metrics that we’re constantly told to chase. It seems backward because it is.
Then there’s community. The internet makes it easier than ever to reach fans worldwide. Still, you don’t need millions of followers to make a sustainable career—you just need a dedicated community that values your work. Engage with your audience, build real connections, and create a space around your music. Find your niche and serve it well. You don’t have to be everything to everyone; just focus on being the best at what you do. You only need 1,000 true fans to make a sustainable career and be deemed as in-demand, and the accessibility and hyper-focused and niche communities that the internet allows for means that there are, and will be more, opportunities to find your own group of odd-balls than any other time in human history.
The future of the music industry might be unpredictable, but one thing is clear: producers who can master their craft and build a strong community will always be in demand. As the industry evolves, those who can blend technical skills with creativity and build a personal brand will thrive.
So if you’re looking to future-proof your career, start prioritizing your craft and community now. These are two process-based goals you don’t need to wait for some time in the distant future before you can start working towards them. You can do them right now after you’re done reading these last few paragraphs (I’ll keep them short, I promise).
TLDR; Don’t Get It Twisted
You’re probably reading this article because you’re wondering if being a music producer is worth it—whether there’s a future in it or if AI might eventually take over. That’s a valid concern, and I hope this article has provided some perspective and guidance as you chase the two critical aspects of success: craft and community.
The key to future-proofing your career as a music producer lies in trusting the journey, staying passionate about your craft, and not getting swept up in the industry’s rat race. Becoming a highly demanded producer is a long road to walk, no matter how you plan on getting there. There are no shortcuts; trust me, everyone in this industry has been looking for one for a long time.
Focus on what makes you unique, build a community around your music, and don’t chase quick wins or clickbait promises, and you’ll have a far better chance of setting yourself up for success in the age of AI music than anyone complaining about it on Reddit.
The post Is There A High Demand for Music Producers? How Those With “It” Will Stay Relevant in the AI Era appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.