Hi Teo, love the series,
I had a question about how you worked your way to produce for people like Omar and Rosalía. Did you work at a studio for clients to come by or was it more of a networking thing.
I am asking because I am 15 years old figuring out how I can make music my job (whether that be Mixing, Mastering or Producing/solo artist). I have been producing for 3 years and am getting really good.
Thanks, Sid (Doctor Oscillator)
Hey Dr. Osc!
that’s a good question. it all started with me when I was about 15. I was just on twitter/SoundCloud finding musicians/producers/artists that I was likeminded with or had similar taste too. Some of my best friends now were people I met through the internet back then. Everybody’s path is different, but I think the key first step with me was just building a community, commenting on YouTube videos of music I loved, finding people who got excited about the same stuff as me, any which way.
Once I started to make friends, I started to learn from them. I was lucky enough to eventually meet a producer a few years older than me who let me hang around. That kind of changed the course of my life. Through him I learned a lot about music, myself, and what I wanted to do. Eventually I put feelers out for an internship and was given the opportunity to work at a studio in LA called the Sound Factory. I worked really hard to go above and beyond, and that hard work was noticed. Which isn’t always the case. I remember I was extremely eager to get into producing and doing sessions and was told I wasn’t ready yet, which honestly was the truth I think. Trial and error with friends is everything, and it means so much more to win with likeminded people; as opposed to chasing an idea of success, or finding yourself surrounded by people you don’t really want to be around.
Rather than focusing on the specifics, because everyone’s story is going to be different, I want to emphasize that I tried to follow my gut, and surrounded myself with people I liked being around (for the most part). There’s so many paths one can take, but I don’t think a quick success is always the best. Sometimes it’s detrimental. I think it’s incredibly important to figure out what you enjoy, and lean into that. Because there are probably a lot of routes you can take….what is going to be the most enjoyable for you?
I was so lost at times, but that’s okay too, and sometimes it’s a good thing. Just try to keep it fun.
Build with people around you, be courageous, be bold, be vulnerable with your expression. I don’t know too much and am figuring a lot out still, but the short answer is I got to where I am by following my excitement. I try to move in a way where even if I was making no money, it wouldn’t be a waste of time. My idea of success changes constantly, and I find myself leaning into curiosity more. That always leads me to where I should be I think. Anywho, the fact you’re 15 and paying attention to MWTM, and are curious, venturing down rabbit holes, show that you’re on the right track. You’ve got this.
I realize I went down a different rabbit hole of rant,
making money from producing and writing takes time. And it’s not for the weak of heart lol. If you can manage to keep your costs down/stay with your parents/or move in with a few friends/find a side hustle, that will help a lot. I remember when I was 15 I went to go visit a young and budding brockhampton, who had all moved from different parts of the country to Texas to make it work. When I first met Omar he was working at guitar center, and I found his 2nd song he ever posted on SoundCloud. Less than 200 plays.
Don’t be too precious, try sharing music, putting youtube videos out. Whatever feels right or exciting for you.
Wow, I didn’t expect this level of detail and explanation, thanks so much I really appreciate it. Hope your doing well! loved the video
Just hopping on this, really appreciate you for taking the time to give a candid take on this