Why I Became a Music Producer (And Why It Matters for You)

I struggled for years trying to find a music producer who truly understood my vision. I wanted to create something unique, something that sounded like me. But every producer I worked with either had their own agenda or simply couldn’t bring my ideas to life (or would just not finish projects). If you’ve ever felt this way, I get it.

So I did what any artist who refuses to settle would do: I became a music producer myself.

Because if you want it done right, sometimes you just have to do it yourself.

Now, whether you're an artist, a filmmaker, a game developer, a sync licensing professional, a YouTuber, a content creator, a podcaster, an advertising agency, a brand, a theater producer, or a social media influencer, you don’t have to go through the same struggle. Let’s break down the most important music production services you need to get high-quality, custom-made music that fits your vision perfectly.

1. Custom Music Production

A unique sound is what separates you from the crowd. Custom music production ensures that your tracks are tailored specifically to your artistic vision rather than relying on generic beats or loops. This service includes:

• Instrumental creation from scratch

• Genre-specific sound design

• Tailored arrangements for your vocals, film, game, or brand identity

How to Choose the Right Producer:

• Look for someone who specializes in your genre or project type.

• Listen to their previous work and see if their sound aligns with your vision.

• Ask if they involve you in the creative process or just deliver a final product.

2. Mixing and Mastering

Mixing balances all elements of your track—vocals, instruments, and effects—so everything sounds clean and cohesive. Mastering then polishes the track for release, ensuring it sounds professional across all streaming platforms. This process includes:

• EQ, compression, and balancing levels

• Stereo enhancement and clarity adjustments

• Loudness optimization for streaming services, film, or games

How to Choose the Right Engineer:

• Listen to before-and-after samples of their work.

• Check if they understand your genre’s sonic characteristics.

• Ask if they offer revisions in case adjustments are needed.

3. Vocal Tuning and Editing

Even the best vocalists need fine-tuning to achieve industry-quality sound. A solid vocal production service includes:

• Pitch correction (Auto-Tune or manual tuning)

• Vocal comping (choosing the best takes)

• Cleaning up breaths and background noise

How to Choose the Right Vocal Editor:

• Ensure they know the difference between natural tuning and robotic effects.

• Ask about their approach to preserving vocal character.

• Check client reviews to see how their work has improved others' vocals.

4. Sound Design and Beat Creation

For electronic and hip-hop artists, filmmakers, or game developers, custom sound design is everything. This service includes:

• Synthesizer programming and layering

• Drum and percussion design

• Custom FX and ambiance creation

How to Choose the Right Sound Designer:

• Look for someone who has a signature style but can adapt to your vision.

• Ask if they create original sounds or rely on preset packs.

• Request a demo of their previous work.

5. Music Production Coaching and Mentorship

If you want to take control of your own sound, a music production coach can help you learn the skills you need. This service includes:

• One-on-one training in production software (Ableton, FL Studio, Logic, etc.)

• Guidance on arrangement, mixing, and workflow optimization

• Personalized feedback on your music or project

How to Choose the Right Coach:

• Look for someone whose teaching style matches your learning preference.

• Check if they focus on both technical and creative aspects of music production.

• Read testimonials from other students.

6. Pricing: What to Expect for Music Production Services

Pricing for music production services varies based on experience, quality, and complexity. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect to pay:

• Custom Music Production: $750 - $5,000 per track, depending on the producer’s experience and the level of production needed.

• Mixing & Mastering: $200 - $1,000 per track, based on revisions, track count, and the engineer’s skill level.

• Vocal Tuning & Editing: $150 - $600 per track, depending on the amount of editing required.

• Sound Design & Beat Creation: $500 - $3,000 per beat, depending on whether it’s exclusive or non-exclusive.

• Music Production Coaching: $150 - $400 per session, or bundled packages for ongoing mentorship.

When choosing a service, remember that higher prices don’t always mean better quality. Look for professionals who align with your vision, workflow, and artistic direction.

Final Thoughts: Why These Services Matter

I became a music producer because I didn’t want to settle for mediocre production that didn’t match my vision. And now, I help other artists, filmmakers, and creators get exactly the sound they need without compromise.

If you’re looking for custom music production, mixing, or coaching, I offer services designed to bring your creative ideas to life.

Cylus Music offers professional music production services. Click here to get started.