How to make money as a music producer In 2023

Music production is an art that requires talent, dedication, and creativity. But being a music producer in 2023 also requires a business mindset.

As a music producer, you need to find ways to monetize your skills and create a sustainable income stream.

In this blog, we will discuss 12 ways to make money as a music producer in 2023.

Who am I?

I'm Raspo.

I'm a full-time music producer and founder of Smart Producers, that helps music producers succeed in beat-selling business.

As of January 2023, my YouTube channel has 450 thousand subscribers & 130 million views, and I make over $30,000 each month, with 20-25 hours of effort each week.

If you want to learn how to sell beats online and grow your Youtube channel from 0 to 100,000+ subscribers and transform it into a sustainable, beat-selling machine, check out my eBook.

Table of Content

• Earn from streaming royalties
• Sell Your beats and samples Online
• Produce for other artists
• Become a ghost producer
• Go Freelance
• Offer mixing and mastering services
• Lend out your home studio
• Music sync licensing
• Teach music production
• Offer sound design services
• Create and sell music plugins
• Collaborate with brands and companies

#1 Earn from streaming royalties

Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music have made it easy for artists to distribute their music to a global audience. These platforms also offer a new way for music producers to make money through streaming royalties.

Every time a listener plays your track or song on these platforms, you generate money.

You can use music distributors such as DistroKid, TuneCore, RouteNote to distribute your music to all streaming platforms.

#2 Sell Your beats and samples online

Beats, loops, and samples are all viable products that you can sell online and make some money from.

Even with added competition from AI production tools, talented producers can still follow the simple process of creating, selling, and repeating.

You can sell beats and sample packs via your own music website or through external websites like BeatStars, Airbit, TrakTrain.

When it comes to setting a price for your products, have a look at what other producers in a similar career point as you are starting their prices from.

Factors to consider when deciding your price include the quality of the beat, how big the clientele is, and how well-known you are as a producer.

I've made over $600,000 selling beats online on BeatStars. If you want to learn how to build a successful beat-selling business, check out my eBook → eBook

#3 Produce for other artists

Many new and up-and-coming artists won't have the skills or tools to deal with the technical aspects of recording and production.

This makes your production talent and knowledge highly desired by artists who don’t have the skills or tools to deal with the trickier technical aspects of recording and production.

Not only will you be able to earn some money in exchange for producing some music for a new artist, but you’ll also be raising your own industry clout from the exposure that comes with music collaborations and building relationships with other creatives in your field.

#4 Become a ghost producer

A ghost producer is essentially someone who creates music for other producers anonymously.

While your work won’t necessarily be credited to you, you'll instead be compensated in terms of a monetary benefit, which can actually work as a great secondary stream of regular income.

Platforms like EDM Ghost Production and House of Tracks offer services where you can offer your ghost production services.

#5 Go freelance

Make use of freelancing platforms like Fiverr and Upwork to find a whole bunch of clients who require musical assistance for projects like websites and startups.

One of the best parts about doing freelance work is that there’s no long term commitment - you can opt in or opt out anytime you like.

From background scores to short films to editing tasks, you can get involved in some cool projects and learn new skills along the way - all while receiving a (sometimes hefty) cheque after completion.

#6 Offer mixing and mastering services

If you've got some serious mixing and mastering skills, then this is another financial opportunity for you to get in on as a music producer.

The mix and master is often the final step in developing a polished album arrangement - and one that usually requires a professional hand.

Many music producers have gone down a professional career path in sound engineering from their specialisms in mixing and mastering, which makes it hardly surprising that these skills are some of the most sought after in the industry.

Just remember - there’s a difference between mixing and mastering.

#7 Lend out your home studio

If you have a home recording studio, you can consider renting it out to other musicians or producers who need a place to record their music.

This can be a great way to earn some extra income, especially if you have high-quality equipment and a good reputation in the music community.

You can advertise your studio on websites such as Craigslist, Reverb, or SoundBetter, or through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

#8 Music sync licensing

Music sync licensing refers to the process of licensing music for use in TV shows, films, commercials, and other media.

This can be a lucrative way to earn money from your music, as sync licenses can pay anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars per use.

When licensing your music for sync, make sure you have the appropriate rights to the music, including the composition and recording rights.

You may need to work with a music publisher or administrator to ensure that all the necessary rights are in place.

Additionally, be sure to negotiate the terms of the license, including the payment amount, the duration of the license, and any exclusivity clauses.

#9 Teach music production

As a music producer, you have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field that can be invaluable to those who want to learn the craft.

Teaching music production can be a fulfilling way to share your skills with others while making some money on the side. You can offer private lessons in person or online, create courses and tutorials on platforms like Udemy and Skillshare, or even host workshops and masterclasses.

Not only will you be helping aspiring producers improve their skills, but you'll also be building your own reputation as a knowledgeable and experienced producer in the industry.

#10 Offer sound design services

Sound design is the process of creating or manipulating sounds to fit specific purposes in various media, such as films, video games, and commercials.

If you have a talent for sound design, you can offer your services to clients who need customized sound effects, Foley, and other audio elements.

Platforms like AudioJungle and Pond5 allow producers to sell sound effects and music loops, while companies like SoundBetter and AirGigs connect producers with clients who need custom sound design services.

#11 Create and sell music plugins

Music plugins are software tools that enhance the capabilities of digital audio workstations (DAWs) and other music production software.

If you have programming skills, you can create your own music plugins and sell them to other producers. Creating a music plugin can be a challenging task, but it can also be a rewarding one. If you're successful, you could potentially earn a significant amount of passive income from the sales of your plugin.

Platforms like Plugin Boutique and KVR Audio offer opportunities for developers to sell their plugins to a global audience.

#12 Collaborate with brands and companies

Finally, collaborating with brands and companies can be a great way to make money as a music producer.

Brands often use music in their advertising campaigns, and they're always on the lookout for fresh and exciting sounds.

By collaborating with brands, you can create original music for their campaigns and earn a substantial fee in the process.

You can also work with companies to create sound logos, jingles, and other audio branding elements.

Conclusion