When most people think of the music industry, they picture the spotlight—famous singers, rappers, and performers gracing the stage. However, a huge part of the music industry operates behind the scenes, and these roles offer exciting opportunities that can elevate your career, especially if you’re already an artist. From financial benefits to career longevity, working behind the scenes can give you more control over your brand and artistry. Let’s dive into 10 reasons why working behind the scenes in music is a smart move, even if you’re a singer or rapper.
1. Financial Stability Through Multiple Income Streams
One of the biggest reasons to work behind the scenes is to diversify your income streams. As an artist, relying solely on performances or album sales can be risky. However, working in roles like songwriting, producing, or managing can provide consistent income. By being a producer or songwriter, you can earn royalties from multiple projects, securing long-term financial stability.
2. Ownership of Copyrights and Royalties
Working behind the scenes in roles such as a songwriter or producer means you often retain ownership of copyrights. This means you can collect performance royalties, mechanical royalties, and sync fees. As a result, you earn money every time the song is played on the radio, used in commercials, or streamed online. By securing your rights as a creator, you can generate income long after the song has been released.
3. Building a Broader Skill Set
Learning about the technical side of music, such as sound engineering, mixing, or business management, enhances your value as an artist. You become more well-rounded and have a deeper understanding of how the music industry functions. This knowledge allows you to be more hands-on with your projects and gives you an edge over other artists.
4. Career Longevity
While fame can be fleeting, behind-the-scenes roles offer career longevity. Singers and rappers often have short-lived careers in the spotlight, but producers, engineers, and managers often stay relevant for decades. By diversifying your skill set, you can stay active in the industry for years to come, even after your performance career slows down.
5. Creative Control Over Your Music
As a recording engineer, producer, or creative director, you have more say in the final product. This means you’re not only performing but also shaping the sound and direction of your music. By being involved in the production and mixing process, you can ensure your vision is executed exactly as you want it.
6. Collaboration and Networking
Behind-the-scenes work puts you in direct contact with influential industry players such as top producers, A&R executives, and managers. These relationships can open doors to future collaborations, and many artists have transitioned from behind the scenes into the spotlight (or vice versa). Working with established artists and industry pros helps expand your network, positioning you for future success.
7. Job Flexibility and Variety
The music industry is full of diverse roles—recording engineer, business manager, creative director, sound designer, and more. You can explore various positions based on your interests. For example, if you enjoy numbers and organization, managing the finances of a music project as a business manager could be the perfect fit. If you prefer technical work, being a recording engineer gives you hands-on involvement with the music.
8. Gain Industry Credibility
Being behind the scenes can give you credibility as an artist. Working in roles like songwriter or producer means you’re contributing to multiple projects, which can boost your reputation in the industry. Credibility earned through behind-the-scenes roles often translates into more respect as an artist and can help secure better deals and opportunities.
9. Consistent Paychecks Without Touring
Touring is a major income source for many artists, but it’s also exhausting and unpredictable. Working behind the scenes, however, gives you the option to stay rooted and still earn money. A successful producer or engineer can work from a studio and get consistent work without the stress of being on the road.
10. Ability to Mentor and Shape Future Artists
As you gain more experience behind the scenes, you can take on a mentor role, helping shape the next generation of artists. Whether you’re guiding an up-and-coming singer as a producer or managing a new artist’s career, the influence you have behind the scenes can extend far beyond your own projects.
Key Behind-the-Scenes Roles in Music:
- Songwriter: Write songs for yourself or other artists, earning publishing royalties.
- Producer: Oversee the creative and technical aspects of recording music.
- Recording Engineer: Handle the technical side of recording, mixing, and mastering music.
- Business Manager: Manage the financial aspects of an artist’s career, including budgeting, accounting, and royalties.
- A&R (Artists and Repertoire): Scout talent, oversee artist development, and match artists with producers and songwriters.
- Sound Designer: Create sound effects and audio landscapes for music, film, or TV.
- Creative Director: Oversee the artistic vision for projects, including visuals, marketing, and branding.
Working behind the scenes doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams as an artist; instead, it enhances your career and financial potential. The benefits—both creatively and financially—are substantial, and the opportunities for growth are endless. By understanding the roles available and exploring new avenues, you can secure your future in the music industry for the long haul.
