In this weeks Blog', we're diving deep into a philosophical question that every music producer faces: Who do we write music for?
Is it ourselves, our audience, or a mix of both?
This seemingly simple question has sparked fascinating debates among creative minds, including two of my favourite thinkers who stand on opposite sides: Jacob Collier - the artist and Rick Rubin - the producer.
Jacob Collier believes in writing music with the audience in mind, while Rick Rubin advocates for creating purely for yourself. As Rubin puts it: "Do what you love and make things that you love. Don't make things for an audience, be the audience."
"Do what you love and make things that you love. Don't make things for an audience, be the audience." - Rick Rubin
Both approaches have merit. But when do we start thinking about who our music is for? Before we open our DAW? Or after the music is complete?
The Modern Music Industry Dilemma For many, the dream is to release music on a favourite record label or earn a living through their art. But here's the dilemma:
Today's music landscape presents unique challenges for producers. With record labels receiving overwhelming numbers of demos daily, many have adopted a "don't call us, we'll call you" approach. Add to this the fact that approximately 120,000 tracks are released daily across platforms, and we face a crucial question: Should these industry realities influence who we write music for?
The Risks of Writing for Others
From personal experience, trying to tailor music to fit a specific label can be draining and counterproductive. Years ago, I had direct access to A&Rs at respected labels, but my music wasn't quite what they were looking for. I attempted to adjust my sound to fit their style - a tempting proposition that seemed like my big break. However, the process felt unnatural, like forcing a square peg into a round hole. This taught me an invaluable lesson: Write music for yourself first. Share it when it's ready.
The Eric Prydz Philosophy
Eric Prydz offers an enlightening perspective on this debate. In his interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, he revealed his approach: "I make music to please myself." Prydz creates music to fill gaps in his own DJ sets, essentially producing the music he wishes existed. He deliberately avoids following trends, instead residing in his own "musical world."
"I make music to please myself." - Eric Prydz
What's remarkable about Prydz's approach is its clarity of purpose. When he enters the studio, he's not waiting for inspiration - he's creating music to solve a specific need in his sets. He tests tracks with live audiences before release, using crowd reactions as valuable feedback, not as a primary creative driver.
Why Writing for Yourself Matters
Creating music primarily for yourself offers several powerful advantages:
Authenticity: When your drive comes from passion rather than external expectations, your music carries a genuine emotional resonance that audiences can feel.
Timelessness: Music created without chasing trends has the potential to transcend temporal popularity and remain relevant.
Innovation: When you're not constrained by audience expectations, you're free to push boundaries and explore new territories.
Personal Growth: The process becomes fulfilling regardless of commercial success, fostering artistic development and self-expression.
Finding Balance
While creating for yourself is essential, it doesn't mean ignoring your audience entirely. Instead, consider this approach: make the music you want to hear. If you trust your taste and create something that genuinely excites you, chances are others will connect with it too. This philosophy allows you to serve both your artistic integrity and your audience's interests without compromising either.
Looking Forward
As we head into 2025, I encourage you to embrace this perspective in your creative process. Remember that everything we create carries a piece of ourselves - the best work has our soul in it, reflecting the sum of our experiences and influences.
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