Why Most Music Producers Never Improve (And How to Fix It)

Do you ever feel stuck as a music producer, like you’re spinning your wheels, unsure why you’re not improving? I’ve been there. After a decade of producing music, I’ve learned the hard way that progress isn’t about buying more gear, downloading endless plugins, or bingeing tutorials. The real key? Putting in the reps. Let’s dive into what that means and how you can make it work for you.

The Consumption Cycle

It’s January 2025, and the new year often comes with a surge of motivation. Goals are set, plans are made, and everyone’s trying to get back on track. I love this energy—I’m all for New Year’s resolutions—but there’s a common trap I see producers fall into, one I’ve been caught in myself: the consumption cycle.

What’s the consumption cycle? It’s that endless loop of buying gear, downloading plugins, or binge-watching tutorials, thinking these things will magically close the gap between where you are and where you want to be. Don’t get me wrong—tools and education are crucial. You need them to create and grow. But here’s the kicker: none of it matters if you don’t put in the work.

You can have the best gear and take the best courses, but if you’re not sitting down at your DAW consistently, none of it will make a difference. And I get it—doing the actual work can be overwhelming. Watching tutorials or buying shiny new plugins gives us a hit of dopamine, a feeling of progress without the discomfort of diving into the messy process of creating. But here’s the hard truth: action creates clarity.

Tactics and Mindset Shifts for Growth

If you’re ready to step off the consumption treadmill and start making real progress, here are some practical strategies to help you put in the reps and make 2025 your best year yet.

1. Discipline Over Motivation

Let’s get one thing straight: motivation is unreliable. Inspiration is great when it strikes, but it’s unpredictable. If you only create when you feel inspired, you might never create at all. Instead, treat creativity like a muscle that needs regular exercise.

Think of it like going to the gym. The hardest part isn’t the workout—it’s getting there. But once you’re at the gym, you’re more likely to hop on the treadmill or lift some weights. The same goes for music production. Sitting down at your setup is often the hardest step, but once you start, you’ll find yourself slipping into flow.

Here’s the magic formula I’ve discovered: Action creates momentum, which leads to results, which fuels motivation. Don’t wait to feel motivated—start taking action, even if it’s small.

2. Create a Dedicated Space

One of the best ways to reduce friction is by having a dedicated space for music production. This doesn’t mean you need a fancy studio. Even a corner of a room with your gear set up and ready to go can work wonders. A dedicated space removes obstacles and primes your brain to associate that spot with creativity.

If you want to level up even more, set up a production template in your DAW to eliminate decision fatigue and get started faster. (If you use Studio One, I’ll link to mine here. 😉)

3. Work With What You Have

You don’t need the best gear to get started. Yes, better equipment can enhance your production, but it’s not a prerequisite for growth. Waiting for the “perfect setup” is just another excuse to avoid doing the work. Start with what you have and upgrade as you go.

4. Set Aside Dedicated Production Time

Consistency is key. Make production a non-negotiable part of your routine, even if it’s just 30 minutes a day. The important thing is to stay consistent. Small, daily strides will add up over time, and they’re much more sustainable than lofty goals that lead to burnout.

5. Break Down Your Tasks

Sitting down to produce doesn’t mean you have to finish a full song every time. In fact, setting smaller goals can help reduce anxiety and keep you moving forward. Focus on one element at a time—drum programming, chord progressions, or arrangement. Think of it like training for a powerlifting competition: you don’t just aim for the big lift; you focus on mastering the individual movements first.

6. Minimize Distractions

When you sit down to create, eliminate as many distractions as possible. This could mean silencing your phone, closing unnecessary tabs, or negotiating uninterrupted time with family or roommates. I used to tell my wife, “If I help with dinner and dishes, can I have an hour of distraction-free production time?” It’s a give-and-take, but finding that time is crucial.

7. Limit Your Options

Too many tools can lead to analysis paralysis. Pick a set of tools—your DAW, a handful of plugins, and maybe a MIDI controller—and stick with them. The more familiar you are with your tools, the more efficiently you’ll work. For my students, I often recommend starting with your DAW’s stock plugins—they’re more powerful than you think.

Why Reps Matter

Putting in the reps can be scary. It forces you to confront your current skill level, and that’s not always a comfortable experience. But the more you practice, the clearer things become. You start to see what works, what doesn’t, and where you need to improve.

Remember, even the pros started as beginners. The difference is that they showed up, day after day, and put in the work. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.

The Takeaway: Action Leads to Growth 🎯

Here’s the truth: there’s no shortcut to getting better at music production. You can’t buy your way to mastery. But you can commit to showing up, doing the work, and learning from each session.

If you’re feeling stuck, remember: action creates clarity. Take the first step, no matter how small. Set up your space, block off time in your schedule, and start creating. The results will come, and with them, the motivation to keep going.

Ready to Take Your Music Production Further?

If you’re looking for more guidance, tools, or support, check out my free training here. I’ll walk you through actionable steps to take your productions to the next level. Let’s crush it together! 🎶