The world of music is constantly changing: new people, new techniques, new sounds. While experienced musicians are familiar with the art of making rap music in the 21st century, beginners who wish to enter this competitive world might feel confused and overwhelmed. If you are one of them, the first thing to do is your homework. Conduct proper research to learn about industry terms such as beats, exclusivity, royalties, and royalty-free music.
Most rappers hire music producers to create beats for them to rap on. They arrange instrumentals, vocals, and make sure that the end product, i.e. a singer’s track, is good. Though producers remain vital in all singers’ careers, their job description has greatly evolved due to the rise of technology. This is especially true of certain music genres that do not necessarily require original music, but can use beats that are (or aren’t) exclusive.
A beat is an instrumental track without any vocals, the background of rapping. Many aspiring musicians, though perhaps able to rap, find it difficult to create their own beat. Fortunately, the Internet is full of beats that you can purchase for a very reasonable price. But what are the factors that influence the cost of beats for rappers? Let’s look at them more closely.
Who Created the Beat?
Back to producers – they are the ones who create beats. Of course, the level of the producer’s experience and reputation will most certainly influence the cost of their beats. If the producer has worked with famous people, you can only expect their prices to be higher. So, if you are a beginner, it’s best to try your luck with one of the less-known producers who can sell you their beat for as little as $20 to $50.
Has the Beat Been Purchased Exclusively or Non-Exclusively?
Exclusive beats are sold only to one person. If you wish to be unique, this is clearly the way to go. Of course, the downside of this approach is the financial aspect. Because a producer’s beat will be sold only once, it is bound to be more expensive, probably between $300 and $500. If you opt for a non-exclusive beat, that might cost you as little as a tenth of the price. However, another artist may show up using the same one, and there’s your authenticity gone down the drain.
What is the Sound of the Beat?
Think of an embroidered, hand-made piece of clothing. It’s only natural that it’s going to cost more than something generic made in a factory, right? The same goes for beats. If you choose a more generic sound, the beat will cost less. It all depends on the complexity, the instruments used and all the work that went into making it. The more customized you want your beat to be, the more it’s going to cost you.
Don’t Forget About Royalties
Royalties are the money producers receive each time your song (with their beat) is played. A producer’s royalties are often of lower value than the singer’s, but if you go for a more established producer, the royalties may be higher. Another thing to consider are royalty-free beats, so you don’t have to worry about sharing your profit.
In Conclusion
Although music-making is a creative process and the only thing many artists wish to be concerned with, there are clearly other, much more mundane things to take into consideration. If you are serious about going into show business, make sure you prepare well and expect to have to deal with some of the not-so-glamorous sides that go with it.