Interview with EDM Warriors' #1 Ghost Producer: “It’s possible to make a very decent living out of it”
- Music News
- Kobe Cooper
- June 20, 2023
Step into the fascinating world of ghost production as we interview Hokima, the #1 top producer on EDM Warriors — a leading platform for EDM ghost productions.
Join us as we delve into the world of EDM ghost productions, from the creative process to the challenges producers face. We will also uncover ghost production’s financial prospects and more.
Quick Take
- Ghost producers have the potential to earn an average monthly income ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 euros depending on several factors such as the quality of tracks produced and the volume of tracks available for sale.
- Working directly with clients enables ghost producers to retain a larger portion of their earnings, making it a strategic choice for those seeking to maximize their financial gains in the industry.
- In the realm of EDM ghost production, the top-selling tracks are typically those that align with current trends and popular styles.
- Ghost producers are not allowed to sample vocals or instruments from existing songs in their tracks to avoid potential legal disputes
Can you tell us a bit about your journey as a ghost producer? How did you get started and what led you to become the #1 ghost producer on EDMWarriors?
So basically everything started back in 2015, I had a few years of experience and I was searching for ways to generate some income from my music production skills.
I googled “How to make money as a producer”, and came across some ghost production platforms, tested one of the sites with one track I had and a few days later I got an email saying that the track has been sold.
I couldn’t believe it! It wasn’t until 2020, during covid, that I really decided to go all in with it, and after a lot of hard work, I manage to gain success and today I’m able to do it full time.
Can you walk us through your creative process as a ghost producer? How do you approach starting a new track and bringing it to completion?
I like to challenge myself. I make so many genres and styles, that’s the thing I like the most as a ghost producer.
My inspiration can come from a track, a vocal or even a kick drum! Usually, I will start with kick & bass, sometimes with a nice chord progression, but it’s easier to approach it with a clear idea of what you want to achieve from the record.
What are some of the challenges you face as a ghost producer, and how do you overcome them?
I started producing music around 2010-11, at the time it was very difficult because we didn’t have the amazing tools that we have today that help us be much more creative, work faster and more efficiently
I was producing around 3-6 tracks a year, which is nothing! It is really hard to progress like that.
It’s important to finish your ideas. practice the art of finishing your tracks, it’s a big challenge at the beginning.
Do you also produce music for yourself as an artist, in addition to being a ghost producer?
Yes. I have my own project “Hokima” which under I release some nice Pop\Chill – more commercial music.
I also have a more underground project called “PETEL” for a more melodic techno\ progressive house vibe. Other than that, I write tracks for the TV & FILM industry.
Are there any legal considerations that ghost producers should be aware of, particularly regarding copyright and ownership of the tracks they create?
Yes, basically you are not allowed to sample vocals or instruments from songs and make a track out of it. Everything must be 100% copyright free.
Can you shed some light on the business side of ghost production? Does it pay off well? Can you give us an idea of the number of tracks you have sold as a ghost producer?
I sold around 300 tracks give or take. it’s possible to make a very decent living out of it, especially if you work directly with clients, without the sites that can take a very big cut.
However, it’s not easy – work hard, make great music and with the right amount of tracks per month, you can generate a nice income. Make sure to also work on your own stuff as well! unless you only desire in being a ghost producer which is great.
On average, how much can a ghost producer expect to make per month? Are there any factors that influence this figure?
It depends of course. If you make really high-quality tracks, in good numbers and on a consistent level – you will be able to make around 2-6K euros a month and even more.
But it takes a lot of time and a lot of effort. Some months are slower than others, but just be consistent.
In your experience, which genres tend to be the top-selling ones in the world of EDM ghost production?
Usually the trendy tracks get sold the fastest. I’d say Tech House & Techno are good to start with.
How do you determine the pricing for your ghost production services? Are there any industry standards or guidelines you follow, or is it more subjective and based on individual negotiations?
I don’t really know, I guess it depends on the track. Some tracks feel amazing, and that’s why I price them slightly higher because I really have a connection to them. Some tracks are more solid and therefore their price will be the same.
Do you have any advice for aspiring ghost producers on how to find clients and build a successful career in this field?
Keep showing up. Be consistent. In music, in life.
Lastly, what are your thoughts on the future of ghost production in the EDM industry? Do you foresee any significant changes or developments that could impact the role of ghost producers?
AI is now starting to play a big role, and we producers need to adapt. I don’t think they will replace us, because emotion and goosebumps only humans can make.
