As a beatmaker trying to sell your music, do you ever feel overwhelmed by the endless list of things you “have to do”? Making new beats, posting on social media, networking, building your brand, learning the latest plugins, chasing placements—the grind can feel never-ending. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself: are these things you truly want to do, or are you just following what everyone says you “should” be doing?
Let’s flip the script and explore the idea that, as a beatmaker, “there is nothing you have to do.” Maybe it’s time to rethink how you approach your music, your business, and your life.
Table of Contents
What Are the “Must-Dos” in the Beat Game?
First, what are these “must-dos” for producers and beatmakers? Many of us build our daily routines around advice from YouTube gurus, industry trends, or what we see other successful producers doing. “I have to post beats every day.” “I must get placements with big artists.” “I need to sell X amount of beats this month.” But are these really your goals, or are they just expectations you’ve absorbed from the outside world?
Most of the pressure we feel comes from comparing ourselves to others or trying to fit into the mold of what a “successful producer” looks like. While some industry standards are useful, blindly following them can drain your creativity and passion.
Recognizing External Imprints in Music Production
Think about the messages you see online: “You have to be on every platform.” “You need to make type beats.” “You must run ads to sell beats.” These are external imprints—ideas planted by the industry, social media, and even other producers. If you’re not careful, you might end up chasing someone else’s dream instead of your own.
But here’s the good news: when you start questioning these “must-dos,” you get closer to what you actually want as a creator. Ask yourself: “Do I really want to do this?” “Is this the path that excites me?” That’s when you start making music—and business moves—that truly reflect who you are.
How to Break Free and Build Your Own Path
So how can you escape the trap of doing what you “have to do” and start doing what you love? Here are some steps for beatmakers:
1. Reassess Your Values as a Producer
What does success look like for you? Is it selling a million beats, working with your favorite artist, or simply making music you love? Define your own goals, not what the industry tells you they should be.
2. Let Go of What Drains You
If you hate making certain types of beats, or if social media feels like a chore, give yourself permission to step back. Focus on the parts of music and business that energize you. You’ll find more joy—and probably more success—by doing what feels right.
3. Move at Your Own Pace
The beat game isn’t a race. You don’t have to drop a new beat every day or chase every trend. Find your own rhythm. Build your brand and your catalog at a speed that works for you.
Conclusion: There’s Nothing You HAVE to Do—Only What You Choose
The idea that you “have to” do certain things as a beatmaker is mostly an illusion. Yes, there are best practices and industry standards, but you get to decide which ones matter to you. When you shift your mindset from “I have to” to “I choose to,” your music—and your business—will become more authentic and fulfilling.
So, next time you feel overwhelmed by the grind, pause and ask yourself:
“What do I truly want to do with my music?”
Your answer is the key to building a beatmaking journey that’s uniquely yours.
Keep creating. Keep questioning. And remember: your path is yours to make.
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