Should I separate my activities based on different beat styles?

If you produce beats in a wide variety of styles, deciding whether or not to compartmentalize your activities is complex. Here’s a breakdown of factors to consider:

Advantages

Clear Target Audience: Focusing on genres allows you to target specific music fans more easily.
Specialized Expertise: Delving deep into one genre lets you develop advanced knowledge and techniques.
Stronger Branding: Specialization differentiates you from other producers and aids in building a memorable brand.

Disadvantages:

Limited Reach: Restricting yourself to one genre potentially cuts off a wider audience.
Income Restrictions: Relying on a single niche makes you more vulnerable to shifts in the music industry.
Creative Stifling: Producing within the same style constantly can limit your creative exploration.

Decision Factors

Passion: What styles genuinely excite you and align with your natural strengths?
Goals: What do you hope to achieve with your music?
Market: Assess the size and competition within each of your genres.
Resources: Do you have the time and resources to effectively manage multiple projects/personas?

Alternatives

Fusion: Blend multiple styles together to create something truly unique.
Aliases: Adopt different names for different genres to express the full range of your work.
Project-Based: Treat each project as an opportunity to explore different styles, maintaining flexibility.

Conclusion:

There’s no single answer to whether you should specialize or diversify. Weigh the pros, cons, alternatives, and your specific circumstances to make a well-informed decision.