Q&A: An Interview with a Ghost Producer
Photo courtesy of Crossfdr
The subject of ghost production has been a controversial one for years now. With electronic dance music reaching the mainstream over the past six to seven years, there have been plenty of tales of internationally-known artists using ghost producers to release music under their own name.
It took a few years, however, before industry professionals began to really talk about it. It was certainly hinted at before 2013/2014 but artists weren’t coming out admitting to using ghost producers or being ghost producers themselves. Since, things have changed, with established artists calling out those who bought their music careers and some openly admitting to using ghost producers to kickstart or prop up their careers. In the past, Hardwell, Dirtycaps, Ashley Wallbridge and Maceo Plex, just to name a few, all admitted to being paid to ghost produce for others. More recently, Funkagenda took to Facebook to openly sell services among which “ghost producing” was featured prominently to the ire and surprise of some of his fans.
This past week we had the chance to talk with a ghost producer to dive into the exact mechanics and mindset that drive a producer to offer such services. Have you ever wondered why a ghost producer would rather be paid a smaller amount of money to make a track for someone else than become a millionaire world-touring DJ with that same hit release? Find the answers to that question and many more below!
