What Is A Ghost Producer?

A ghost producer, which is a type of ghostwriter, writes tracks for different artists and generally does not receive credit for their contributions. In average music production, co-writers are credited as songwriters and accept a cut of the royalties. However, ghostwriters agree to stay unaccredited in exchange for a more significant payout. Then the artist releases the track as their own. In some circumstances, ghostwriters can negotiate a percentage of royalties, but this is rare.

Ghostwriting has been an essential part of the music business for hundreds of years. And it’s not just limited to music. As early as the 1700s, prominent composers such as Mozart accepted work paid by royalty and other wealthy patrons to author original songs. This is where we get the term music royalties – Hell. Yeah. Additionally, Charlie Chaplin employed David Raksin in the 1930s and 1940s to compose music for his films, even though Chaplin’s name appeared in the credits.

Ghost Producers vs. Ghostwriters

Ghostwriting comes in numerous forms. It could be as straightforward as writing or recording an isolated melody without named credit or as involved as producing an entire album or arrangement for someone. Ghostwriters commonly concentrate on writing songs and contributing lyrics, while ghost producers build fully-formed beats and album-ready tracks that they sell to other artists.

Ghost Producers You Didn’t Know You Knew

Typically, when you hear the term ghost producer, the first music genre you may think of is EDM or Electronic Dance Music. This genre is an umbrella over the top of subgenres such as synthpop, drum and bass, dubstep, house music, techno, trance music, and disco. While this area is popular and easier to get in the door for some ghost producers, every music genre uses this valuable service from creators all over the world.

Maarten Vorwerk

Often mentioned as “the most famous EDM ghost producer,” Maarten Vorwerk played a vital role in expanding the house sound and its popularity. This Dutch electro-house producer’s origins began in 2000 millennium when he released an official remix to the iconic track “Satisfaction.” Maarten is respected for his work and is known for the fact that he does not do live shows, electing to stay behind the scenes writing the next hit. Without knowing it, Maarten Worwerk has shaped my viewpoint and fandom of Benny Benassi’s work and general love of EDM music. Thank youuuu, Vorwerk!

Other Artists Who Moonlight As Ghostwriters

Sometimes, well-established artists you’re probably familiar with ghostwrite for other artists for albums, individual tracks, and even in the film space. This is done more often in hip-hop, but many different genres, including pop music, have benefitted from this service (A2A, Artist-To-Artist).

Jay-Z wrote a track for Bugz Bunny in the movie Space Jam. Another unexpected ghostwritten track is by PartyNextDoor or PND, who wrote the track “Work” performed by Rihanna. This article by Beats, Tracks, Lists lays out the history of 56 top-performing ghostwritten or ghost-produced hip-hop tracks that we can verifiably say were not written by the performing artist.

Surprising Ghost-Written Hit

Another surprising all-star hit, written by The-Dream, is Rihanna’s “Umbrella”. Originally ghost-written for Britney Spears, but due to the record label passing it on, 2007s album Good Girl Gone Bad reaped the rewards for this one! The original demo track can be heard in the video below.

How Much Do Ghost Producers Earn?

Early on, entry-level ghost producers make little per groove. A ghost producer earns between $300 to $5000 depending on their quality, expertise, and scope of work. The most adept ghost producers can also charge amounts exceeding $10,000.

Earning is generally broken down into two categories for ghostwriters and ghost producers.

One-Time Payments

A one-time payout method is the most commonly used format, with a lump sum at the time of contract or sale of the work.
The amount earned will vary by the gig. However, it can include payment for lyrics, composition, melodies, full productions, assistance with only a portion of the piece, arrangement, mixing, or consultancy.

Combination of Lump And Royalties

High-profile artists have a much higher chance of significant hit earnings, and thus ghost producers collect music royalties in these situations. Ghost producers can profit from offering their work to bigger-named clientele through one-time payments and collecting royalty shares.

Forbes did a fantastic piece on the business and salary of modern ghostwriting, presenting the information with a focus on the hip-hop genre here.

The Tiers Of Ghost Producing

Entry-Level

Entry-Level ghost producers usually begin by approaching individual artists to sell their work. They use a push strategy and present in person or digitally send their tracks portfolio, showing various genres and style skills.

Intermediate-Level

Intermediate-Level ghost producers have some recognition and artist credits to show on their resumes or portfolio. Plus, word of mouth goes a long way in the music industry. So, ghost producers sometimes use push and pull strategy methods at this skill level.

Pull strategy based on effort and experience leads artists to approach or offer work occasionally. The regular work moves to the producer actively networking and giving pitches to catch bigger and bigger fish.

Advanced-Level

Advanced-Level ghost producers are well-known by name and by tracks or albums. Depending on adaptability and the particular sound or specialty the ghost producer brings, this leads to plenty of work and income!

Being easy to work with or mastery of a specific element of sound or style will add to the producers’ overall value that artists and labels respect and often seek out for different projects.

Synopsis

Ghost producers and ghostwriters in the music industry will always be in demand. Ghost producing and mastering the skill can be huge financial successes for both the ghost producer and the recording artist who pays for their work.

If you’re wanting to carve a career in this ever-expanding field, check out this article by Mastering The Mix to jump-start your knowledge. In the video below, you can also learn tips to succeed from ghost producer General Guyble!