This website I'm creating is all about helping other producers and artists find their way in the music industry. I want it to be a place where people can come and learn how to become independent, just like I'm trying to do. I'm speaking from my own personal experience, so everything I share is from what I’ve been through and what I’m still learning. I believe there’s a lot of power in learning as you go, and I want to give back by sharing that knowledge. The site will also represent my company and what I stand for, showing others that if I can do it, they can too. The benefit of doing all of this is that it builds a stronger community of creatives who actually know the business side of music. It gives people a real chance to grow, make money the right way, and have control over their own careers.
Who.... What.... When.... Where....?
In the future, I want this website to grow into more than just an educational platform. I plan on starting a podcast and a YouTube channel as part of this new music venture. The YouTube channel will be focused on video tutorials and teaching moments that break down what producers and artists need to know. I want to make it easy for people to learn, no matter where they’re at in their journey. The podcast will be a place where I invite guests to talk about real stuff like industry secrets, music advantages, and how to build your brand the smart way. These additions are just ways for me to expand what I’m already doing and give people even more tools to succeed.
Producers Gear
Beginner Studio Equipment
Physical Hardware Equipment
If you’re just starting out with music production, having the right studio gear can really make a difference. First off, you’re going to need a solid PC or laptop. I recommend getting something with at least 16 gigs of RAM and a high CPU because music software can be demanding and you don’t want your system lagging when you're trying to create. That power gives you smoother sessions and lets you run more plugins at once without crashing. Good studio speakers are also important. You want monitors that give you a clean sound with strong bass so you can hear how your mix is really coming across. Headphones are just as valuable because they help you catch the little details when you're mixing and mastering, especially in late night sessions when you can’t blast your speakers. Lastly, a basic MIDI keyboard is a great tool to have. It gives you hands on control to play melodies, chords, and drums, and it’s very versatile. You can experiment with different sounds and instruments all from one device. Having this gear helps you take your ideas and turn them into something real.
Software Equipment
When it comes to software, I would recommend starting off with FL Studio because of how versatile and beginner friendly it is. FL Studio is a digital audio workstation, or DAW, that lets you make beats, record vocals, arrange full tracks, and mix and master all in one place. It comes with a wide range of sounds, plugins, and effects, so you don’t need to buy a bunch of extras when you’re just getting started. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, which makes learning how to produce music less overwhelming. Having a good internet connection is also important when using any music software. It makes it easier to upload beats online, download sound packs or plugins, and even collaborate with others. If your Wi-Fi is strong, your workflow won’t be interrupted and you can get more done in less time.
Producers RoadMap
How to Start a Business LLC for Music Production
Setting up a music production company as an LLC is a good way to make your business official and protect yourself. First, you need to choose a unique name for your company and check if it’s available. Then, you file the paperwork with your state to form the LLC. It’s also important to create an Operating Agreement that explains how your business will run. One of the most important steps is getting an EIN number from the IRS. This number is necessary to open a business bank account and handle taxes, but it’s also required to register for music royalty services like BMI or ASCAP. Without an EIN, you won’t be able to collect royalties in your company’s name, which means you could lose money. After that, make sure to follow any local laws or get any needed licenses. Doing these steps will help your business run smoothly and make sure you get paid for your work.
How to Collect Royalties and Manage Your Business
When you want to collect music royalties, it is important to use the right websites. For regular royalties from radio play and streaming, signing up with organizations like BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC is necessary. To sell your beats and distribute your music online, services like TuneCore or DistroKid are useful. Sync licensing royalties, which come from your music being used in TV or commercials, can be handled through special licensing companies. Having an EIN number is important because these websites and organizations need it to set up your account correctly. It helps keep your business separate from your personal money and makes sure you get paid the right way. Using these tools is a simple step to protect your music and earn what you deserve.
All About Me
My Background
My name is Justin Holloway and I am a 24 year old music producer. My journey into music started early when I was just three years old playing drums at church. Yes, I was that kid. I was mentored by my uncle Quorun Holloway and my aunt Latisha Banks, both of whom were church drummers when they were alive. Their influence played a big part in who I am today. I took everything they taught me and continue to apply their knowledge to the music I create. In high school I started making beats using Maschine by Native Instruments, which is a beat making software. I still use it today and continue to produce beats, especially for my brother's music career. At the bottom of this page you can check out some of the music we have worked on together.
Looking toward the future, I plan to start my own music production company called Grave Yard Productions, which is a creative spin on my producer name. Through this company, I want to establish my own publishing, generate royalties, and help promote other artists' music. I also plan to release my own music under this label, which will give me more control and make it easier to grow the company. I want to form an LLC and create multiple streams of revenue including sync licensing. That means placing music in TV shows, movies, commercials, and video games to earn income and gain exposure. I also plan to build my own website from scratch so I can stay independent from the mainstream music industry. One of my goals is to sell beats directly through the site for daily sales to track how well the business is performing. Collaboration is also important to me. I want to work with a variety of artists and producers to build a strong presence and earn real respect in the music game.
Here are some of my music I have produced to listen to:
