Over the last few years, ghost-producing has become a popular method of collaborating and creating chart-topping hits. However, with so many producers trying to break into the industry, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. In this article, we’ll explain what a ghost producer does, the benefits of working with a ghost producer, and some tips to help you start ghost producing for others.
What Is A Ghost Producer?
A ghost producer or ghostwriter is someone who creates tracks for other artists and is typically not credited for their contributions. Unlike traditional production agreements, where co-writers are credited as songwriters and receive a cut of the royalties, ghostwriters agree to remain uncredited (in exchange for a larger one-time payout) and the artist releases the track as their own. In some cases, ghostwriters are able to negotiate a percentage of royalties, but this is rare.
It’s important to note that ghostwriting isn’t just limited to lyrics. Ghostwriting comes in many forms. It could be as simple as writing or performing a single melody without credit, or as involved as producing an entire arrangement for someone. Ghostwriters typically focus on writing songs and contributing lyrics, while ghost producers often create fully-formed beats and sell them to other artists.
At this point, you’re probably wondering exactly how much a ghostwriter earns. Unfortunately, this can be difficult to pin down, especially considering how secretive the whole process can be sometimes. According to Forbes, ghostwriters are typically paid anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000 per project, although major-label deals can often net higher payouts.
Earning a living as a ghostwriter can be tricky, as the lines are often blurred between what qualifies as a big enough contribution to be given co-writer or ghostwriter status. If a writer sits in on a session and throws out some suggestions that the artist ends up using, the artist may or may not offer any payment. Sometimes, artists even release songs with input from ghostwriters without ever telling them, making it difficult to ask for compensation.
How Common Is Ghost Writing?
Ghostwriting has been an integral part of the music business for hundreds of years. As early as the 1700s, renowned composers such as Mozart were hired by royalty and other wealthy patrons to pen original songs. It’s not just limited to the music scene, either. In the 1930s and 40s, Charlie Chaplin hired David Raksin to compose music for his films, although Chaplain was listed as the composer in the credits.
Today, ghost-producing has become so common—especially for artists on major labels—that practically every chart-topping record has been touched by a ghostwriter at some point. And it happens in every genre. For instance, “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, and originally performed by Big Mama Thornton. Nas famously ghostwrote on Will Smith’s breakout hit, “Getting’ Jiggy Wit’ It.” Even Queen Bey uses ghostwriters—check out the original version of “If I Were a Boy” by BC Jean.
In fact, according to a study by Billboard, almost every major hit was written by two or more songwriters. And so far, in the 2020s, there has yet to be a single #1 hit written by a solo songwriter. When writing songs for the masses, you have to write something that everyone can enjoy, which is why it’s important to work with a diverse group of songwriters. ….
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