In 2017 you may have seen just as many producers on the radio as bands/artists.

Instead of singers hiring producers to create their latest single, the scenario is flipped around as producers are taking the spotlight and instead hiring singers to sing on their tracks. 

Being a top 40 producer/EDM DJ has without a doubt become increasingly popular. But what about artists producing their own music?

With young producers like WondaGurl and Martin Garrix proving that age is but a number, musicians themselves are becoming inspired to jump in the studio and take control of their own musical vision.   

Nashville-based pop artist and producer Amy Peters shares how producing her own music (and her latest album Cinematic: Scene Two) has changed her music career! 

“My name is Amy Peters, and I’m a 21-year-old pop artist/producer originally from the Virginia Beach area, but currently residing in Nashville. I’m a big fan of popcorn and a diehard believer in mermaids.” 

The WiMN: Looking back, was there a specific moment in time where it hit you that you should produce your own music? 

Amy Peters: I had been making my own tracks on Garageband since I was about seven, but I wasn’t confident in my production until created a track for a song called “Cinematic” when I was 19. Bringing that song to life was such a cathartic experience for me, and I felt like for the first time I had tapped into a sound that was all my own. 

The WiMN: Did you ever experience difficulty working with producers before you took over the reins? 

Amy Peters: Of course. I think a lot of that struggle originates from being uneducated in the studio “lingo”. It can be hard to convey your vision to a producer when you aren’t familiar with the technical terms.

The WiMN:  Once you decided this was what you wanted to do, did you go to school or learn from home? 

Amy Peters: I studied audio at The Blackbird Academy in Nashville. I had already been building tracks prior to Blackbird, but my experience there heightened my technical knowledge and allowed me to connect and learn from some of music’s top producers of all genres.

The WiMN: Were you ever afraid at times to jump into this new world of production? 

Amy Peters: Absolutely! I was very intimidated by the caliber of talent in Nashville. For a long time, I thought there was no point in investing my time in learning production, because I figured there would always be someone around who could do a better and faster job. I’m glad I have supportive friends in the industry who encouraged me that I could do it!

The WiMN: What is one thing you wish you could’ve told yourself when you were starting out? 

Amy Peters: Be prepared for anything. My entire journey in this industry so far has been full of plot twists and crazy, unexpected situations. But that’s what makes it exciting! Embrace the unknown, and this world of sessions, shows, and surprises can be so rewarding.

The WiMN: Only 5% of recognized producers are female. Have you ever experienced discrimination being a woman in audio? If so, share your experience and how you overcame the situation. 

Amy Peters: I’ve been lucky, because for most of my career, I’ve had great experiences working with male producers. The guys on my creative team are my family. But, that doesn’t mean that the discrimination isn’t happening. I was the only girl in my class at Blackbird, and once, we had a particularly bold guest speaker come in. When asked a serious question, he responded to me with, “So which one of these guys is your boyfriend?” It’s really frustrating to not be taken seriously. But despite the demeaning guys who give this field a bad rep, I think there’s even more men who are excited to support and help expand the female audio community.

The WiMN: Creatively what are the benefits to learning how to demo/produce your own work? 

Amy Peters: The benefits are limitless! If I have an instrumental idea for a song I’m writing, it’s so nice be able to record it immediately, instead of waiting weeks to go into a studio. As an independent artist, I can create my own audio for video promos, make a quick demo if a publisher asks for it, and earn extra money tuning vocals as a side gig. I don’t have a big recording setup—just some headphones, an interface, a mic, and a keyboard. It doesn’t take much to get going, and I would encourage all artists and writers to give it a shot.

The WiMN: Does being a producer have an effect on your songwriting?  

Amy Peters: Yes, it affects my songwriting in a huge way. These days I usually write songs while simultaneously building the track. It allows me to be fully present in my creative zone, and to create melodies and arrangements I might not have thought of with just my guitar in hand.

The WiMN: Lastly, what is coming up for Amy Peters? 

Amy Peters: I’ve spent the past year and a half working on my “Cinematic” EP series, and now that it’s out, I’m excited to switch gears and figure out what theme I want to explore next! I’ll be traveling to NYC and LA for the first time to write and create content. Keep an eye out for all the adventures that are just getting started!

  • Listen to Amy Peters Cinematic: Scene Two here: http://hyperurl.co/y0lkf6

Connect with Amy Online!

http://www.amypetersmusic.com/#socials