Welcome to this eye-opening and brutally honest episode of the Joker Tone Podcast, where I dive deep into the most common — yet often overlooked — mistakes that self-producing music artists make when starting out. If you’re just kicking off your DIY music production journey and want to avoid wasting time, money, and creative energy, this episode is tailored exactly for you. Avoid These 5 Music Production Pitfalls Every Self-Producing Artist Faces.
From my experience as a self-taught music producer, combined with insights gathered from countless conversations with fellow artists and community discussions, I’ve compiled the top five misguided beliefs that can frustrate, stall, or even end a budding producer’s career before it fully begins. Trust me, I’ve been there — stuck in the gear-buying cycle, battling imposter syndrome from poor early results, and believing I could do everything alone. Spoiler alert: I couldn’t.
Avoid These 5 Music Production Pitfalls Every Self-Producing Artist Faces
In this episode , I unpack these key myths:
1. “Expensive Gear Will Instantly Improve My Productions”
It’s easy to get lured by flashy interfaces, compressors, and microphones, thinking they’ll magically make your music sound radio ready. But more gear isn’t always better—especially if you don’t know how to maximize what you already own. In fact, I argue that skill matters more than hardware. Learn why improving your craft, investing in yourself through learning, and upgrading your monitoring and room acoustics are far better uses of your budget.
2. “More Plugins = Better Mixes”
With new plugins launching seemingly every week boasting AI enhancements, analog warmth, and other buzzwords, it’s easy to fall into the ‘plugin rabbit hole.’ I explain why you likely already have the tools you need — and how refining your recording technique, improving performance skills, and fully learning your existing plugins will elevate your mixes more than any download ever could.
3. “I’ll Become a Pro Overnight”
This mindset can lead to massive frustration. I break down the essential truth: great production takes time, repetition, and failure. Your early mixes will likely suck — and that’s okay. Drawing comparisons to seasoned pros or ten-year veterans will only poison your motivation. Instead, I guide you on setting realistic expectations and learning how to celebrate your progress.
4. “Writing, Recording, and Mixing All at Once Is Efficient”
I teach you the major difference between wearing the artist hat vs. the engineer hat. Trying to juggle both simultaneously leads to confusion, indecision, and wasted time. I recommend a workflow that schedules creative tasks separately to bring clarity and efficiency. Learn how role separation can turbocharge your productivity and improve your final song quality.
5. “I Don’t Need Help – I Can Do It All Solo”
This is a trap many of us fall into. Just because you’re a self-producing artist doesn’t mean you can or should do everything by yourself. From booking gigs and promotion to mixing and mastering, time is your most precious resource. I share strategies to identify tasks you can outsource — even with a limited budget — and how doing so will free up your creative energy for the aspects of music that truly matter.
BONUS RESOURCE:
I also mention my eBook, “Producing Yourself in Music: Yes or No” — a guide that helps you determine the best route for your music production success. Whether you go full DIY, hire professionals, or find a hybrid approach, this eBook lays it all out for you.
👉 Get it here: JokerToneCourse.com/producingyourself
Why You Should Listen:
If you’ve been wrestling with whether to buy a new plugin, why your mix doesn’t sound professional, or why everything feels overwhelming, then this episode is your roadmap. With a focus on real-world advice for music producers, creators, and artist-entrepreneurs, you’ll walk away with actionable steps to streamline your workflow, elevate your skills, and produce music smarter—not harder.
Chapter 1: Buying pricey hardware will improve your production
Overview: Fancy Gear ≠ Better Music –> Buying expensive hardware won’t automatically improve your music production — your skillset and environment matter more.
Key Takeaways:
- Don’t fall into the trap of buying “high-end” gear thinking it will fix your production issues.
- Use what you have effectively — most artists already have more than enough tools.
- Invest in learning: books, courses, and mentorship produce long-term value.
- Prioritize upgrading your listening environment (room treatment, monitors) over buying more gear.
- Skill and understanding of existing gear often outweigh the benefits of new hardware.
Chapter 2: Plugins will overcome your production weakness
Overview: Relying on plugins to enhance bad recordings or mix issues is a recipe for mediocrity — focus on better input.
Key Takeaways:
- Free and DAW-included plugins are often enough when used properly.
- Improve your recording and performance skills to reduce dependency on processing.
- A better initial capture means less editing later — e.g., use proper mic placement to avoid harsh sibilance instead of relying on de-essers.
- Avoid the endless search for the “perfect” plugin; the problem is often technique, not tools.
- Master the tools you already own to fully utilize their potential before buying more.
Chapter 3: Become a self-producing artist overnight
Overview: Becoming a skilled self-producing artist is a journey — don’t expect professional results overnight.
Key Takeaways:
- Allow yourself to make bad mixes — experimentation leads to growth.
- Comparing your early work to seasoned professionals will hinder your confidence.
- Set realistic expectations based on your current experience and skills.
- Every great producer started with limitations — your journey is unique and valuable.
- Growth in music production is non-linear; consistency matters more than speed.
Chapter 4: I write, record, and mix in one go
Overview: Understanding and switching between your creative and technical roles helps you make better decisions.
Key Takeaways:
- Writing, recording, mixing, and editing are distinct mental tasks — don’t force them into one session.
- Conflicts between your creative and technical sides are inevitable; learn to navigate them.
- Separating tasks by day (e.g., writing one day, mixing another) improves clarity and efficiency.
- Be emotionally detached when editing — what serves the song best may hurt the ego.
- Listening from both perspectives (artist and engineer) leads to a more balanced final product.
Chapter 5: I can do everything alone
Overview: Trying to handle every part of music creation and promotion by yourself can hinder your progress — delegate when possible.
Key Takeaways:
- Self-producing takes massive time—identify which tasks are most critical for YOU to do.
- Outsource time-draining tasks (e.g., promotion, booking) when possible.
- Focus your energy on writing, performing, and improving your creative output.
- Strategic collaboration can actually enhance your autonomy—not take away from it.
- Know your limits — it’s okay to ask for help when needed or invest in support.
Final Thoughts for Listeners and Readers:
The journey to becoming a great self-producing artist is filled with learning curves, false expectations, and the temptation to take shortcuts. But true progress comes from committing to your growth, optimizing your environment, and knowing when to ask for help. Recalibrate what “success” means at each stage, and never stop learning.