On Friday, March 6th, as Dubspot’s LA EDU Sessions continued with an exciting and informative workshop on working as a music producer in the recording industry. Grammy-nominated producer Zach “Reazon” Heiligman shared valuable insights, professional experiences, and key industry tips on how to thrive as a modern music producer.
Entering the recording industry as a music producer or songwriter means wearing many hats – from crafting songs and polishing sounds to working with artists and navigating the business. This post explores four key aspects of music production: the creative process, songwriting techniques, artist collaboration methods, and strategies for thriving in a competitive music business. Throughout, we’ll highlight insights and advice from veteran producer Zach “Reazon” Heiligman, known for his work with indie-pop band Foster the People and other projects, to ground these tips in real-world experience.
A large-format mixing console in a professional recording studio. Every great track starts with a creative spark and lots of experimentation. Producers often spend hours behind mixing consoles and computer screens, tweaking sounds, layering instruments, and chasing that “magic” that makes a song unique. “We spent a lot of time experimenting with different sounds, some of which transcended into the Foster the People project,” says Zach Heiligman about his early sessions with bandmate Mark Foster. This spirit of experimentation is vital – don’t be afraid to push boundaries and try unusual synth patches, sample your environment, or flip a genre on its head. Often, the most original ideas arise from playful exploration of sound.
Start with a vision, but allow it to evolve. In practice, music production is an iterative process: you might begin with a simple beat or melody and gradually build an arrangement around it. Stay open to surprises. For example, Heiligman’s creative journey led him to an unexpected medium – he even crafted an entire music video by using Pro Tools (an audio workstation) to create animation frame by frame. This painstaking project took “four years, on and off… going through the troubleshooting and struggles of putting it together… [but] it was rewarding to see it come together every step of the way”. The takeaway? Big creative ideas may require patience and perseverance. Trust the process and keep refining; a song may go through dozens of drafts and mix versions before it feels right.
Another key is to think about the end listener’s experience. As you experiment, consider how the sounds make you feel. Are the drums punching enough? Does the chorus lift energetically? Little production decisions – a filter sweep here, a drop-out before a beat drop there – shape the emotional journey of the listener. It can also help to envision the live performance while producing. In Foster the People’s early days, Heiligman and the band focused heavily on translating songs to the stage: “We were busy working out the details of the live show and balancing all of the attention we were attracting,” Heiligman notes, explaining that the group eventually “perfected a way to translate great recordings into phenomenal performances.”Keeping an eye on how the music will feel in concert (or how a DJ will drop it in a set, if you produce electronic music) can inspire creative production choices that make your track more impactful.
Key tips for the creative process:
A songwriter jotting down lyrics with an acoustic guitar on hand. Great production goes hand-in-hand with great songwriting. In today’s industry, collaborative songwriting and hybrid techniques are extremely common. Many chart-topping songs are crafted by teams of writers and producers working together to marry catchy melodies with polished tracks. Zach “Reazon” Heiligman’s experience underscores the value of strong songwriting fundamentals even in a production-driven genre. He points out that his Foster the People bandmate Mark Foster has a gift for hooks: “Mark is great with melody and it’s always exciting to me; I enjoy his musical sensibilities,” Heiligman says. In practice, focusing on a memorable melody or hook is a top priority – a strong melodic line or vocal hook will stick in listeners’ heads and keep them coming back.
Write in an environment that sparks ideas. Some artists write alone with a guitar or piano before entering the studio, while others (like Mark Foster) prefer writing spontaneously during the production process. “I write almost all the songs in the studio and so early demos can sound pretty stagnant,” Foster admits – it’s through collaboration that “the guys bring life to the music and grooves that I wouldn’t have thought of myself.” This highlights a useful technique: combine songwriting with arrangement sessions. By writing in the studio (or with a producer) you can immediately test production ideas and adjust the song’s structure or tempo on the fly. If you typically write alone, try bringing a producer or fellow writer into an early demo session to jam on ideas – they might inject a groove or chord change that elevates the song.
Embrace co-writing as a way to enrich songs. In pop, hip-hop, and even rock, co-writing is standard because it merges strengths: maybe you’re great with beats and someone else excels at lyrics or vocal melodies. Team up! Even remote collaboration works – Heiligman notes that when Foster the People’s lead singer was on tour, “technology allows for Mark and I to work on tracks even when he’s halfway around the world”. Tools like cloud-based DAWs, Zoom writing sessions, and file-sharing make it possible to write a song with partners anywhere on the planet. The key is clear communication: share reference tracks, hummed ideas, or lyric themes upfront so everyone’s on the same page, then build from there.
Practical songwriting techniques:
Musicians working together in a recording studio. One of the producer’s most important roles is facilitating collaboration. In the studio, creative chemistry between artists, songwriters, and producers can make the difference between a flat recording and a hit song. Zach Heiligman emphasizes curating the right mix of people: his latest project, an open-ended collective called DAE (Disguised As Earthlings), is all about bringing in diverse talents. “I’m curating a vibe of people that I think are super talented aliens – kind of out-of-this-world creativity – and collaborating with them, with a rotating cast of characters as the project evolves over time,” Heiligman explains. This highlights a great collaboration strategy: work with people who inspire you. Seek out artists who have strengths you admire – unique vocalists, skilled instrumentalists, or just creative minds – and create an environment where everyone can contribute their best ideas.
Communication and clear vision are key to any collaboration. As a producer, you often act as the project’s director, so share your vision for the song early on, but also listen to input. Establish a comfortable, open vibe in the studio where all contributors feel their ideas are welcome. Heiligman’s experience co-writing and producing with Mark Foster is a good example: even when the band was busy touring, he stayed involved by trading ideas remotely, ensuring the creative partnership stayed alive across distances. Today, you can use collaborative tools like shared cloud sessions (e.g., Splice, Google Drive for session files) or real-time jamming apps to bridge physical gaps. Scheduling regular check-ins or writing sessions over video chat with an artist can maintain momentum on a project when you can’t be in the same room.
Here are effective methods to enhance artist collaboration:
Finally, celebrate the collaborative wins. When you strike gold together – perhaps you finally nail that chorus after hours of trial and error – acknowledge it. That positive reinforcement fuels everyone’s excitement to keep creating. In Heiligman’s collaborative project DAE, for instance, every finished song with a “super talented” guest is a shared victory and builds a network of like-minded creatives for future work.
A packed concert with confetti raining down – the kind of success many aspire to in the music industry. The music business is highly competitive, with countless producers and artists vying for attention. Success isn’t just about making great music; it also involves smart strategies and mindset. Zach Heiligman’s journey offers several lessons on thriving in this landscape:
1. Focus on your craft and consistency, even when hype builds. Early on, Foster the People had a viral hit with “Pumped Up Kicks,” but instead of coasting on that buzz, the team doubled down on improvement. “We were busy working out the details of the live show and balancing all of the attention we were attracting,” Heiligman recalls of that period. Rather than getting complacent, they refined their performance and production skills. In a competitive industry, delivering high-quality work consistently is one of the best ways to stand out. If you get a bit of spotlight (say a song goes viral on TikTok or you land a big artist session), use that momentum to sharpen your skills further – rehearse your live set to perfection, learn new production techniques, keep writing new material – so that when bigger opportunities come, you’re ready to knock them out of the park.
2. Cultivate a unique identity and brand. In a crowded field, having a signature sound or style helps you become memorable. This could be a particular production quirk, a genre fusion, or a personal story that you weave into your work. For Heiligman and Foster the People, part of their identity was blending indie pop with hip-hop and electronic influences – a reflection of jam sessions where Mark Foster, Heiligman, and their friends mixed genres freely. Don’t chase trends too much; instead, develop what you do best. As Mark Foster put it, “Let’s make good music that we enjoy. We’re not trying to be a super exclusive indie band.” Staying genuine to your taste and strengths will attract an authentic fan base and differentiate you from others following cookie-cutter formulas.
3. Network and collaborate strategically. Building relationships in the industry can open doors in a big way. This doesn’t mean just cold networking – often the best connections come through genuine collaboration and mutual respect. Heiligman’s own career grew through friendships and repeated collaborations (from being Foster’s friend to working with other artists like Lwam on DAE). When you work with new people, be professional and reliable – it might lead to referrals or future projects. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to others whose work you admire. In the digital age, a Twitter/IG DM or an email with your work can sometimes land you a session with a bigger artist or a mentorship with a seasoned producer. Just be polite and have something of value (like a cool beat or idea) to offer.
4. Leverage technology and new platforms. The music business is always evolving – today’s landscape includes streaming algorithms, social media, and DIY distribution. Successful producers and artists stay savvy about these tools. Use platforms like SoundCloud, YouTube, or TikTok to showcase your work and build an audience – a beat you post online could catch an influencer’s ear and lead to a break. Utilize music production tech to work efficiently: Heiligman, for example, could continue creating tracks with Mark Foster remotely thanks to modern recording tech. Similarly, you can collaborate with an artist across the globe or pitch your beats to rappers online. Embracing new technology (from Dolby Atmos mixing to NFTs for music, depending on your arena) can give you an edge and show that you’re forward-thinking.
5. Stay persistent and adaptable. The competitive landscape can be tough – you will face rejections, projects that don’t pan out, or periods of slow growth. The key is to keep going and adapt. Heiligman’s dedication in completing that four-year music video project is a testament to perseverance paying off. Likewise, Foster the People didn’t blow up overnight; they “flew under the radar” for a year while honing their sound. Be patient with your career trajectory and use setbacks as learning opportunities. If a certain genre lane isn’t working for you, be willing to pivot and try something new. The goal (aside from making a living) is longevity – building a reputation over years for quality work and reliability. That longevity comes from persistence and a willingness to evolve with the industry’s changes. In summary, navigating the music industry is a marathon, not a sprint. Prioritize genuine artistry and improvement over clout, build real relationships, and stay adaptable to change. As you do so, remember why you got into music in the first place. Keeping that passion at the forefront will not only fuel you through challenges but also shine through in your work – and that is ultimately what draws others to you in a crowded industry.
By focusing on creative excellence, honing your songwriting craft, fostering strong collaborations, and using smart career strategies, you can carve out a successful path in the recording industry. The experiences of producers like Zach “Reazon” Heiligman show that there’s no single formula for success – it’s about combining hard work, open-minded creativity, and savvy navigation of the music business. Whether you’re in the studio crafting the next hit or out in the world networking and promoting, stay true to your vision and keep learning. The next level of your career could be one great song or connection away.
Zach “Reazon” Heiligman is a Grammy-nominated music producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist widely recognized for his influential work in the indie and alternative music scenes. He gained acclaim through his contributions to Foster The People's debut album "Torches," which soared to international success and earned multiple Grammy nominations. Zach's production work has consistently charted on Billboard's Rock Chart and shaped the sounds of various prominent artists.
Registration This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Early arrival is strongly encouraged to ensure participation.
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Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals, fellow music producers, and aspiring musicians. We look forward to seeing you at Dubspot LA!
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