This Ghost Producer Interview offers some insight
How much does a ghost producer get paid to write a track for a DJ or someone wanting to pass themselves off as a producer?
Maybe we’ll have Ghost DJs next?
Is using a ghost producer helping a DJ/Producer to deceive his/her fans?
Is the ghost producer bad for electronic music?
Should we line up every ghost producer on the planet and shoot them?
All the above questions, even the ridiculous last one are just some of the issues that get raised when the term ghost producer is discussed.
The truth is that pop stars have been using teams of songwriters for years to write them hits. So why is it that when it comes to electronic dance music, this becomes such an issue?
My theory is simple
I suppose with pop stars we at least know (or think we do) that the person has actually sang the song or played the guitar or done something musical – whether deserved or not, even Justin Bieber can sing even though he’s probably never written a song before.
Is it the limited skill-level required to DJ and pass oneself off as a DJ that makes people despise the idea of someone ghost writing music for another?
Let me clarify…
If you’re a seasoned DJ you will know that there is an intangible skill to really working a dancefloor but the reality is it’s easy to get by as an average one too.
You can be sure it’s no different in rock music, pop, r n b or any other mainstream genre. History is littered with average bands and singers reaching superstar status.
Of course EDM has become the new pop music and let’s face it an EDM show is quite far removed from a proper underground dancefloor.
On an underground dancefloor the DJ segues music effortlessly into a journey that if done well, creates the right space for people to genuinely lose themselves to the music… not just jump up and down to a massive light show and huge drops.
So why does it upset us so much when the word ghost producer gets bandied about?
And why does this issue always raise its head straight after the DJ Top 100 poll results – which for 95% of all DJs working across the globe, means very little?
Is it reasonable to expect every DJ/Producer to have to create all his/her own music when in fact in all other styles of music, collaboration is key?
I’m not sure I have all the answers or to be honest even care. It is what it is!
This intriguing interview on UKF is a MUST READ however, for anybody who feels the need to voice or form an opinion on the subject.
