Thank you bro for doing this video. I am 47. I have a wife and kids. I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Audio Production in 2022. It took me 20 yrs to go back to school, so I decided to go to school for something that I actually enjoyed doing. I wish I would have realized what I really wanted to do earlier but nonetheless, I'm gonna make some shit happen with this degree. Thanks!!!
great story man! Wishing you all the best! I started teaching myself production as a hobby at the age of 30 with ZERO music background... I wish I would have had the courage to have tried so sooner. Your story is inspiring. If you have any instagram/social handles to share, please do. Would love to follow and support your journey.
I’m 52 with family too and still trying to work out what side of the screen I belong on,,,whether to get my arse onto an audio/production type degree, or to just build my own studio and create.
One regret I have is letting outside influences slow down progress... I was still in the streets instead of sticking to music full time and letting time fly by because of trusting others.
I started making beats last year at 35. I played piano and knew music theory really well when I was 9. I really regret not starting earlier and dropping off the music classes as a kid
Bolo you kept it 1 million on this video! Wit all dem gems you gave. Bro we be needing these kinda reality checks. There is some things said in this video that most of us if not all can relate to or been thru in this industry game. Preciatecha 💯
Great content bro, Salute on all your success you deserve it. The struggle is the journey. The Keys are what you doing now.... what they didnt do for us, share the game so people who are serious can avoid the brakes...
a long time music mentor and friend Curtis Knight (not from Hendrix) and I showed David Frangioni (CEO of Drummer Mag) about MIDI.. we were playing with Master Tracks Pro Apple IIse then PC, and Roland MT-32, D-50, MC500-MKII's, S-550 etc.. I had no idea that I could've continued doing my own thing in music or how, 40yrs later, I'm unsure about my music abilities, and not happy with results on UA-cam, Twitch or SoundClown.
I totally appreciate this man. I'm just getting back to production. My cousin did me that to me and I gave up on the music business. People need to hear this
Bolo we gotta stop saying we can't blame them bro. Each one teach one. When people come into my studio I tell them how to monetize and what to do to get all of theirs and if everybody stopped acting like it's some right of passage to get screwed over the music industry would be in a much better place with more righteous folks than those who are evil and snakes.
Loved this video, I can feel you really mean (and feel) what you say. It is also important to consider reaching a nice spot in a highly competitive field is ALSO a mix of unknown and not easily/universally replicable factors. Thanks for sharing man
Good wisdom shared. We all have regrets. I was one always hired to play keys and should have made contracts as co producer. Didn’t realize I was really more than just a musician to come up with concepts to bring someone’s idea to life.
No regrets! Only lessons! I learned the business/theory/production at Berklee. I made some decisions within the industry that stressed me out, but fortunately had enough knowledge that I was protected legally (and also had advice from a cool attorney friend). Cool thing is nowadays, you can make a website and pretty much do whatever you want outside of the industry. I left LA to live in the German countryside. Travel and new environments help so much for inspiration.
My god bolo. You got screwed out of major money like that! Those folks are so low integredy. The way “us” good people think if we do good business that we will be successful together. Never safe to swim around all these damn sharks.You are a great human being Bolo. I appreciate everything you do for us strangers that are in love with music. I started wayyyy too late even though I have always loved music and if I can’t ever make anything of it professionally due to all the life circumstances i’d be ok, and I will still be in love with it. I love it so much that i’m working on building my basement studio and i’m praying that my son can age into loving music. To start with everything essential there and ready for him at his very young age so he doesn’t need the gear he will only need his love of music and a solid support base, musical education, and mind to make everything come true before “life” happens for him. Thank You Bolo this video is on the head for needed info
Alright. Is Bolo the most positive and the most respectful music producer on UA-cam? Other people would have talk trash about the people who didn’t pay him
I hit the like button once I saw the title…knew this was going to be good. Thanks for your candid honesty Bolo, it’s one of the things I respect you for the most. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
This is a very impactful post. You’re not alone with the sentiments. At the end of the day everything is a lesson. Just have to be wiser for the future.
I think I made my first song when I was 13 off a phone app as a joke and tried music again at 15 and took it seriously at 16 and I’m 21 now and I can definitely say finding your passion young is superrrrr beneficial 🖤
The easiest/least expensive place to travel in the country from most other places is Vegas. It's not too hard to drive to L.A. from there if you need to handle business either but it is a full day. There's LOTS of people in/out of as well as living in Vegas for the 1st reason I mentioned.
You Sir, are an inspiration! I love watching your content and listening to your beats, and watching you cook up, but you know what is really cool, this video. You are spitting some facts to everyone. I myself am just starting to get into producing as a hobby and I am 45 - Def not quitting my day job, but I do LOVE music even though I have never really Produced anything except a few flows over some tracks back in my young 20's... you know when every kid was trying to be Eminem... LMAO.... ok sorry - but yes just wanting to dabble into the beat producing as a complete beginner hobbyist, I have done some Mixing of some Voice Overs of some beats and they turned out pretty decent IMO. Which got me interested into actually making beats, I think I have a good ear for recognizing Bangers but I have to try and make one.... LOL... But again You are spitting facts on here and I sure hope people take heed to your advice. Thanks Bolo, Your a great inspiration and I am learning so much from your content.
My regrets: 1. Not working with other artists when i first got success 2. Depending on the wrong managers for my success 3. Not understanding contracts my first 10 years and not having a lawyer on deck. 4. Not buying my own studio outright when i had the money to do it. 5. Selling my MPC 2000 for $400 lol
Thank you, and I wish I could tell you the exact steps of how to get a placement, but that would be impossible because factors change all the time. But one thing I do know is the more you put in it, the more you’ll get out. 👍🏾
Depends on what's called Gospel Music in your region. Here in 🇯🇲 it's more rooted in Ska & Mento.. One regret I have is not asking my aunts & uncles for instruments instead of Cell Phones or Clothes, the 90's & Early 2000's was such a different time..
Bolo… that last piece of advice was spot on and some of the best advice you can give. Great job using your experience and knowledge to help and guide people who surely need to hear this!👍🏾💯💯
My biggest regret is not having patience and foresight. I worked with 2 local record labels that eventually turned into 2 of the biggest record labels in rap. I could've been a millionaire before 25.
Any thoughts on teaching at starter course class? Meaning how to copyright not only your music but your tag name. I definitely respect you and that's something I'd be willing to put my money into..
Nah, not doing any courses there’s enough info out already. As for copyright go to www.copyright.gov super easy process just follow instructions. You can send several audio files at one time and only pay once 👍🏾
@@BoloDaProducer That's what's up. Thanks a lot. I know there is a ton out here but I don't trust anyone. I see you have a good heart and even my wife talks about how real you are when I'm watching your videos. But the copyright helps. Thanks Bolo
Bolo you live in GA fam i would like to meet you one day fr i live in Sandy Springs in GA. I rock with you bruhh bruhh fr keep on doing what you do. My name is Batiste I’m getting my bachelors degree in music productions . I got a year left it’s hard I got wife and two boys you know. Do you have any advice for me?
My biggest regret is thinking more highly of myself. That came from a place of insecurity but I turned down so many opportunities that might’ve led to greater possibilities. I was always the guy that said no I’m not being a part of no group/camps. Just pay me for my track(s). No networking at all just word of mouth.
GOD BLESS U 4 EVER LOOK HOW U JUST PAID IT FORWARD, WHAT U JUST TAUGHT IS A LIFE CHANGER 4 ANYONE THINKING OF ENTERING THIS BUSINESS. U TOLD THE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE COLD HARD TRUTH THAT WILL SAVE MANY FROM MAKING BAD DECISION THAT CAN RUIN THERE CAREER SO FAST.
Can you shed some light on opening the doors for upcoming producers? I have been doing this since 2001, and had some success with radio spins locally, but how do we get to the next level? Help a brotha out😂 I do collaborations and such. I like the positive energy from this video.
When I was younger I was so naive. I'd make beats and demos for dudes and then got nothing from it. Case in point, my music ended up on a movie soundtrack and I didn't get a dime LoL
I got alot of old friends that are mad at me because I did not let them be the executive producer or leader of my projects or ideas!😂....I really don't care ,they can be mad all they want. I'm gonna make sure I get my money for my work!💯
At what point should major artists, managers, and/or label people take responsibility for taking advantage of people in music who aren't business savy? Yes, obviously it's extremely important to arm yourself with knowledge, but if someone takes advantage of an artist or producer, they take advantage. It's foul no matter what. Maybe even fouler taking advantage of someone's ignorance.
Regarding your music theory part…if you took theory 101 and 102…the rest of music theory classes is nothing but repeating the same thing different ways. Theory doesn’t change based on genre..and I’m saying this as a music major lol
*#NEGATIVE**, Representation IS NOT KEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! **#COMPETENCY** ON HOW TO HANDLE YOUR AFFAIRS IS KEY! INNERSTANDING HOW TO **#CONTRACT** IS KEY!* Representation is just that, someone speaking for you because you are INCOMPETENT and therefor can not speak for self!
We need more producer festivals/business conferences
Definitely
Thank you bro for doing this video. I am 47. I have a wife and kids. I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Audio Production in 2022. It took me 20 yrs to go back to school, so I decided to go to school for something that I actually enjoyed doing. I wish I would have realized what I really wanted to do earlier but nonetheless, I'm gonna make some shit happen with this degree. Thanks!!!
great story man! Wishing you all the best! I started teaching myself production as a hobby at the age of 30 with ZERO music background... I wish I would have had the courage to have tried so sooner. Your story is inspiring. If you have any instagram/social handles to share, please do. Would love to follow and support your journey.
I’m 52 with family too and still trying to work out what side of the screen I belong on,,,whether to get my arse onto an audio/production type degree, or to just build my own studio and create.
What school did you attend for your degree?
Out of all your blogs, this is the most valuable jewel. We need more of these. 💎
More to come!
One regret I have is letting outside influences slow down progress... I was still in the streets instead of sticking to music full time and letting time fly by because of trusting others.
True!!!!
You were homeless? Damn dude 😞
@jae6220 I wasn't homeless, I was trying to be outside too much for nothing!
facts man, i completely understand. same here
I been down that road before bro once you drop the dead weight (bad people) you gain so much energy to keep pushing toward your goals
I started making beats last year at 35. I played piano and knew music theory really well when I was 9. I really regret not starting earlier and dropping off the music classes as a kid
Keep going with it bro, better late than never.
Great vid. Cats should look for entertainment lawyers early because they're pretty hard to find when you need them.
12:32 I want to use that in a song I like the vision you gave me
I’m so thankful to have found this video. Thank you sharing
Bolo you kept it 1 million on this video! Wit all dem gems you gave. Bro we be needing these kinda reality checks. There is some things said in this video that most of us if not all can relate to or been thru in this industry game. Preciatecha 💯
Great content bro, Salute on all your success you deserve it. The struggle is the journey. The Keys are what you doing now.... what they didnt do for us, share the game so people who are serious can avoid the brakes...
Thanks for sharing this with us! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Thank you for your prospective and honesty. I really appreciate and learned a lot from your commentary. Grace, Peace and Blessings 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
a long time music mentor and friend Curtis Knight (not from Hendrix) and I showed David Frangioni (CEO of Drummer Mag) about MIDI..
we were playing with Master Tracks Pro Apple IIse then PC, and Roland MT-32, D-50, MC500-MKII's, S-550 etc..
I had no idea that I could've continued doing my own thing in music or how, 40yrs later, I'm unsure about my music abilities, and not happy with results on UA-cam, Twitch or SoundClown.
I totally appreciate this man. I'm just getting back to production. My cousin did me that to me and I gave up on the music business. People need to hear this
I completely agree with the traveling out the country to make music... Different environment, different inspirations all adds to different sounds
Bolo, I appreciate your humbleness. You are paving the way for many producers young and old.
/
Bolo we gotta stop saying we can't blame them bro. Each one teach one. When people come into my studio I tell them how to monetize and what to do to get all of theirs and if everybody stopped acting like it's some right of passage to get screwed over the music industry would be in a much better place with more righteous folks than those who are evil and snakes.
Loved this video, I can feel you really mean (and feel) what you say. It is also important to consider reaching a nice spot in a highly competitive field is ALSO a mix of unknown and not easily/universally replicable factors. Thanks for sharing man
I would really really want to get more information about the business of being a producer. Love the isms of this message.
Good wisdom shared. We all have regrets. I was one always hired to play keys and should have made contracts as co producer. Didn’t realize I was really more than just a musician to come up with concepts to bring someone’s idea to life.
No regrets! Only lessons! I learned the business/theory/production at Berklee. I made some decisions within the industry that stressed me out, but fortunately had enough knowledge that I was protected legally (and also had advice from a cool attorney friend). Cool thing is nowadays, you can make a website and pretty much do whatever you want outside of the industry. I left LA to live in the German countryside. Travel and new environments help so much for inspiration.
My god bolo. You got screwed out of major money like that! Those folks are so low integredy. The way “us” good people think if we do good business that we will be successful together. Never safe to swim around all these damn sharks.You are a great human being Bolo. I appreciate everything you do for us strangers that are in love with music. I started wayyyy too late even though I have always loved music and if I can’t ever make anything of it professionally due to all the life circumstances i’d be ok, and I will still be in love with it. I love it so much that i’m working on building my basement studio and i’m praying that my son can age into loving music. To start with everything essential there and ready for him at his very young age so he doesn’t need the gear he will only need his love of music and a solid support base, musical education, and mind to make everything come true before “life” happens for him. Thank You Bolo this video is on the head for needed info
Bless my brother. That was such a great vid of heart felt advice. Very much enjoyed it. Thank you kindly.
Life was lifeing but i retired early from the military 🪖 at the age of 33 . I am still pushing
Alright. Is Bolo the most positive and the most respectful music producer on UA-cam? Other people would have talk trash about the people who didn’t pay him
Appreciate the love you show us on your channel Bolo. Thanks Big Bro
Real talk. Much respect. Stay Blessed.
I hit the like button once I saw the title…knew this was going to be good. Thanks for your candid honesty Bolo, it’s one of the things I respect you for the most. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Thanks!
Thanks for sharing some of those gems. Advice rooted in life experience is priceless...helps to skip a lot of mistakes.
I appreciate your insight and wisdom regarding this craft
Great post, especially discussing the business and the value of music education. The musical theory is the basis of it all.
This is a very impactful post. You’re not alone with the sentiments. At the end of the day everything is a lesson. Just have to be wiser for the future.
I think I made my first song when I was 13 off a phone app as a joke and tried music again at 15 and took it seriously at 16 and I’m 21 now and I can definitely say finding your passion young is superrrrr beneficial 🖤
I appreciate you sharing your experience and lessons with us. ✊🏾
Appreciate this bro - not everyone is willing to be this honest
The younger producers really needed this. Great video Bolo
The easiest/least expensive place to travel in the country from most other places is Vegas. It's not too hard to drive to L.A. from there if you need to handle business either but it is a full day.
There's LOTS of people in/out of as well as living in Vegas for the 1st reason I mentioned.
Thanks for the game OG. I'mma adhere to these lessons for sure.
I’m taking this as life advice. Not only in music industry. Big Up Bolo.
Wow! Powerful knowledge being shared here. Subscribed!
Appreciate the honesty Bolo! Really!
Appreciate the honesty big dog
You Sir, are an inspiration!
I love watching your content and listening to your beats, and watching you cook up, but you know what is really cool, this video.
You are spitting some facts to everyone. I myself am just starting to get into producing as a hobby and I am 45 - Def not quitting my day job, but I do LOVE music even though I have never really Produced anything except a few flows over some tracks back in my young 20's... you know when every kid was trying to be Eminem... LMAO.... ok sorry - but yes just wanting to dabble into the beat producing as a complete beginner hobbyist, I have done some Mixing of some Voice Overs of some beats and they turned out pretty decent IMO. Which got me interested into actually making beats, I think I have a good ear for recognizing Bangers but I have to try and make one.... LOL... But again You are spitting facts on here and I sure hope people take heed to your advice.
Thanks Bolo, Your a great inspiration and I am learning so much from your content.
🔥🔥🔥
I STARTED AT 26 SIGNED TO SNS/ATLANTIC AT 28.. WISH I WAS IN STUDIOS AT 17
NAH DONT WISH THAT. YOUR SETTING EXAMPLES FOR PEOPLE YOUR AGE TO KEEP PUSHING. 50 CENT BLEW UP AT 28
Also gotta remember producing and technology go hand in hand. The better the technology the more the opportunities.
Great advice for up and coming producers
Thanks for this video. Great advice as always
My regrets:
1. Not working with other artists when i first got success
2. Depending on the wrong managers for my success
3. Not understanding contracts my first 10 years and not having a lawyer on deck.
4. Not buying my own studio outright when i had the money to do it.
5. Selling my MPC 2000 for $400 lol
People at music labels are the first to give you an umbrella when it's sunny and take it out of your hands when it rains :)
Thanks man. Not networking is a big regret for me
Great Advice, thanks for sharing!!!
Real shit bro appreciate you
I love this content. How do we go about getting our first game placement?
Thank you, and I wish I could tell you the exact steps of how to get a placement, but that would be impossible because factors change all the time. But one thing I do know is the more you put in it, the more you’ll get out. 👍🏾
Depends on what's called Gospel Music in your region.
Here in 🇯🇲 it's more rooted in Ska & Mento..
One regret I have is not asking my aunts & uncles for instruments instead of Cell Phones or Clothes, the 90's & Early 2000's was such a different time..
Bolo… that last piece of advice was spot on and some of the best advice you can give. Great job using your experience and knowledge to help and guide people who surely need to hear this!👍🏾💯💯
Glad it was helpful!
My biggest regret is not having patience and foresight. I worked with 2 local record labels that eventually turned into 2 of the biggest record labels in rap. I could've been a millionaire before 25.
I glad you made this video because it is helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
Any thoughts on teaching at starter course class? Meaning how to copyright not only your music but your tag name. I definitely respect you and that's something I'd be willing to put my money into..
Nah, not doing any courses there’s enough info out already. As for copyright go to www.copyright.gov super easy process just follow instructions. You can send several audio files at one time and only pay once 👍🏾
@@BoloDaProducer That's what's up. Thanks a lot. I know there is a ton out here but I don't trust anyone. I see you have a good heart and even my wife talks about how real you are when I'm watching your videos. But the copyright helps. Thanks Bolo
Yoooo man! This is that REALLLLLLLL! Thank you bro 🙏
This was a good video fa sho. Great mindset to start the week off right . 💪🏿
I am not the best but I can Compose, I mean, I can play. I put it out there. Now what will happen.
Need more videos like this one 🎯💯
More are coming!
Sound advice! Thank you.
Hey how are you doing I am new to the production game what do think about registering your music at BMI? Thank you for your answer.
Much respect 🫡
Praise God, My brother your speaking pure truth.I just hope ears are open.
Bolo you live in GA fam i would like to meet you one day fr i live in Sandy Springs in GA. I rock with you bruhh bruhh fr keep on doing what you do. My name is Batiste I’m getting my bachelors degree in music productions
. I got a year left it’s hard I got wife and two boys you know. Do you have any advice for me?
Real Talk💯💯💯
BRO YOU SPEAK TRUTH>>>
My biggest regret is thinking more highly of myself. That came from a place of insecurity but I turned down so many opportunities that might’ve led to greater possibilities. I was always the guy that said no I’m not being a part of no group/camps. Just pay me for my track(s). No networking at all just word of mouth.
GOD BLESS U 4 EVER LOOK HOW U JUST PAID IT FORWARD, WHAT U JUST TAUGHT IS A LIFE CHANGER 4 ANYONE THINKING OF ENTERING THIS BUSINESS. U TOLD THE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE COLD HARD TRUTH THAT WILL SAVE MANY FROM MAKING BAD DECISION THAT CAN RUIN THERE CAREER SO FAST.
Why are you yelling?
@@tristen_grant B CAUSE I WANT 2
Hes right about traveling. The hardest beats I ever made was when I lived in China and Thailand
Love all the advice you give. You are the one who gave me confidence to let the world hear my beats. Really appreciate everything you do.💯💯
My biggest regret is wasting years with the addiction GAS. And just got on with what I had.
yo thanks for this video Bolo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can u guide me into selling beats or loops on a website. I’m used to just handing people cds or tapes but times have changed. Any info would help
2:30 is very true ❤
You are welcome to Egypt and Netherlands Brotherman ...anytime to cook up (",)
Thanks!!!
Thank you bro
THE LAST ONE!!!!! Wisdom
I don’t like producers that act like they know too much to Learn new things a lot of producers have big egos when it comes to music. 💯
Can you shed some light on opening the doors for upcoming producers? I have been doing this since 2001, and had some success with radio spins locally, but how do we get to the next level? Help a brotha out😂 I do collaborations and such. I like the positive energy from this video.
Thanks for the talk,
Wise man!
For me, it's just one regret. I simply didn't give it my all and try my hardest.
My biggest regret is not a music regret. I felt the Holy Spirit telling me to pray with someone & I didn't.
I can definitely feel that 🙏🏾
When I was younger I was so naive. I'd make beats and demos for dudes and then got nothing from it. Case in point, my music ended up on a movie soundtrack and I didn't get a dime LoL
I got alot of old friends that are mad at me because I did not let them be the executive producer or leader of my projects or ideas!😂....I really don't care ,they can be mad all they want. I'm gonna make sure I get my money for my work!💯
Still my favorite UA-camr.
great video brother
Thanks!
Loving the hat fam, now rock the Doug Williams Jersey with it
At what point should major artists, managers, and/or label people take responsibility for taking advantage of people in music who aren't business savy? Yes, obviously it's extremely important to arm yourself with knowledge, but if someone takes advantage of an artist or producer, they take advantage. It's foul no matter what. Maybe even fouler taking advantage of someone's ignorance.
Regarding your music theory part…if you took theory 101 and 102…the rest of music theory classes is nothing but repeating the same thing different ways. Theory doesn’t change based on genre..and I’m saying this as a music major lol
My biggest regret is not continuing my Piano lessons. My teacher was Jaki Byard.
wisdom!!!
*#NEGATIVE**, Representation IS NOT KEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! **#COMPETENCY** ON HOW TO HANDLE YOUR AFFAIRS IS KEY! INNERSTANDING HOW TO **#CONTRACT** IS KEY!*
Representation is just that, someone speaking for you because you are INCOMPETENT and therefor can not speak for self!
First, hope everyone has a great week
🔥
Teach….listen to what he is saying--Great points brother!
TY‼️🔥♥️🙏🏾
Your welcome
Thanks for the jewels man