NIZA (real name Olak Grütter) is one of the most successful producers in the German area. He has already earned several gold awards and produced various number 1 albums. The producer, who lives in Switzerland, now also runs his own music publishing company No Love Rights Management. We asked NIZA about three important advices you need to follow as a beatmaker/producer.
NIZA, Producer / CEO No Love Rights Management (Picture: © 2020 Olak Grütter)
What advice do you give to producers who are still at the beginning of their career?
Invest as much time as you can. The time I have invested in producing was an important investment to improve my skills. You don’t get that time back, but the investment comes back. Although it is a fact that you never know 100% if it will pay off or not. But I always say “great work is always rewarded sooner or later.”
Do you think producers should work in the background or also present themselves in public?
This is probably one of the most important topics. There is definitely a mindset change needed here for us as producers and I have felt the change in me as well. The branding and your social media have become very important for producers. Not only in terms of consumers of your music but much more for linking up with artists and their labels/managers. Don’t forget that being a musician is also being a company. And every company has its own marketing department. So handle your career as if you were marketing a product. Easy explained: The times of the hidden producers are over. People should know you and your work. What’s in it if you produce a Billboard #1 hit but no one recognizes you for your work? Put some effort into your branding! It will make your networking process a lot easier.
Third and last question. As the CEO of a music publishing company, you surely can answer that one for us: Do I need a publisher as a producer?
Good question! It depends of course on how you are positioned as a producer. You should ask yourself: Do I know how the paperwork with the PRO’s works and do I have enough time to do it beside the music? Do I have enough contacts to artists to get my own placements or am I dependent on the network of a publisher? Many people also forget that it is at least as important that you have a manager who will take care of your contract negotiations or take care of your accounting. Someone to support your branding which we already discussed in the previous question. I know how important both sides are and that’s why I built my publishing company together with my manager Mike Buck – so we can offer publishing and management in one. To cut a long story short: Sooner or later you will need a publisher and a manager.
Thank you for your time and for your detailed answers.
The pleasure is on my side.
For more about NIZA check out the links below:
Instagram:
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4yxmQGIiubKfgCJq8Y6RzL?si=isUZqHALR5qiV_O2NrV02w
