PRODUCER’S PANEL | 23
What it Takes to Be a Successful Producer Written by Nick “Fury” Where should I start with giving advice to up and coming producers? There is so much to know about the business of the music industry. Having been in it for so many years and having had so many experiences, both good and bad, I could give knowledge all day.
Nick “Fury”,CEO and founder of NewJeru Entertainment and Neje Publishing with offices in Jersey City, New Jersey and Atlanta, Georgia, is the Multi-Platinum Producer behind hits such as Lil Flip’s “Game Over”, Lil’ Kim’s “Custom Made”(The Notorious K.I.M.), T.I’s “I Still Love You”(Trap Musik),”Tha King”(Urban Legend), and “I’m Straight” from TI.’s current album “Tha King”, Fat Joe’s “Hustlin”(Fast & Furious Soundtrack), Miri Ben Ari’s “Sunshine In the Rain” featuring Anthony Hamilton and Scarface, and done tracks for artist such as Nas, B.O.B., E40, Wu Tang Clan, Nick Cannon, Eightball & MJG and many more! His impressive discography boasts 5 certified platinum hits which hasallowed this Producer the ability to diversify his productiontechniques/ talents to include live instruments and musicians, creative samples, and original fresh sounding blends and mixes by putting the artist and/or client first. This results in good music period. You can see and hear more from NewJeru Entertainment and Nick “Fury” in the months and years to come as he continues to branch out into R&B, Rock, Pop, Gospel, film scores, movie soundtracks, and advertising jingles.
I could tell you about having a hit track for an artist and him never answering your call so you can get the track to him then finally getting the music to the artist through his A&R and him refusing to record the record. Finally a month or so later the A&R gives the artist a pint of Hennessey and some green inspiration and the result is the biggest record of that artist’s career. True story, “Game Over”. I could tell you about another artist’s year-long search to find the producer of a track that he happened to record to and a chance visit to Atlanta by that producer in which someone asks about the track only to find out that he is the actual producer, thus beginning the series of collaborations between T.I. & Nick “FURY”. There is a saying I came up with years ago that best describes the music industry. The saying is, “Anything can and won’t happen”. What I mean by this is, do not get discouraged. Anything can happen, but not necessarily overnight. Most people think that
when you finally hear an artist/producer’s first hit record that they just got in the industry yesterday and today they are established. That’s not true. All of the industry is a plan and it’s a long process. It doesn’t happen overnight so be prepared for the long haul, especially if you want longevity. While molding your craft you also need to be networking and building relationships. When you find that key person (whether or not they are in power) that believes in you, you should stick with them. I wouldn’t suggest searching for people or managers. You need someone who believes in you like you believe in you. You’ll know that person when you find them, or better yet, when they find you. On your journey, you will be presented with many opportunities and not all will be conquered, hopefully not because of your talent. Out of 10 things that can happen, be happy if only a few solidify. So don’t spread yourself to thin and try to keep yourself busy with quality over quantity. Lastly, if I had given up on my journey due to disappointments and negative thinking, I wouldn’t be where I am today. With hard work, dedication, people skills, and a good team, you will definitely be on your way. Don’t forget that it is a business and all businesses thrive off a good network and good networking. It’s not what you know but who you know.