Five years in, as an independent producer, I’ve witnessed the magic that collaboration can create. One shining example? “Flowers Over My Head” by Running Out of Ink, which hit the top 10 on an online radio station. Here’s what I believe contributed to its success:
The Artist: A Recipe for Success
- Crystal Clear Vision: Bandleader Mark Mirabuenos crafted well-defined demos, giving the song a clear direction from the start. This focus allowed me to refine it, not rewrite it.
- Technically Adept: The band’s DAW skills saved time. We could capture spontaneous ideas and capitalize on creative momentum, making distance and time zones irrelevant.
- Pro Work Ethic: We avoided perfectionism, prioritizing the song as a whole. Despite the independent setup, Mark’s professional approach was crucial.
The Producer: Bridging the Gap
- Trust and Understanding: Mark’s trust in me was paramount. Knowing his musical preferences allowed me to make complementary decisions, fostering a fulfilling collaboration.
- Genre-Bending Expertise: To bring out each song’s full potential, I drew from diverse influences. This sometimes meant adding parts I felt would elevate the music.
- Engineering Savvy: My technical knowledge empowered me to capture ideas quickly and make changes independently. This also ensured realistic project expectations.
The Back-End: Beyond the Music
- DIY Marketing & PR: Using my label, KillTheBunny! Music, we strategically contacted online publications and tastemakers. My design skills helped create effective promotional visuals. Mark’s investment in merchandise further boosted awareness.
- Distribution Network: Tenzi Records provided valuable connections and distribution on major platforms like Spotify. For direct sales, KillTheBunny! handled the Bandcamp release.
A Touch of Serendipity
“Flowers Over My Head” wasn’t a single, and I wouldn’t call it the EP’s strongest track. But sometimes, songs surprise you. This unexpected success reminds us that focusing on creating our best work is the true reward. Radio play? Just a delightful bonus.
Listen to the full EP here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/out-of-ink/id1562814695
Bonus Tip: Create your own band merch using free Canva templates!
Cover photo source: https://www.reaper.fm.
Note: This is a streamlined version of the original article. I used Gemini (Google’s AI chatbot) for editing (and some rewriting) just to save me some time. I think this is an important discussion and so I want it to come across well and clearly at that. It’s still says what I want to say (and how I want to say it). I hope this version is more engaging and easier to read.