If you’re a home recording artist or indie musician trying to do it all—write, record, produce, mix, and master—this post is for you. For years, I wore the DIY badge with pride. I believed success meant handling every aspect of my music alone. But here’s the truth: that mindset nearly derailed my creativity and productivity.
Let me explain why I’m quitting DIY music production—and why it might be the best decision you can make, too.
The Allure (and Trap) of DIY
The DIY spirit is where most of us start. For me, it began at nine years old with a guitar and a dream. Playing basement shows, recording in makeshift studios, and trying to book local gigs all came from that independent drive.
But over time, DIY shifted from empowering to isolating. Instead of releasing music, I was stuck tweaking mixes, obsessing over gear, and trying to master roles I didn’t even enjoy—like audio engineering. Sound familiar?
Why DIY Is Slowing You Down
DIY feels productive, but it often leads to burnout, perfectionism, and unfinished songs. Here’s why:
- You become your biggest bottleneck.
- You lose sight of your strengths as an artist.
- You start chasing gear instead of growth.
The harsh truth? No song I ever released and was proud of was done 100% alone. Great music is collaborative.
The Turning Point: Letting Go of Control
I started outsourcing. First, I hired pro mixing engineers. Then, I worked with musicians through services like Musiversal (use code BRADJOHNSON25 for 25% off).
What happened?
- My tracks sounded more professional.
- I released more music, faster.
- I learned exactly where I needed to improve.
Yes, it was scary to invest in others. But the return has been tenfold.
Demo vs. Pro: A Real Example
I recently produced a song called The Beginning of June. I demoed it fully DIY. Then, I outsourced the mix and added musicians from Musiversal.
The difference? Night and day.
- The DIY version is decent but amateurish.
- The collaborative version: polished, alive, and emotionally compelling.
You can hear both versions in the YouTube video above.
What You Should Focus On Instead
Here’s how to quit DIY while staying in control of your creative vision:
1. Own Your Strengths
Are you a great guitarist? A songwriter? A vocalist? Invest your energy there.
2. Start Outsourcing
- Hire musicians to fill in gaps in your production.
- Send your tracks to professional mixers and mastering engineers.
- Use a service like Musiversal to simplify the process affordably.
3. Learn to Edit (But Not Everything)
Editing vocals and prepping your sessions is still worth learning. If you want to level up quickly, check out my free resources on this website.
4. Stop Buying Plugins
No new plugin is going to solve your workflow or finish your next track. Spend your money on collaboration, not tools.
Final Thoughts: Stop Romanticizing DIY
Releasing music should be joyful—not a solo survival mission. The DIY mentality can be empowering, but if it’s become toxic and paralyzing, it’s time to pivot.
Focus on what only you can bring to the table. Let others bring their magic to the rest.
Ready to Quit DIY?
✅ Try Musiversal and use BRADJOHNSON25 for 25% off
✅ Grabv my free and premium resources
✅ Let me know in the YouTube comments what part of DIY you’re ready to let go of
