The LA-based production collective Team Supreme that’s home to artists like Mr. Carmack, Djemba Djemba, Great Dane and many, many more received an email earlier this month from a 14-year-old aspiring producer from Wisconsin named Arthur. When Team Supreme received Arthur’s email, several producers in their crew jumped at the opportunity to dispense advice to such an eager young mind.
Then they started asking around to other producer friends what sort of advice they’d give their 14-year-old self, and by the time they were done they’d assembled an entire article’s worth of advice from 25 world-class artists. Below is Arthur’s original Email and what follows is the advice Team Supreme assembled for him. You’ve got a Team Supreme gift bag coming as well, Arthur.
My name is Arthur, and I am 14 years old. I have been playing drums for eight years and have been making beats and music using Ableton Live 9 Lite. I love all kinds of music, and I put almost all my free time towards music. I just wanted to let you guys know that you all are a huge inspiration to me, and I was wondering if you could provide any advice about producing and the music industry.
I am super interested in what you guys do and I think it’s great to have strength in numbers. Unfortunately, there aren’t many people willing to collaborate with me that are my age, but I’m sure I’ll make it happen. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that you all have a big impact on my music and I love listening to you, because you all provide amazing, unique ideas that can’t even be categorized into a genre. Let me know what advice you have, or if you want to talk!
Mr. Carmack
3 things! You remind me of me when I started at 14.
1. Listen! Soak in as much music as you can. Take band, orchestra, music theory, drum class, piano class, ethnic music class… Get in rooms with other kids your age interested in music. Ask your parents, they can help. See what sticks and pursue it before you get too old to give a damn.
2. Patience. If you’re serious about making music, know this: You will not learn to love your sound for years. It’s been 11 years in music for me and I’m still learning this too man. If you get discouraged or frustrated, step back. Hang with friends. Do something else. Help moms with something. Then come back later with a fresh mind.
3. Have fun! Don’t forget to have the most fun. You’re 14 bro. Forget the industry for now. Judging from the way you write, I’m sure that with time and discipline, anything you set your mind to, you can accomplish.