Why Music Producers Should Learn to Make Multiple Genres of Music
In today’s music industry, versatility is one of the most valuable skills a producer can have. While some of the biggest names in production are associated with a particular sound, the truth is that behind the scenes, many successful producers are fluent in multiple genres. Developing the ability to work across styles isn’t just a creative exercise — it’s a career advantage that can open doors, create income opportunities, and future-proof your skills.
1. More Opportunities for Placements & Collaborations
Every artist, label, and music supervisor has different needs. A hip-hop artist might need boom-bap one day and trap the next. A sync brief for a commercial may call for upbeat indie rock, while a film might request ambient electronic textures. Producers who can adapt quickly are more likely to land projects, secure sync placements, and collaborate with a wider range of artists.
In short: the more genres you can produce, the more rooms you can walk into.
2. Sync Licensing Rewards Versatility
One of the fastest-growing revenue streams for producers today is sync licensing — getting music placed in TV, film, games, and ads. Music supervisors often ask for very specific genres or moods. If you can deliver convincing tracks in multiple styles, you’ll have a much better chance of being selected. A single sync placement can generate both upfront fees and backend publishing royalties, making genre diversity not just creatively satisfying, but financially rewarding.
Elizabeth Music Group offers sync licensing opportunities directly through their exclusive Discord community. These opportunities are only accessible to members of their publishing roster. It’s a private space where artists can connect and submit/pitch music for real sync placements.
3. Strengthening Your Core Skills
When you study and practice multiple genres, you inevitably sharpen your production toolkit. Producing house music may teach you new techniques in sound design, while working on acoustic folk could improve your ear for natural mixing. These skills transfer — learning how to capture the swing of jazz or the punch of EDM can make your hip-hop beats stronger. By stepping outside your comfort zone, you build a more refined and adaptable ear.
4. Staying Relevant in a Changing Industry
Trends in music shift quickly. A producer who can only make one genre risks being left behind when tastes change. Versatile producers, however, can adapt to new sounds and evolving styles without needing to start from scratch. This ability to pivot is one of the best ways to stay relevant over a long career.
5. Creative Growth & Avoiding Burnout
Making the same type of track over and over can lead to creative burnout. Exploring new genres keeps the process exciting and fresh. Experimenting with different rhythms, chord progressions, and textures can spark inspiration that carries back into your main style. Many producers even discover unexpected passions or entirely new career directions by branching out.
Final Thoughts
Specializing in a signature sound is valuable — it helps you stand out and attract fans. But limiting yourself to only one genre can limit your opportunities. By learning to produce across multiple styles, you’ll not only increase your chances of getting placements and collaborations, but also sharpen your technical skills, stay relevant in a changing
