Ghost Producers and the Myth of DIY

In a scene that prides itself on authenticity, independence, and artistic integrity, the idea of using a ghost producer is still treated like a dirty secret. But let’s be real — it happens. A lot. And not just in the mainstream or pop-adjacent corners of electronic music. It’s in our scene too.

You won’t find many names attached to this practice publicly, but behind closed doors, it’s well known: some of the most hyped underground acts are playing tracks they didn’t build themselves. Entire EPs are outsourced. That rough-and-raw, “handmade in the basement” energy? Sometimes it comes with an invoice.

Is That a Problem?

Depends who you ask. Some will say it’s a betrayal of the DIY roots of techno and rave culture, that if you can’t make your own music, you shouldn't be performing or building a brand off the back of someone else’s work.

Others are more pragmatic. In an industry that’s underpaying artists while demanding non-stop output, not everyone has the time or energy to master production, marketing, DJing, gigging, AND self-releasing. Hiring a ghost producer becomes a shortcut, not to fame, but to survival.

Why It’s Growing

Three words: Content. Hype. Pressure. With social media now driving bookings, many DJs feel they need a monthly release to stay relevant. But high-quality production takes years to develop. If the choice is between another year in the studio or seizing the moment with outside help, a lot of artists are choosing the latter, quietly.

Platforms like SoundBetter and private Discord servers have made it easier than ever to find a producer-for-hire. And as long as the result bangs, few seem to care how it came together.

The Flip Side

This isn’t a witch hunt. Many ghost producers are talented, underpaid, and genuinely helping shape the sound of today’s underground. In some cases, they’re even part of the same crew or circle, more collaborators than silent partners.

Still, there’s a line between collaboration and deception. When an artist builds their entire image around raw creativity and independence, while secretly outsourcing the work, it raises fair questions about transparency and values.

The Scene, the Reality

Some people have strong opinions on ghost production. Others don’t care at all. Same goes for us, we’re not here to judge. Everyone’s navigating this space differently, and that’s fine.

Whether you make everything yourself, collaborate with friends, or outsource parts of the process, what matters most is that you're enjoying it and staying true to your own path. This scene has never been one-size-fits-all, and maybe that’s the whole point.