Buying a Ghost Production: How It Works and What to Check

A ghost production is a track someone else makes for you, which you release under your own artist name. It's completely normal in dance music, and if you're a DJ who wants to start putting out your own releases, you'll run into it fast. Here's how it works, what you get and what to check before you pay.

What is a ghost production?

A ghost producer makes the music. You get the track and put your own artist name on it. The producer stays in the background. Think of a ghostwriter who writes a book that comes out under your name. It's simply a service with an agreement: what you're allowed to do with the track is in the deal between you and the producer.

Ready-made or custom

There are roughly two options.

  • Ready-made track: the track is already finished. You listen to the preview, buy it and download it. A good seller takes it off sale after that, so nobody else buys the same track.
  • Custom ghost production: you go over your ideas, references and sound, and the producer makes a new track for you. It takes longer, but the track actually fits your style.

What do you usually get?

It differs per seller, so read the product page carefully. Often you get:

  • The track as WAV and MP3, mixed and mastered
  • A radio edit and an extended mix, handy for your sets
  • Sometimes separate stems or the project file, but that's far from always included

Want to tweak things or make your own edit later? Ask up front whether stems or the project file are included.

Original or remix: this is where it often goes wrong

An original track only contains the producer's work. If the rights are transferred to you, you can basically release it anywhere.

A remix is a different story. It contains another artist's song, and those rights don't belong to the producer. Without permission from the rights holders, you can't just put a remix like that on Spotify or other paid platforms. That's why my own ghost remixes say they can't go on paid platforms like Spotify, while YouTube and SoundCloud are fine. So always check which platforms you're allowed to release a track on.

Put the agreement in writing

Buying a ghost production? Make sure the deal is in writing. Think about:

  • Transfer of rights. Rules differ per country, but a written transfer is the safe route. In the US, a transfer of copyright ownership has to be in writing and signed. In the Netherlands it requires a written deed as well.
  • Credits. Agree that the producer won't be credited as the creator.
  • Royalties. Agree who registers the track with collecting societies (like BMI or ASCAP in the US) and who receives which royalties.
  • Confidentiality. Agree that the producer won't tell people they made the track.

This isn't legal advice. For a big release or a label deal, have a lawyer check the contract.

Checklist before you buy

  1. Listen to the full preview, not just the drop.
  2. Check whether it's an original track or a remix.
  3. See which platforms you're allowed to release it on.
  4. Check which files you get: WAV, MP3, radio edit, extended mix, stems.
  5. Ask whether the track goes off sale after you buy it.
  6. Check the BPM and key so it fits your sets. You can do that with the free Beat Lab.
  7. Get the rights and credits sorted in writing.

Ghost productions at NameOnTheBeat

I make ghost productions too. You can pick one of two options:

  • Ready-made tracks. In the Ghost Productions collection you'll find a few tech house tracks and a summery production. You get the track as WAV and MP3 (radio edit and extended mix), mixed and mastered, and you download it right after checkout. After that I take it offline. Every product page says which platforms you can release it on.
  • Custom. With a custom ghost production we first go over your ideas, references and sound. Then you get a release-ready track within the timeframe we agree on.

Are you a rapper mainly looking for an instrumental to write on? Then a custom beat is a better fit.

FAQ

Is ghost production legal?

Yes. It's a normal agreement between you and the producer. What matters is that the rights are transferred properly and that the track doesn't contain anyone else's work without permission.

Can I say I made the track myself?

That depends on your agreement. Usually you agree that the producer isn't credited and that you're the artist people see.

Can I put a ghost production on Spotify?

With an original track where the rights have been transferred to you, usually yes, through a distributor. With a remix of an existing song, not without permission from the rights holders. Here's how to put your own music on Spotify.

How fast do I get the track?

A ready-made track downloads right after checkout. A custom one takes longer. You agree on the timeframe up front.

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