The following is an opinion piece from Ann Thatcher, host of The Balcony Show, Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. ET on WLVU: The Sound of The Underground.

If you are a talented original musician, chances are good that, at some point, you are going to want to record your own song. Given the fact that there are many choices out there when it comes to production – from high-cost producers, to do-it-yourself programs – it may be difficult to decide which way to go when it comes to something so personal.

As a radio host for the last four years, I cannot tell you the number of times I have received, at best, ill-produced music from talented artists. Let me be the first to break it to you: if you don’t already know, radio shows will not play bad music.

Let me be honest here: if you are looking to record a song for your friends and family, and have no interest in “making it big,” then by all means, a do-it-yourself basement recording can capture your voice and you can happily share what you have created with your inner circle. No harm, no foul.

However, if you dream of being successful in the music business, then you must invest in yourself – and that means a well-produced song!

I know, I know… it can cost a lot of money. But, make no mistake – your music is your calling card. So, do you show up in a hooptey, or do you roll in with a luxury car? In the grand scheme, your competition is not your fellow local musicians, but rather the Taylor Swifts and Adam Levines of the world.

“So, how do I go about getting good production on my song?”

Glad you asked!

• First and foremost, do your homework! Find out what the going rates for production are in your town. If they’re too high for your budget, you might want to look in a location outside of your area. Also, just because someone is located in a city, that does not mean that their production is the best.
• Check the producer’s past work and their credentials. Producers who have been in business for a while should have work samples and references.
• Finally, make an appointment to have a conversation about what you want. Find a producer that works well with you, your vision, and your budget

If you really want to have an impact in the music business, then good production is the place to start. Plus, the finished product will leave you with a great sense of accomplishment and pride. In the end, you would not let someone without the proper training operate on you. Want more for your music and treat it the same way.

Making the right choice is not always easy, but if you do, then we can all be proud to share in your musical journey.