How much does ghost production cost? Prices and what to look for
You want to release your own tracks but don't have the time or desire to spend years learning production? Then ghost production is a real option. Here you'll find out what a ghost track costs, what the price depends on and how to recognise a reputable ghost producer.
What is ghost production?
In ghost production, an experienced producer creates a track that is released under another artist's name. The ghost producer stays in the background: to the outside world, the track is 100 % yours.
In electronic music this is widespread. Many DJs simply don't have the time to spend years learning production, but they need their own releases to get booked. Labels use ghost producers to build artists or fill gaps in their release schedule.
Why a DJ needs a catalogue on Spotify
Great gig videos show that you play. But people who follow you on Instagram want to hear more: music they can save, share and replay when you are not behind the decks.
A catalogue on Spotify turns followers into fans and a DJ into an artist that promoters, labels and listeners take seriously. That is what ghost production is for: you get release-ready tracks without spending months producing yourself.
How much does ghost production cost?
Prices vary widely, from under €200 to several thousand euros per track. What matters most is whether you buy a ready-made track off the shelf or a track that is custom-made for you.
At Hirte Music the full scope is already in the base price: mastering, changes until you are happy and direct contact with the producer cost nothing extra.
| Type | Indicative advertised price per track | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-made tracks on a large marketplace | from €199 | Off-the-shelf track, not made for you, sold only once, rights transferred by buyout |
| Freelance producers on platforms | approx. US$350–400 | Commissioned custom track with a lean scope: often only a few changes, stems and mastering usually extra |
| Hirte Music (custom production) | from €999 incl. German VAT | Full scope at no extra cost: track in your sound, mastering included, Extended and Short version (for Spotify), changes until you are happy, invoice with buyout, direct contact with the producer, 800+ releases on Beatport |
| Ghost production agency | from €999 (standard), from €4,999 (premium) | Custom production in tiers. The provider does not state on its page what Standard and Premium include (mastering, stems, revision rounds): ask before you buy |
Sources (accessed 11 October 2026): Your Ghost Production marketplace (yourghostproduction.com) and its custom service “The Lab”; AirGigs listing “Ghost Producer – Trance, Techno, Melodic, House, EDM” (US$400); SoundBetter profile Ghost House Mafia (average price US$350 per song). Advertised prices of individual providers; VAT may not be included depending on the provider. Not a neutral market statistic. The provider does not state what its Standard and Premium tiers include (checked 15 October 2026). The Hirte Music row is based on my own information.
Ready-made track or custom production?
A ready-made track is quick and cheap, but it wasn't made for you. You pick something that roughly fits. With a custom production, the track is built around your references, your sound and your goal, and you can request changes until it really fits you.
Rule of thumb: if you just need a quick release, a ready-made track may be enough. If you want to build your own sound that people recognise you by, a custom production is worth it.
What does the price depend on?
- Genre and complexity: a melodic track with many layers takes more time than a stripped-down techno track
- Vocals: your own recordings or licensed vocals cost extra
- Number of revision rounds
- Mixdown and mastering: usually included with professionals
- Deliverables: master, stems, extended mix and radio edit
- Extras such as support with your release
How much does a house or techno track cost?
The genre alone hardly determines the price. What counts is the effort: a stripped-down techno track with a few strong elements often takes less time than a melodic track with many layers, vocals and elaborate breaks. At Hirte Music, custom production starts at €1,000 including German VAT, whatever the genre. You get the exact price as a fixed quote after the free call.
Which genres can a ghost producer work in?
A good ghost producer knows the rules of your genre: tempo, sounds, arrangement and what DJs expect from it. For me that covers all styles of electronic music, for example:
- Peak Time Techno and Melodic Techno
- Tech House and House
- Afro House
- Psytrance and Trance
- Nu Disco and Funky House
- EDM and Dance-Pop
Your genre isn't listed? Just ask in the free call.
Rights: what you need to look out for
With a reputable ghost production, all usage rights are transferred to you through a buyout: you pay once and can release the track however you like, without royalties and without crediting the producer. Watch out for these points:
- The transfer of rights (buyout) is clearly documented, for example on the invoice
- The track is exclusive and sold only once
- Vocals and samples are cleared, otherwise you risk problems with your release
- The producer never names you as a client
This is not legal advice. If you are unsure, have the agreement checked.
How a ghost production works
- Free call: you tell the producer about your sound, reference tracks and goal
- Quote: you get a fixed price, scope and delivery date
- Production: the track is produced and you receive a first draft
- Feedback: you refine the track together until it fits
- Delivery: you receive the finished masters, ready for your release
What your ghost producer needs from you
A clear brief helps your producer understand the sound you want. Prepare the following:
- 2–3 reference tracks that come close to the sound you want
- Your genre and approximate tempo
- Your goal: club, streaming, label release or all of these
- Your own ideas, melodies or vocals, if you have any
- Your preferred date, for example for a planned release
- Your artist name and links to previous releases
Checklist: how to recognise a good ghost producer
- They have their own releases: check their profile on Beatport
- They can play you examples in your genre
- You talk directly to the producer, not just to a platform
- Price, revision rounds and delivery date are fixed in advance
- The transfer of rights is clearly documented
- They can help you with your release if you want
FAQ about ghost production
Do I need a catalogue on Spotify as a DJ?
If you want more than gigs, yes. Instagram brings attention, but fans can only watch clips there. On Spotify they can save, share and replay your music, and promoters and labels see that you have music of your own. A catalogue turns a DJ into an artist.
Is ghost production worth it if I already have followers?
Especially then. The reach is there, but without your own tracks it stays unused: people who follow you want to hear more. With ghost production you get release-ready tracks without spending months producing yourself.
Ghost production or learning to produce myself?
It depends on what you want. If you enjoy producing, Ableton coaching is the fastest way to learn it. If you want release-ready tracks quickly, ghost production is the shorter way. You can also combine both.
Is ghost production legal?
Yes. Ghost production is a commission like any other: the producer is paid and transfers the usage rights. What matters is that the buyout is clearly documented, for example on the invoice.
Can I release the track under my own artist name?
Yes, that is what ghost production is for. With the buyout, the usage rights are transferred to you and the producer is not credited. Make sure the buyout is clearly documented, for example on the invoice.
How long does a ghost production take?
It depends on the scope. At Hirte Music it normally takes two to three weeks until your track is finished.
Do I also get the stems?
With a custom production, stems should be available on request. Ask in advance what is included in the price.
Do I also get a short version for Spotify?
Yes. Every track comes in two versions: the Extended version for DJ sets and clubs and the Short version for streaming, for example Spotify.
Is mastering included?
At Hirte Music, yes: mastering is included and you receive the track release-ready.
