Ghost Production in Electronic Dance Music
In EDM, ghost production means a producer creates a track that’s released under another DJ/artist’s name, usually under an NDA. It’s legal when contracts define ownership, and it’s far more common tha
Introduction
Ghost production has long existed in the EDM industry, yet it remains one of its most misunderstood practices. As touring schedules, branding pressure, and release frequency increase, many DJs rely on behind-the-scenes producers to keep up with demand.
Direct Answer: What is a Ghost Production?
A ghost production is music produced by someone who agrees not to be publicly credited (often via NDA), while the releasing artist markets and performs the record. UKF’s interview with an anonymous ghost producer describes the day-to-day reality of this work and why anonymity is central to the deal.
What does ghost production mean in practice?
Most deals fall into two buckets:
• Work-for-hire buyout: one-time fee, buyer owns the master (common in marketplaces).
• Credit/royalty split: producer appears in credits and receives publishing/master points (more “co-production” than ghosting).
Is ghost production legal?
Yes—when the agreement is clear. Legal risk usually comes from messy credit, ownership, or split disputes, not from the concept itself. Billboard’s reporting on the Alok/Sevenn dispute shows how conflicts can escalate when collaborators claim missing credit or compensation
How common are ghost producers?
Very common across the spectrum—from beginners who can’t produce yet to headliners who prioritize touring and branding. The EDM overview on Wikipedia) even has a dedicated section noting ghost production as part of the scene’s production ecosystem
Expert insight from EDM Ghost Production
From our experience (EDM Ghost Production), the real “ethical line” isn’t outsourcing—it’s fair terms and clarity: who owns what, what’s included (stems/project files), what’s confidential, and what happens if a label asks for credits.
If you’re exploring ready-made options, start here.
Key takeaways
• Ghost production = uncredited production under contract.
• It’s legal with proper agreements.
• It’s common in EDM, but transparency and fair compensation matter.
