Start / ProducerHead / 034 the problem with potential behind the scenes of successful systems feat cryptic one

034. The Problem with Potential: Behind The Scenes of Successful Systems | feat. Cryptic One

58 min • 28 maj 2025

Here's the uncomfortable truth: You don't rise to your potential—you fall to the level of your systems.

What if I told you that the difference between producers who consistently release music and those who struggle with creative blocks isn't talent—it's systems?

In Part 2 of our conversation with Cryptic One, the legendary underground hip-hop producer behind Atoms Family drops some serious knowledge about the psychology of creative success. This isn't your typical "just hustle harder" advice. This is battle-tested wisdom from someone who's been making beats since 1989 and never stopped.

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Episode Timeline:

00:00 - Intro

00:58 - The Power of Systems and Habits

06:13 - Overcoming Fear and Embracing Vulnerability

12:13 - The Importance of Repetition and Depth

19:07 - Navigating Fear in Creativity

25:45 - Quick Hits and Favorite Albums

33:58 - Revisiting Influential Music and Podcasts

36:02 - The Impact of Music Purchases

39:46 - Overcoming Procrastination in Music Production

42:29 - The Never-Ending Journey of Music Production

48:27 - The Abundance Mindset in Music

51:39 - Advice for Aspiring Musicians

52:43 - The Therapeutic Nature of Music

References & Resources Mentioned:

Full list of References and Resources provided at ProducerHead.substack.com

Connect with Cryptic One:

*YouTube: @CrypticOne

*Instagram: @cryp_uno

*Facebook: Cryptic One

*Spotify: Cryptic One

*Apple Music: Cryptic One

*Website: The Crypt

Connect with Toru:

*Instagram: @torubeat

*YouTube: @torubeat

*Spotify: Toru

*Apple Music: Toru

Support ProducerHead

If you value ProducerHead and want to support the show, consider a premium subscription (just $6 per month). For less than a plug-in, you can directly support and grow the show while keeping the core content free for everyone.

Subscribe at ProducerHead.substack.com

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032. The Art of Creative Sustainability with Mark de Clive-Lowe

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031. Bold Enough To Be Yourself: Mark de Clive-Lowe, Part 1

030. Break All The Rules

029. Part 1: Getting Out Of Your Head And Into Your Body with Dan Giffin (Philia)

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028. Part 2: Inside the Producer's Studio: jacuzzi jefferson on Creative Process & Production Magic

ProducerBars 001: The Mentorship Triangle: Finding Your +1, -1, =

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026. Gnarly Part 2: Trying To Be MY Best, Not THE Best

025. Gnarly, Part 1: Finger Drumming Helped Me Escape From a Bad Place

024: Cryptic One Sample: Creatively Overcome Your Impostor Syndrome

023. jacuzzi jefferson Sample: Relentless Creation and Ceasless Releases

022. Dustyn Hiett, Founder of vvundertone, Part 2: Pushing Sonic Boundaries, Music Philosophy, and the Future of vvundertone

021. Dustyn Hiett, Founder of vvundertone, Part 1: Crafting Authentic Soundscapes with Analog Warmth and Digital Precision

020. Greg David, Part 2: Finding Balance, Collaboration, and the Power of Live Performance

019. Greg David: From Loops to Live Takes, Mixing, Dynamics, and Rediscovering the Magic of Music

018. Shrimpnose: Shame Is Not A Constructive Emotion, Harnessing Emotions To Develop Creative Freedom, and the Art of Juxtaposition

017. ProducerHead Samples: Birocratic on Building Genuine Relationships and Embracing the Unexpected

016. Brian Funk: How To Use Your Day Job To Your Advantage. Why You Should Have A Website. How To Produce, Relax, and Avoid Burnout.

015. Brian Funk - How To Create Constraints And Expand Creativity.

014. Chenoa Tarin - Part 2: Be Competent And Kind. Ignore What Is Correct. Make What Is True To You.

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011. Part 1: Do Less: Making Better Decisions Instead Of More Decisions, Compassionate Discipline, Expanding Your Perspective on Productivity, And Defining Your Own Success | feat. Ian Ewing

010. Part 2: Success Is Not About Being The Best, Pressing Your Own Vinyl, The Art Of Saying No, and The Three Areas Of Work As An Artist | feat. Metic

010. Part 1: The Relationship Between Quality and Quantity, How To Develop Your Sound, And Negotiating Contract Terms | feat. Metic

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009. Part 1: Life After Being Signed, Operate From A Place Of Truth, The Sadness That Comes With Achivement, and What Is "Enough" Encouragement? | feat. Nothing_Neue

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007. A Grammy Winning Mastering Engineer Shares The Simple Truth About Mastering For Producers.

006. Lessons Learned From MF DOOM, Keys to Confidence, and How To Collaborate With Purpose

005. It Isn't The Platforms That Connect Us, But The Music. Learning Through Releasing Your Work And Connecting With Your Community.

004. The Shortcut Is The Work: The Truth About What’s Blocking Your Progress. And, The Overlooked Component of Consistency.

003. Part 2: The Impact of Social Media on Artistic Identity, Turning Small Projects into Big Projects, and Using Self-Doubt for Good.

003. Part 1: How To Cure Impostor Syndrome, The path to quality runs through quantity, and Earning a Billboard Plaque.

002. How To Sell Out and Be Yourself. The development of your self-awareness as a tool to find success as an artist.

001. The Truth About Working For Free and Life In The Age Of The Algorithm: Release Strategies for Spotify, Getting Playlisted, and Training Your Ears

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