Mar 11, 2025

From Beats to Breakthroughs: William Vance's Journey in Music and Writing

“What I love most about making music is that there's no real skill cap—there's always more to learn and more to experiment with. The fact that there are no exact hard rules is really cool. It's an endless, lifelong pursuit, and the more you know, the more creative you can get with what you know, which is really exciting for me."

William Vance, managing editor at Magnetic Magazine, has over twelve years of music production experience—four to five at a professional level—and has also run multiple record labels. His journey began in high school, making beats on GarageBand, and continued through college at the University of Oregon. An internship at an electronic music blog helped him merge his passion for music with writing, building key industry connections that shaped his career.

William Vance is the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine, a go-to platform for music production and dance music culture. With over twelve years of experience in music production—four to five of those at a professional level—William has also ventured into running a couple of record labels. His passion for creating music is what drives him every day. "What I love most about making music," he says, "is that there's no real skill cap—there's always more to learn and more to experiment with. The fact that there are no exact hard rules is really cool. It's an endless, lifelong pursuit, and the more you know, the more creative you can get with what you know, which is really exciting for me."

However, William's journey into music production wasn't always so clear-cut. It all started with him casually making beats on his laptop using GarageBand back in high school. He kept experimenting through college, where he was studying English at the University of Oregon. An internship at an electronic music blog allowed him to merge his growing interest in music production with his writing skills, helping him build connections that would become crucial later on.

"I kept chipping away at both writing and music production, knocking on doors, and pushing forward with the music production stuff over the next eight or nine years," he reflects. His persistence paid off when an opportunity opened up at Magnetic Magazine. "I thought, 'Hey, I'm a decent writer. I have a background in writing content for the internet, and I'm also a music producer,'" William recalls.

A few days later, he was hired, combining his two biggest passions—music and writing. Now, William spends his days making music that he enjoys, loves, and feels authentic to himself. On top of that, he's always exploring new gear and techniques as a gear reviewer at Magnetic Magazine.

William's career is a testament to the power of persistence as he emphasizes that his career hasn't been about one big break but rather a series of small, consistent steps forward. "It's been a thousand small milestones that, one degree at a time, have shaped the trajectory to where I am now," he says, describing his journey as a steady progression. This slow and steady approach has allowed him to continually push the boundaries of his creativity.

In his early years, William found inspiration in the work of other artists, often recreating the successes of those he admired. Nevertheless, as time passed, his sound evolved into something uniquely his own. "I'm able to sit down in the studio and express something that feels more organically me," he explains. "I can convey emotions and thoughts through music that feel authentic to who I am, rather than just copying templates of songs and styles that inspired me at the time." One reason his music feels so authentic now is because his career doesn't rely on the streaming success of his tracks. "I don't feel the need to chase trends to get certain opportunities or cut corners to keep up with a specific type of output or algorithmic content calendar," he says.

Balancing multiple roles—running record labels, producing music, reviewing gear, and even video gaming—might seem daunting, but William has found a rhythm that works for him. "Producing music and reviewing gear pretty much go hand in hand—they're part and parcel of each other," he says. During the day, he runs his record labels and writes product reviews. Then, after his kids are in bed, he heads to the studio. "I'm using the gear when I'm making music, so when I clock into work the next day, I can confidently and knowledgeably write about it. It's all just part of my daily life."

To keep his studio space organized and efficient, William relies on tools like Hexcal Studio. With its clever cable management system and ergonomic design, Hexcal Studio ensures that William's creative tools are always within easy reach, making his workspace both functional and inspiring. William points out, "Cable management is a big deal in music studios, and Hexcal makes it easy by providing plenty of outlets for gear, keeping cords out of sight, and maintaining a clean and tight workspace."

For William, maintaining this balance between organization and creativity is crucial. The Hexcal Studio has played a significant role in enhancing both his comfort and productivity. "Without the Hexcal Studio, there would be no way for me to have ergonomic access to all of my synths, controllers, and desk space overall. It really puts everything at shoulder height, which is exactly how I want it," he explains. The thoughtful design, including front lighting that allows him to see all the knobs and dials clearly even during late-night sessions, has transformed his studio into a well-organized, accessible space. In addition to its practical benefits, William appreciates some unexpected features of the Hexcal Studio that have made a big difference in his workflow. "The two coolest quality-of-life features that I didn't realize I needed until Hexcal provided them are the adjustable temperature and intensity of the lights and the USB power supplies," he shares. The adjustable lighting allows him to set the perfect mood for different times of the day, whether it's bright, sterile white lights for midday sessions or softer, warmer tones for late-night creativity.

Another feature that William finds invaluable is the USB power supplies, which keep his devices charged and additional ambient lighting powered. "The USB power supplies are another game-changer. I can use them to charge my phone or power some of the lower ambient lighting I have, like a little illuminated Buddha statue to the right of my studio," he says. These features have not only enhanced the functionality of his studio but also added to the overall ambiance, making his workspace a more comfortable and enjoyable place to be.

Looking ahead, William believes that investing in your creative space is just as crucial as investing in the gear itself. "The Hexcal Studio instantly leveled up my studio, my workflow, and the overall vibe of my space," he says. For those considering Hexcal products, especially Hexcal Studio, William advises prioritizing how your space can foster creativity. "A well-designed space can make the difference between short, uninspired sessions and long, productive ones."

As William continues to evolve as both a music producer and a writer, his focus remains on pushing the boundaries of his creativity. He's proof that with the right tools and mindset, it's possible to create a studio environment that not only supports but also enhances your artistic journey.

William Vance's Website:

Magnetic Magazine: Music, Culture & Gear Reviews