Crossword Genius

Making progress with group producing loud music and securing residency (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

flocking

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'making progress with group' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'loud music and securing residency' is the wordplay.
'loud' becomes 'f' (A musical term).
'music' becomes 'g'.
'and' means one lot of letters go next to another (I've seen this in other clues).
'securing residency' becomes 'lockin' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'g' after 'lockin' is 'locking'.
'f'+'locking'='FLOCKING'

'producing' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app