WHAT DOES A MUSIC PRODUCER DO?
By definition, a producer is the person who oversees production of the artist’s recording(s). Producers will participate in the recording/mixing/mastering process, more or less, depending on their level of experience and skill, and on the skills of the other professionals involved. Some producers have the technical expertise actually to be the sound engineer, which means they operate the equipment that records the songs as the artist performs in the studio. Some producers with musical ability may play a musical instrument on the recording and/or help the artist to write and arrange songs.
But the producer’s most important function is to coordinate the recording process. He or she directs the artist, musicians and recording technicians, while attempting to get the sound and song arrangements that the artist, producer and record label want. A successful producer once told me it’s not his job to change the artist, but to help the artist do what he does, and to do it right in three-and-a-half minutes. With that in mind, a good producer will have several traits. First, a producer with musical and technical skills can really help the production run smoothly. He or she will understand the process that both the artist and the engineer are going through and will be able to explain or demonstrate how to achieve the desired results. In fact, most great producers also are musicians, and have been, or have performed with, recording artists.
Another critical trait to look for in a producer is the ability to communicate and stay cool under pressure. Stress can run high in studio sessions. There are long days and nights, disagreements, and pressure to perform and get the right sound. Egos often clash with fatigue. Occasionally, sparks and beer bottles begin to fly. A producer must work through these problems and keep everyone calm and focused. Sometimes, this is the most difficult job of all. Of course a producer also needs to understand the business and the costs of recording. Whether the artist or the record label is paying for studio time, it is the producer’s responsibility to make sure the recording project is completed within the budget allotted. Some producers just don’t care about budget. I know one who allowed a band to spend more than $500,000 recording an album that bombed, even after the band’s previous album—recorded for less than $100,000—was successful. He’d show up late for recording sessions and allow the band to play video games while the clock was ticking. He knew that any part of the $500,000 not spent on recording would have gone into the band’s pocket, but he clearly wasn’t looking out for the band’s best interest. I’m not suggesting the he should have cut corners in the recording process, but what this producer did is irresponsible and unprofessional.
I talk a lot about how you (the artist) must be professional in all aspects of your musical career. Similarly, it is absolutely appropriate for you to demand professionalism from the so-called “professionals” you work with, including producers. They are working for you; make sure they work in your best interest. An experienced and talented producer can be critical to an artist’s success by providing guidance, a well-produced record and an innovative and new sound. The producer also can play a key role in writing the music and the songs to be recorded by the artist.
Recently, a new kind of producer has arisen in the rap, pop and hip-hop musical genres. I refer to this type of professional as a “producer of tracks.” He or she wears two hats: one as the creator of the music and one as the producer of the recording of that music. The “producer of tracks” creates and records the music. After that, the artist records vocals to go with the music. Some “producers of tracks” will help the artist to complete production of the vocals, but most will not. Instead, the artist will employ a different producer to mix the vocals with the music to obtain a final version of the song.
In any case, the producer must make sure that whatever you record captures your true sound and makes you sound as good as possible, no matter how far your career has advanced. I once represented a band that had great songs and had a huge following, based on their live performances. Unfortunately, on their first independent record deal, the label insisted that they use an inexperienced producer who was a friend of the label’s owner. Predictably, the band was not very happy with the results. After the recording was completed and mastered, the band’s singer and main writer told me that, in his view,“ those songs were lost forever.” It’s sad that those great songs now will always leave a bad impression on the band, their fans, music critics and radio stations. A producer really can make that much difference.
1) Get a referral from local artists or music-industry professionals for producers in your area.
2) Listen to popular records that match your musical genre. What stylistic elements are the same? Did the same engineer or producer work on several of these albums? Can you get a feel for the “sound” of each engineer and producer?
3) Visit Grammy.com, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) Web site. Do a search for Grammy winners in the “Producer of the Year” category. Go to the library and listen to those albums. What similarities do they share? Tell your producer what records you like the sound of.
This article is an excerpt from the e-book Music Business Made Simple: Guide To Becoming A Recording Artist which found on this site by clicking on the title of the book.
But the producer’s most important function is to coordinate the recording process. He or she directs the artist, musicians and recording technicians, while attempting to get the sound and song arrangements that the artist, producer and record label want. A successful producer once told me it’s not his job to change the artist, but to help the artist do what he does, and to do it right in three-and-a-half minutes. With that in mind, a good producer will have several traits. First, a producer with musical and technical skills can really help the production run smoothly. He or she will understand the process that both the artist and the engineer are going through and will be able to explain or demonstrate how to achieve the desired results. In fact, most great producers also are musicians, and have been, or have performed with, recording artists.
Another critical trait to look for in a producer is the ability to communicate and stay cool under pressure. Stress can run high in studio sessions. There are long days and nights, disagreements, and pressure to perform and get the right sound. Egos often clash with fatigue. Occasionally, sparks and beer bottles begin to fly. A producer must work through these problems and keep everyone calm and focused. Sometimes, this is the most difficult job of all. Of course a producer also needs to understand the business and the costs of recording. Whether the artist or the record label is paying for studio time, it is the producer’s responsibility to make sure the recording project is completed within the budget allotted. Some producers just don’t care about budget. I know one who allowed a band to spend more than $500,000 recording an album that bombed, even after the band’s previous album—recorded for less than $100,000—was successful. He’d show up late for recording sessions and allow the band to play video games while the clock was ticking. He knew that any part of the $500,000 not spent on recording would have gone into the band’s pocket, but he clearly wasn’t looking out for the band’s best interest. I’m not suggesting the he should have cut corners in the recording process, but what this producer did is irresponsible and unprofessional.
I talk a lot about how you (the artist) must be professional in all aspects of your musical career. Similarly, it is absolutely appropriate for you to demand professionalism from the so-called “professionals” you work with, including producers. They are working for you; make sure they work in your best interest. An experienced and talented producer can be critical to an artist’s success by providing guidance, a well-produced record and an innovative and new sound. The producer also can play a key role in writing the music and the songs to be recorded by the artist.
Recently, a new kind of producer has arisen in the rap, pop and hip-hop musical genres. I refer to this type of professional as a “producer of tracks.” He or she wears two hats: one as the creator of the music and one as the producer of the recording of that music. The “producer of tracks” creates and records the music. After that, the artist records vocals to go with the music. Some “producers of tracks” will help the artist to complete production of the vocals, but most will not. Instead, the artist will employ a different producer to mix the vocals with the music to obtain a final version of the song.
In any case, the producer must make sure that whatever you record captures your true sound and makes you sound as good as possible, no matter how far your career has advanced. I once represented a band that had great songs and had a huge following, based on their live performances. Unfortunately, on their first independent record deal, the label insisted that they use an inexperienced producer who was a friend of the label’s owner. Predictably, the band was not very happy with the results. After the recording was completed and mastered, the band’s singer and main writer told me that, in his view,“ those songs were lost forever.” It’s sad that those great songs now will always leave a bad impression on the band, their fans, music critics and radio stations. A producer really can make that much difference.
Things You Can Do Today To Build Your Career
1) Get a referral from local artists or music-industry professionals for producers in your area.
2) Listen to popular records that match your musical genre. What stylistic elements are the same? Did the same engineer or producer work on several of these albums? Can you get a feel for the “sound” of each engineer and producer?
3) Visit Grammy.com, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) Web site. Do a search for Grammy winners in the “Producer of the Year” category. Go to the library and listen to those albums. What similarities do they share? Tell your producer what records you like the sound of.
This article is an excerpt from the e-book Music Business Made Simple: Guide To Becoming A Recording Artist which found on this site by clicking on the title of the book.
