If the role of a record producer could be summed up in one phrase, it would be “guardian of the recording process” or simply “project manager”. Depending on your career level, this could mean any or all of the following:
Getting the Songs Together:
Helping the artist select the best songs to record, arranging these compositions, and even co-writing and composing complete songs with the artists, whether that means contributing lyrics, music, and/or well-structured beats.
Deciding on the Best Recording Approach:
Determining the best recoding approach by gathering specific considerations about the artist and musicians (like whether they’re comfortable recording with a click reference or in an isolated and more restrictive conditions).
Capturing Exceptional Performances:
Helping the artist get the most out of each studio performance… “Even to the point of frustration if necessary,” adds Geoff Emerick, producer/engineer for the Beatles, Paul McCartney, and Elvis Costello.
Balancing Egos:
Dealing strategically with the various personalities within a band to keep the environment in the studio productive and creative. Geza X, producer for Black Flag, says, “Playing the role of a record producer means being part psychologist, part babysitter, and part social engineer.”
Creating a Timeless Sound Recording:
Making sure that artist’s work sounds current in the marketplace – now, and for several years after it’s release. Stevie Wonder’s record Songs in the Key of Life, for instance, still sounds fresh and original 40 years later.
Fulfilling the Artist’s Vision:
Helping the artist bring his or her vision to life and knowing when to stay out of the way. Steve Churchyard, producer for the Pretenders and INXS, says, “As a producer, it’s my job to make the artists dream a reality and actually make it better than the dream.”
Creating a Commercially Viable Recording:
Delivering a product that can be commercially successful in the marketplace. Ed Cherney, producer for the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, says, “You’re going in to represent what the artist in doing, while at the same time keeping the marketplace in mind – hopefully making something where business and commerce and art meet at the same intersection.”
Engineering the Project:
Handling technical aspects of the project or working together with an associate engineer.
Making Magic:
Experimenting with and inventing new sounds and production techniques that can uniquely position the artist and producer as being first in the marketplace.
Balancing the Budget and Schedule:
Putting together a recording budget and making sure the recording project stays within its budget and schedule.
Taking Care of Paperwork:
Handling administrative duties associated with recording an album, such as making sure samples are cleared and filing union contracts.
From Business Basics for Musicians, (c) 2015 by Bobby Borg, published by Hal Leonard Books, an imprint of Hal Leonard Corporation. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.
