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What Does a Music Producer Do?
WHAT IS A MUSIC PRODUCER?
What defines a music producer and their involvement varies from producer to producer. Essentially, they oversee all aspects of the creation of a song or album. The choice of song, choice of musicians, instruments, and vocalist(s) and how it all comes together. Even where the song is recorded can play a vital role in the finished product. Like a director is to a film, the music producer is to a song. They have to be able to make split-second decisions and convey their vision of the final song to all those involved. This vision needs to be communicated to everyone (audio engineers, musicians, singers) in a manner that gets the best possible performance. The music producer needs to be able to focus on what’s going on in real-time. How each track is laid down, booking necessary studio time, and hiring session players or backup singers for the additional recording sessions as needed. This requires great communication skills as well as an excellent understanding of logistics and budgets.What does a music producer do?
It is the music producer’s job to make sure that the finished product is as good as it can be and that it meets the vision of the record label and/or the artist (as has been contractually laid out). While there’s no 100% sure way of making sure a song is a hit, making sure it has the potential to be a hit is oftentimes the producer’s domain. They have an encyclopedic knowledge of music as well as the technical expertise of the gear and they’re up to the minute on today’s formats, genres, sounds, production techniques, and all that jazz. Although it varies from person to person, producers can work the soundboard, help place microphones, or even participate as a musician, if needed. They don’t always have to be “hands-on,” though. A music producer’s job can seem as simple as sitting on the couch listening but never assume that’s easy work. If you’re just starting your music-producing career journey, it means your job is essentially to make sure that a song is well recorded and well produced. If the band and the studio are good and the recording engineer knows his/her/their job, this may not be too hard. However, if the band struggles and the engineer has trouble with the technical aspects, a producer needs to be more involved in the recording process. Simply put, there’s no simple answer to the question. If the band, singers, or engineers just can’t get it together, a music producer must get involved. Getting the vibe, energy, and sound right is subjective stuff but it’s a huge part of what the producer is trying to achieve. They need to make sure that song has the feel, the groove, and the sonics that will hopefully get people hooked. Good record producers understand every aspect of studio production and understand the creative process. They also have a very good ear and a well-rounded knowledge of how voices and instruments produce recordable sound. Can you still be a competent music producer without being able to write, arrange, or even perform music? Yes – but the job becomes much more difficult.How To Learn Music Production?
- Learn Different Genres of Music
- Grow Your Music Production Skills
- Find a Music Production Mentor
- Make the Most of Your Opportunities