Why do I need a Producer?

A Music Producer’s sole role is to make sure you achieve your goals, and complete the Recording process happy. You need a Producer who has the experience, talent, education, and connections you don’t have, to take your music and make it the very best it can possibly be.  Often times the right chemistry between Artist and Producer is how hit songs are made.

 

 

 

Phase 1.   “Pre-Production”

The Pre-Production phase is the most important part of making a Record. It begins with Contracting Musicians, Studios, and Engineers. This is where the importance of a Producer’s Network, and ability to negotiate on your behalf set the tone of your entire Project. Who plays on your Record and where it is recorded have the biggest impact on the sound of your Music.  In this phase, the Producer also oversee’s the Song Writing, making sure all Copyrights are in order to Protect the Artist, and putting together the “Arrangement” of the song. It is in this Arrangement that the soul of a song is born, the Genré defined, charts written, and time goals set to ensure completion of your Music. Once all of the puzzle pieces are in place, we can move forward and begin Recording.

 

Phase 2.   “Tracking”

The Tracking phase is where the Magic happens. Tracking is always the most fun part of the process, and often takes the longest. It is in the Tracking phase where the Producer, Artist, Engineers, and Musicians join together to create the Artist’s vision. Recording live performances over and over, perfecting each “take” and trying to record the best sonic quality possible. Inspiration and Chemistry crash together and create excitement, sorrow, love, and anger. The Recording Studio is the Canvas where Recording Artists create their dreams. Since the Tracking phase is where all of the performers play instruments and sing, it is definitely the most important phase.  Some genrés of Music like Rap and EDM, require more programming and sequencing than when working with Recording a Band, so it is in this phase where “Tracks” or “Beats” are made.

 

Phase 3.   “Mixing”

Once a Record is finished, all songs performed, all extra “OverDub” recordings done (additional layers), and there is nothing left to capture… we begin the Mixing phase. Mixing is when the refinement happens. Mixing uses all the tricks available to make sure your Record can be the best it can be. Bass becomes floor shaking, Kicks begin to hit you in the chest, and Vocals soar on clouds of shimmering Reverb and Echos. Mixing is really fun, creative, and as it controls what is coming out of the end listener’s speakers, is the most important phase.  Once the final Mixes have been made for each song, all are in agreement the Record is complete, it is time for Mastering.

 

Phase 4.   “Mastering”

Mastering is the last step of quality control before a Record goes to Press, or is uploaded to a Digital Distributor.  Originally, Mastering was when different songs from different studios were placed side by side, and balanced in tone and volume to create a cohesive album. Mastering is also the place where important decisions are made like track order, song fade outs, cross-fades between songs, and pauses between songs are chosen. Mastering has lately become synonymous with “Loudness” as this is also where the Producer, the Artist, and the Mastering Engineer set the overall volume for the Project. The best possible scenario is to enter the Mastering phase with a clear vision of what the final project should sound like, and what music to reference during the process. Since the Mastering process is the final step before the Fans listen to the Music, it is very important for the end-users listening experience.