The Benefits Of Working With A Record Producer

My sister once said that no one in his/her right mind would ever admit that he/she is ugly (or at least to that effect). I suppose this is true. I mean who would want to be ugly? Do you? More so admitting it. Would you?

So one day my curiosity lead me to a little fun-filled, less scientific yet empirical experiment hoping to satiate my sister’s theory. True enough, those that were relatively “unattractive” – well, to me at least (and I have this insecurity too), compensate beauty on confidence – a great deal of it in fact.

But what does this have to do with music and bands?

Because many bands don’t agree that their music sucks. Many bands don’t agree that their quality of recording isn’t good enough (yet). Many bands don’t agree that the song and musical arrangement needs polishing. That the vocal tracks were badly laid in. That the guitars are louder than everything else. That the lyrics was poorly written. That the band’s album in general sounded like an Urbandub wannabe.

Many bands don’t want to hear these comments.

Why is that?

Because it most often hurts to know the truth… and my theory is that most band members have egos bigger than their heads. You probably won’t feel that in normal situations but trust me, it blows out of proportions in the studio (and on stage).

The point of what I’m driving at is that, recording a song isn’t just about putting the tracks in. It isn’t just about being part of the current band wagon and in that “popularity spectrum”. Recording is an art. It’s about putting a musical concept in print.

Recording is also about the continuous and never ending learning of your songs and your creative songwriting as well. Surely you can do this on your own. But optimizing a song’s potential is another story. Every serious band needs a record producer…

Brain Eno did U2’s breakthrough on Joshua Tree. Ric Ocasek shaped Weezer’s dorky debut album Blue. Desmond Child magically moved the world in Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet. And so on… so...

Every immortal hit song involved a record producer’s creative input.

Record producers are somewhat like music consultants and project managers for an album. They work closely with the band manager (presuming your band has one), recording engineer, the songwriters, and of course the band. If a band is about to sign a record deal, then record executives and producers transact a lot. They also keep track of logistics on time, cost, and quality.

They define and redefine the sound of a band… enhance it, reduce some, add some, reinvent some, and other creative out-of-the-box ideas they could think of. All for a good cause. It’s always for a good cause.

Ultimately, the goal is always to bring a musician’s new creation into the mainstream - or at least acceptable enough for an average listening person - hopefully to convert one purist into an avid fan. All for a good cause. It’s always for a good cause.

Another good reason why a record producer is essential in the studio is because when conflicts of ideas come, which happens inevitably by the way, he/she levels things up, stands on a neutral ground, and leads everything back on track.

Not many bands see this benefit I suppose. In my experience, conflicts in the studio can be emotionally exhausting.

But it’s all for a good cause. It’s always for a good cause.

Anyhow…

Unlike people, recorded songs cannot be equally compensated with confidence. A band may be able to pull off its act in live performances but not the record…

Never.

Why?

Because sound recordings are audio prints of concepts, ideas, philosophies, whatever intellectual field you may classify it with. That record will be played over and over again… perhaps forever if the song’s powerful enough to last that long. The best defense to everlasting enjoyment of the record is by doing things right the first time. Record producers are one of those right-things-for-you in the list. I must say there are still so many great and exciting things a record producer can do for your band or your songs. As I said if you’re serious about your music, look for that guy who can help you.

Get a record producer.

Cut a deal with him (and it doesn’t have to be monetary all the time).

Next time you do a record, work things through with someone who knows more in this field and discover what you both can do and improve on.

Lastly, when someone tells you again that your song sucks, trust that remark and be grateful someone was honest enough to tell you. In the process, this may hurt a bit but it’s actually a good sign.