RECORD PRODUCTION

RECORD PRODUCTION 

What is a record producer?

A record producer is someone who oversees and manages the record making process (the “production”), from rehearsals and recording, to final on-time delivery of master recordings.

The producer supervises the entire process from pre-production through mixing and mastering. A producer may also have roles that include gathering ideas for the project, co-writing, selecting songs and musicians, coaching the performances in the studio, performing on the record, and guiding musical arrangements.

The record producer’s role

The scope of responsibility may be one or two songs or an artist’s entire album – in which case the producer will typically develop an overall vision for the album and how the various songs may interrelate.

Producers’ roles vary as to their degree of involvement in the various areas of the production process, but the overall production goal is to create a well-presented, solid arrangement of the song or album, while capturing the essence of the artist delivering their most compelling performances.

Sean has been making great recordings for years but, around the same time I got my falsetto back and started writing a lot of songs, he found a new tone, or a new way to tune his recording room. All of a sudden his mixes became something really special. And I think it’s kind of hard to put your finger on any one thing; it was just a natural progression and Sean’s now found a place that’s almost like a sweet spot. I’m very lucky; I know that. Everything sounds really good and the production has a lot to do with how the songs are presented, for sure. ~Pat Travers

Producing Black Canvas

How do I produce an artist’s record?

Normally I get a demo of the songs from the artist or management, and I listen to it and try to get a sense of what the artist is about. I get involved in preproduction sessions for arrangement-level work, strengthening parts and working hooks, then I take the artist into the studio and record the song(s).

I try to capture as much of the track live as possible, then other parts are added in (overdubbed). Once we get the best takes and all the parts are recorded, I finish any audio production editing and effects, add session musicians if needed, and mix the record. Once the mixes are done, the record is mastered.

For some records, I am responsible for producing only one part of the record. It might be the guitar tracks, drum tracks, or vocal production, where I produce the tracks and they get imported back into the original sessions.

Producing Autumn Rae Shannon

Experience Makes a Difference

Hiring a producer is an important decision.  Without the aid of a producer, the artist may miss the mark and fall short of their goals by winging it themselves.  They may miss arrangement opportunities and fail to maximize the emotion and impact from the recordings, and it is important to make a great first impression. The listener can tell the difference between a demo and a well-produced record, even if they can’t describe what it is that they are hearing.

While some artists certainly can produce themselves, most successful records use an experienced team.

I wouldn’t trust my vocals to anyone else! ~Rob Rock

Producing Pat Travers

Producer Services Include:

  • Arrangement-level guidance in pre-production
  • Supervision of tracking and mixing the final arrangement
  • Production in mixing if necessary (tuning, sound replacement, effects, etc.)
  • Project-level guidance through completion of final master
Producing Bittenbender

Sean has over 30 years of professional experience and a University Degree in Music Production. Request a quote for having Sean produce your music HERE.