In the music industry, the music producer has an important role in the success of an artist or a group.
Of course, the world of music is full of obstacles and pitfalls that a professional of this type will be able to help you overcome.
In this article, we will talk about the nature of this trade, the need for a good producer, and the essential criteria to choose one.
What is a music producer?
The music producer is not limited to one task.
This music professional helps you define your music, makes your titles cleaner, improves your lyrics, and advises you on your career.
Typically, he intervenes during the production of an album at different levels: preproduction, arrangements, voice, mix, mastering, etc.
Why do you need a producer?
More concretely, the advantages of hiring a music producer are numerous:
- The producer is objective: it is crucial for an artist not to be biased when making decisions. It is hard to remain impartial when talking about your own music. Having a producer at your side can help you understand how your audience will understand your music and its commercial potential in your genre.
- The producer is a guide: he knows the industry and can guide you in many areas. In short, it is more or less a mentor who will help you to go through the steps one by one by bringing a balance to your project. In addition to this, you can grow your network using this connection to bring influential or relevant people to your project.
- The producer is creative: he will bring you ideas that you would not have had without him, and that will push your project even further. The producer helps artists define a sound in harmony with their universe and the message they want to share.
- The producer produces: you have to concentrate on your music. Performing a recording is a complicated task with many internal and external factors to consider. The music producer will take care of this during the production of your album (production, calendar, team, contacts, budget, etc.) to give you maximum artistic freedom.
How to choose a producer for your musical project?
What is your objective?
First of all, before looking for a music producer, you need to know exactly what you want, both professionally and musically.
Making a list of the musical references (artists, albums, producers, titles) you have for your project will greatly help the producer understand the type of music you want and the market you are targeting.
Are you ready for your works to be in the hands of another?
It must be made clear that you will inevitably lose control of your titles if you hire a music producer.
A producer is a music industry professional who knows in principle what he does and who deserves your trust.
I’m not saying that you have to give him full responsibility for your album. We must rather define together the objectives and limits and then let him do his work freely.
Does he know your sound?
If the producer is not familiar with your existing sound identity, there is a risk that the result, once mastered, will primarily reflect the producer’s sound identity.
But this is your album and not his!
So you have to be sure that your music will be respected by the professional and that it is so recognized and influential in your musical style.
We will avoid producers who do not identify your sound identity and want to give you a different direction.
(Tip: If you’re doing gypsy jazz, do not see a hip-hop producer.)
To do this, discuss your music and try to find out more about what the producer is listening to and has already produced. It is imperative that this person understands your musical vision.
Do you hear well together?
A crucial point too often neglected. Do not sacrifice this for the sake of reputation because the agreement is a major criterion for the success of your registration.
Before you embark on this adventure, be sure that you can interact without difficulty together. Meet upstream and see if you are compatible both musically and humanly.
You need to be able to give him all your confidence and be able to communicate with him at any time. It’s this comfort that will make the difference on your next album.
What is your budget?
There are all kinds of producers. More or less famous, more or less expert in your style, and more or less expensive.
So ask yourself the right questions:
- Is reputation a priority for you? If you want to work with Rick Rubin, Jay-Z, or Quincy Jones, it’s going to be very, very expensive.
- Are you ready to pay this price?
- What is your budget dedicated to production?
The ideal would be to have the financial resources adapted to the scope and ambition of your registration.
When we start, it is obvious that we will favor friendly contact and skills rather than a big name. And it’s not worse.
Conclusion
You now know why and how to find a good music producer for your project.
In the end, there is nothing better than having an impartial, professional, and motivating opinion to advance in your career, so consider this option for your next registration.
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