More times than not, for emerging artists, production is the difference between good song and a hit. Most artists I work with are extremely gifted individuals who write and perform superb music and have a vision of what niche they compete in and what they want to achieve. Outside production assistance brings freshness, excitement, expanded possibilities, and takes the artist work to a level that they only dreamed of. I continue to receive great joy from the excitement of the artist during this process.
I have surrounded myself with some of the best musicians, arrangers, and writers in the region. Grammy awarding, national recognition, “Best in Charlotte” awards, and a long history of musical brilliance typically support their resumes. Taking the artist’s vision and combining the right talent to create magic is the producer’s job. What are the rules?
1.
The more open the song is to external interpretation, the greater the potential
of the song.
2.
All the involved musicians, arrangers, and writers are potential sources of
breakthrough production ideas, but it is not a democracy.
3.
The more the artist let’s go, the greater the reward at the end.
4.
Less can be more, but not always.
5.
Serve
the song.
But fundamentally…
There are no rules, only winning approaches.
SRP production starts with pre-production planning. The artist brings their work to the discussion and concepts and visions for the songs are firmed up. Sometimes, complete rearrangement of the song structure, adding a refrain, or adding a key change mid-song is in order. Song ideas may need to be collaboratively completed into full songs. Then again, sometimes the artist has a natural hit with winning hooks and vamps and only minor refinement is needed. The goal is to best serve the song and honor the artist’s musical vision. I strongly encourage folks not regularly recording projects to create crude scratch arrangements without regard to recording quality, learn and correct from it, and THEN re-record the project for final production. Although it seems like more effort, significant cost reduction and production satisfaction can be achieved from this.
Throughout the recording process, opportunities for segway to a more dynamic production are encouraged. Performance mistakes can become winning hooks. Brilliant supporting performances can become the main focal point of the production.
Communication is critical throughout the process. For the artist, this can be a scary ride, but in the end, an infinitely rewarding experience. I am confident that within the Gospel, Contemporary Christian, and Americana niche, SRP can create magic for you.
