Is The Record Producer Dead?
Some people say we have been superseded by the Macbook, apparently all that is needed anymore to make a record. Whilst I applaud the capability of artists to record themselves independently of record company financing and interference, the article missed the point; it assumed that as long as you had the gear, you didn’t really need anything else. An easy enough mistake when you don’t understand what a producer does. But – IT’S NOT ABOUT THE EQUIPMENT, GUYS!!
The technical act of recording is NOT producing in itself. Record production encompasses the whole deal – from artist development to song to arrangement to studio to recording techniques to performance to mixing to mastering to marketing and often beyond…. knowing what’s the right thing to do at any given time during the process. Or at least giving the impression that you do.
Though it may be a thorny subject to some, the Home Studio Explosion is not something I have a problem with …I would have been first on the block for that when I started out. But what is overlooked – that equipment manufacturers hope you don’t realise – is that gear is no substitute for experience, and simply can’t fix everything. In fact, often the opposite is true when the marketplace urges you to buy the new Best Thing Ever which will miraculously bring those amateur recordings up to a stunningly pro standard.
Do note: The Best Thing Ever in those circumstances is to hire a producer…
But “what does a producer DO?”
Everything that DIDN’T occur to you.
Not dead yet, chaps….
8 Responses to “Fran Ashcroft asks: Is The Record Producer Dead?”
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
Follow us on Twitter 
I love that Nullatron, sorry, NULL – A – TRON, Fran! That’s just what I need to make my music sound great. Where can I buy one?
I believe I have the only living example of the Nullatron, it’s a fine alternative to the DFA button
DFA button?
Ah! Does F All?
only you, the client, can decide!!
Of course with the Wooltone valve upgrade, that’s a different animal altogether.
https://twitter.com/#!/xenaphon8
@RecordProd I think you can always use another set of ears from an outside source. When a producer is good it can make all the difference.
Wise words – the evidence to support your contention is everywhere… or more accurately isn’t everywhere. I got one of the first Null -A- Trons in the UK – works even better with the retro fit Wooltone valve upgrade
A real record producer basically carries out the ‘vision’ of the music. No matter if he’s touching the equipment or playing the keys, he has the vision of what the song should be, and he (or she) is involved with the whole process to ensure the track comes out according to the vision.
Wise words. The way I see it, for small countries, like where I am, it has not been the lack of equipment, but the lack of good producers. Love your posts Fran.