Many steps are involved in making a great recording. Let’s go over the items needed in a successful recording project.
1. Choose a good producer. A good producer has more in mind than just the amount of money he/she can make on a project. They will be interested in what you can afford, what material works for you and your program, as well as making sure all the elements of a project come together.
2. Decide on a project budget, and stick with it. Can I afford to hire musicians for my project, or should I hire a musician who is talented with MIDI, and can produce tracks at a significant savings. OR should I incorporate both musicians and MIDI tracks, which produced properly will give the sound of a live band. Also, what kind of studio can I afford, and how many CD’s do I produce that not only allows me to recoup my investment, but make money for the next project.
3. Choose material. If you have the gift of songwriting, get feedback from your producer regarding the quality of your material. You may be just starting out as an artist, perhaps your tunes aren’t quite there yet. Don’t rely solely on the opinion of family and friends, they can be a bit too biased in your favor. That may make you feel great, but invite disaster when choosing material. And while you’re at it, get those mechanical licenses if you’re recording someone else’s song.
4. Work with your producer to get arrangements that fit you and your style. Don’t try and copy the latest “Big hit” by another artist, strive to find songs that fit the message your trying to convey, while still remaining commercial. A good producer will be honest with you, and help you reach your goals. Perhaps the producer is not an arranger, not all are, so then he/she can direct you to a good arranger.
5. Get your basic tracks recorded. Either with MIDI or with a live band, get those basic tracks down, usually with a “scratch” vocal that will be replaced.
6. Practice with those basic tracks. Be ready to record before you go into the studio to do those final vocals. You’ll not only get a better performance, you’ll save time in the studio, which will save money!
7. Listen to your producer. You hired that person because of their track record and ability, lean on them. Keep in mind, a good producer wants your project as good as it can be, their name is on the CD also!
8. Get the final touches added: Back-up vocals, orchestrations, additional instrumentals all go into a great recording. Your producer knows best what to add.
9. Mixdown. Again, rely on your producer. This is how they make a living, and they should not be biased for or against one instrument or vocal part. They “hear” the entire finished mix, not just one or more parts.
10. Produce those CD’s. Get pros to handle photos, and layouts. First impressions count, and not only do you need good songs, good vocals, etc., you need a good looking finished product.
That’s a real quick list of the items needed for a great project. Of course, this happens to be what I do! My experience goes back over 37 years, working with artists such as Evie Tornquist Karlson, The Original Couriers, Dave Boyer, Doug Oldham, Jimmy Fortune. (Statler Brothers) Handling duties from arranging to playing to producing. Give me a call for any and all questions! 615-995-2284.
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Written: 01/02/2012
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Category: Jeff Duffield
Comments: 1
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If You Are Planning To Put Your Recording Project In The Hands Of One Individual (Producer) You Must Check Out This Person Very Thoroughly,Including Talking To Artist Who Have Worked With This Producer And Have Personal Knowledge Of Their Abilities And End Results!
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