If you are an artist at any level ready to launch into a new recording project, you may have wondered: “In the age of Garage Band recording, Autotune correcting, and Youtube ‘How to…’ videos about everything from lawn mower repair to making ‘How to…’ videos; why do I need a producer?”
Why do you need a producer?
Well, maybe because…
- The psychological pep talk you gave yourself yesterday isn’t sounding very convincing today.
- Your [song / arrangement / playing / singing / judgement] may be a whole lot [better / worse] than you currently think it is.
- Take 1 may still be better than take 47, and if you’d only moved on 46 takes ago you could be half way through the next song by now.
- You hope someone other than you and mom will buy your music.
- You need your next release to stand above the crowd of those who thought they didn’t need a producer.
Artists and producers are not the same?
Artists and Producers are both specialists, but at different things. Each role requires a different set of talents, abilities, skills, experiences, and perspectives; and the great ones in each category probably didn’t learn it on Youtube! An established and experienced producer will bring to the table all manner of knowledge, ideas, insights, connections, procedures, and many other things that you may not even know were necessary. You have put a lot of effort and hard work into developing your craft as an artist, the same is true of the producer and his craft; and it’s the collaboration of the two that can result in something far greater than merely the sum of the parts.
Artists and Producers are both specialists, but at different things. Each role requires a different set of talents, abilities, skills, experiences, and perspectives; and the great ones in each category probably didn’t learn it on Youtube! An established and experienced producer will bring to the table all manner of knowledge, ideas, insights, connections, procedures, and many other things that you may not even know were necessary. You have put a lot of effort and hard work into developing your craft as an artist, the same is true of the producer and his craft; and it’s the collaboration of the two that can result in something far greater than merely the sum of the parts.
What exactly does a producer do?
A producer makes sure you sound your best by serving as a kind of “General Contractor” of a recording project. He allows you to focus on your performances by taking care of everything else. With your vision as his guide, he manages every aspect of the recording process, from budgets to bookings to directing the sessions to coaching you through your performances. He works very closely with you to make sure your project is completed on time, on budget, and fulfills your vision. In short, he takes care of all the hard work, freeing you to focus on being an artist and enjoying the journey.
A producer makes sure you sound your best by serving as a kind of “General Contractor” of a recording project. He allows you to focus on your performances by taking care of everything else. With your vision as his guide, he manages every aspect of the recording process, from budgets to bookings to directing the sessions to coaching you through your performances. He works very closely with you to make sure your project is completed on time, on budget, and fulfills your vision. In short, he takes care of all the hard work, freeing you to focus on being an artist and enjoying the journey.
But aren’t some artists also producers?
Sure, some artists are also fine producers, but generally not both simultaneously. Producing yourself is a lot like psychoanalyzing yourself, the one most likely to be fooled is you. An objective ear is essential to getting the most out of you and your music. Every creative person will have moments when they need someone to protect them from themselves. A producer at his best will free you to be an artist at your best and result in a project at its best.
Sure, some artists are also fine producers, but generally not both simultaneously. Producing yourself is a lot like psychoanalyzing yourself, the one most likely to be fooled is you. An objective ear is essential to getting the most out of you and your music. Every creative person will have moments when they need someone to protect them from themselves. A producer at his best will free you to be an artist at your best and result in a project at its best.
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Why do you need a producer? Because you need a great project. 
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