Choosing a Producer

9 June 08

Welcome to The Pier's 'Ask Weege' column. This is where the 880 South's front man and music scene veteran will be answering questions and providing tips for up-and-coming bands and musicians.

This week, Josh Zimmer (manager/booking agent) asks, 'How do you think a band should go about choosing a producer? It's easy to see what a producer has done if they are well-established, but how do you know if they are the right producer for you? It's one thing to meet with someone and agree with what they say, but it's completely different when you get down in the studio and really start working with them. How do you think you can determine if you'll share the same creative image for how the album is meant to sound?'

You never fail to amaze me with your questions Mr. Zimmer. This is a great question. I for one have only used a vocal producer once in my life and we actually self produce our music.

First off you need to make sure your band is ready to work with a producer. If this is your first stint in a studio. Then I don't recommend it.

Truthfully, if you are in a band and you are adamant about how something sounds on your album. I suggest you self-produce your album. Why pay some outsider to portray your sound that you've spent years working on? Unless you've been busting out albums left and right with light success. I just don't see the point in paying a producer royalties and getting them involved in your sound.

If you're in some kind of record deal where they have asked you to get a producer, then by all means go for it. Get a demo of 3-5 of your best songs and start shopping around. Create a nice media kit, include all of your lyrics and a solid bio. You should have an A&R at this point and I would suggest they do it for you. If you're still indie or with an indie label then I would look into other indie artists you like and then taking a look at the album credits of your favorite albums. You'll find producer names there. From there you can use the Musicians Atlas or other resources such as The Yellow Pages of Rock (published by Album Network) or The Recording Industry Source Book (published By Artistpro.com).

So you have to be certain you're ready to work with a producer. If you're still an Indie artist and you want to work with a producer there is a lot you have to figure out before hand.

Obviously their established resume of music and experience is a factor like you said. Still you have to think...what can this producer do for our sound. You have to genuinely believe in a producer and that has to be all across the board when it comes down to it. Meaning each band member needs to go, "yeah I know this cat's work in the past and I fully believe in what he can do for us."

Personally unless Rick Rubin is knockin at my door. I don't know any producer that knows our sound better than us. Still you might get lucky. The best thing to do is to communicate...as anyone would in any business or personal relationship. Lay it all out on the table before hand. Talk about your needs, what you want for this album and don't be afraid to use references and examples. If you want this album to come out feeling like another album that influenced you. Say it and make a point of it. If you want the feel of your album to be more pyschadelic or have the phatter earthy tones of 2" tape. SAY IT! One thing I've learned about being in the studio is that you have to speak honestly and if you are concerned about feelings getting hurt you'll never get anything done.

Honestly if you're in a record deal. They (being the label) are probably going to force you to choose a producer they work with or who has had recent success. That person may not be right for you. If you have an attorney (if you're in a record deal you should have one) then I suggest you negotiate a mutual medium for the label and artist. Basically you need to have a contract that says the selection of a producer has to be a mutual selection and not all in the hands of the label.

If you pick a producer make sure you know what you want. If you're willing to let it all go and let someone run with your ideas. Then express that, but be sure that you have decided to go this way with all your bandmates. If you have a vision for your new album, some kind of influence or experience...then you must negotiate this with everyone and your producer. Communication is key to everything. Don't waste time playing guessing games. Here is some great info/advice I found on Media Websource. It's loaded with a lot of information I would take into consideration. Just remember to gauge where your band is at before taking these steps. I believe there are 20 and it's a great read. Check the link out!

My advice to the young indie bands. Self produce but don't be afraid to get advice from outsiders or other musicians. Good luck!

-Weege-

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