Production Services:

So what is producing anyway? The producer works with the artist and is responsible for getting the best performance possible, and capturing that performance on "tape". If you are signed to a big record label then the producer is also responsible for bringing the project in on budget.

Many of the bands I work with don't have a producer, so, I usually end up providing some guidance and direction during the sessions. In these situations I try to stay out of musical decisions and song arrangements. I will suggest re-writing a lyric here and there.....maybe a tambourine overdub would be good on this...etc. etc.

On other occasions I will work much more closely with the artist and provide the services of a "real" producer. This usually means being involved with the project before we even begin the recording phase. Pre-production a very important part of the process and frequently overlooked. When hired to produce, I will spend several prep sessions with the band and their material, in rehearsal, working to make it the best it can be. This might mean a change in tempo or a different guitar lick....it might mean a re-write of the lyrics or a change in the arrangement or the key signature. I make suggestions, and, sometimes, they are embraced by the artist, while at other times they are rejected. I always keep it clear the it is your record, not mine, and you have the choice of adjusting the material or leaving it as is....... Then, during the sessions, I take over the responsibility of running the sessions, directing the work-flow and making co-decisions about what is and what is not a keeper take. This allows the artist, to simply perform and not have to think about what to needs to be organized for each days work. You will notice that almost all of your favorite artists work with a producer.

Producing is a fair amount of work, and there is a fee for this service. I will usually negotiate a slightly higher hourly rate, or a flat fee to cover the cost of my efforts. On big time record label deals the producer also gets "points" or a small percentage of the profits.