Producers 101

This was taken from the Entertainment Source Library Version 3.1's
commentary booklet. It is a basic explanation of the role of the producer
in a recording project.  Written by "ESL" Editor Greg Forest and compiled for 
the Music Arts Forum by Mike Lawson.

(Used by permission Cumberland Music Group, Inc. Nashville, TN)


PRODUCER

The producer is the unsung hero of the recording industry.  There are
would-be producers in almost every band I've ever heard.  When I owned
a recording studio, very few of the artists who came in to record had
a producer.  Also, very few of the artists who came in to record ever
got a deal.  The most important service (to my way of thinking) that
a producer can offer is the ability to look at the music and its
performance from an objective point of view.  The producer not only
hears the song but also its potential.  In the quest for artistic and 
commercial success, the producer is the entity that can balance "selling
out" and "making it."

A producer does not have to be a great musician to know what great music
sounds like.  Like most other consultants, a producer does not have to
be an expert player; he merely needs to know his phone number.  Of course,
the first person an artist can blame when his recording project flops
is the producer.

A producer is a man who can wear many hats.  He is always scouting talent;
if not for rocketing to stardom, then to use on sessions for those he
is trying to move upstairs.  The producer can bring new blood and life
to monotonous arrangements.  The producer knows the market, and a good
producer tapped into the business can successfully predict trends.  This
is invaluable when an artist and his organization get serious about
commercial exploitation. Even though Phil Collins may be your favorite
artist, your producer may determine that by the time your record is due
for release, gated snare drums will be outdated.  The producer can also
be one of your greatest allies after production has ceased.  He may feel
strongly enough about your music to record a few songs on speculation.
Producers call this "spec" work.  This is because they don't "spec" to
get paid!

Choosing a producer for your project will be more difficult than choosing
another industry professional like an agent or manager.  The qualities
that make a good producer are much more difficult to quantize.  A
manager or agent is retained for their business acumen; something easily
revealed.  The producer, on the other hand, is one who is hired for his
talent more than his acumen.  In defining a great producer, you merely have
to define talent.  Good luck.