5 Tips for Every Record Producer

"Make sure Pre-production is done first" 

1) Don't wait until you get into a recording studio to start working on your project.

The songs, the band, and the artist should be well rehearsed. Don't pay for studio time that you don't need. Time is money so don't waste it, do pre-production first. 

2. "Get to know the artist you are working with" 

From my experience, the chemistry between the artist and producer is key to making a great song. This can make or break the vibe of a great record. so as a producer it's important to get to know your artist. Not just from a musical point of view but their personality also. Are they an introvert or an extrovert? How hard can you push them? Do you have respect for one another? Are you both focused on the same goals? Making the record the best it can be should be your main purpose. 

3. "Be a record producer, not a dictator" 

No artist wants to work with a producer who makes them feel small. It's counter-productive if you make the artist feel you know everything just because you have some notches on your belt. If you're playing "it's my way or the highway" game, in most cases you are fighting a losing battle. Artist wants to feel they are a part of the recording process and have some input on the direction the songs they are recording. 

4. "Know the song inside and out before going into the studio" 

There's nothing worse than going into a studio while you're still working on the arrangement, lyric's, structure and form of the song. This tip goes for the producer and the artist. ex. #1 I'm not a firm believer that an artist needs to have the lyrics in the vocal booth while they are singing. I believe the artist should have studied and know the lyrics of the song so well that the passion, energy, and story of the song should be the artist only focus. ex. #2 The producer should know the song so well that he knows the key of the song is tailor-made for the artist's voice, the instrumentation is exactly what he wants and the studio and the recording engineer is perfect for the song he is producing. 

5. "Handle your business before you step one foot into the studio" 

This one is super! Please, please don't wait until you're in the studio to get you're down payments for production, studio fees, musicians fees, engineering fees...etc. DON'T do anything without a contractual agreement! I recommend you higher an entertainment attorney. If you can't afford one at the time at least talked with a skilled music consultant who can help with this. 

I hope these music tips help you on your musical journey and if you need any help please feel free to reach out to me. 215 874-7142. or leave a common below. www.sowmusiconline.org Blessings on your journey. 

Grammy-nominated producer, Donald Robinson

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