What is a producer and do I need one?

The role of a producer is often either not even considered or is misunderstood, especially among those who are new to recording. We will rip away the shroud and give you some insight as to what a producer is, and how a seasoned producer can make all the difference on your recording.

What is a producer? In a nutshell, the producer is the person who is responsible for taking your artistic vision and making sure that is what is on the finished product. The producer makes many decisions which are based on two fundamental things:


1. Taking the artists’ vision and making it a reality


2. Years of experience listening to music and making decisions. These decisions include; knowing when the artist has achieved a great performance (or when a series of performances has been recorded that can then be compiled to make one outstanding performance), knowing when this has not yet been accomplished, knowing how to motivate the artist to get the best performance, and knowing when it’s time to take a break and let everyone either listen to the music or just rest their ears.

If you want to produce your own material, whether you’re a single artist or a group, one person needs to be making most of the minute to minute decisions. It cannot be stressed enough that you will spend vast amounts of money in any studio if you don’t have a plan for the producer. This is not to say that there can’t be discussion in the studio, but a producer should be selected (usually the person who can both interact well with each member and has the most knowledge of the material).

A word about pre-production: Pre-production is when you have the songs listed, in order of importance to the project (unless you have an unlimited budget), charts made, rehearsals completed, song arrangements made, and basically know what you want before you get to the studio. Hearing the finished project in your head, before the recording has even started, is essential for any producer.

A possible problem with a producer who is also playing an important role in the band is the splitting of attention. Since the producer has to hear everything all at once then this creates problems for the artist, or band member, who is trying to be an artist and a producer at the same time. While it can be accomplished it is difficult, even for seasoned musicians.

After reading the above It should be apparent that a producer must be selected. In our experience it’s often best to hire a producer who is not a member of the band. Someone who can be objective about the music, be willing to have the band, or individual member, repeat a part until it’s been performed correctly, and can direct the overall session.

Producers now how to get the sound out of your head and onto the finished project, they provide a very comfortable and unforgettable experience for the musician/band to work with. Being relieved of the duties of production allows the artists to do what they do best…..create art.

Who will produce your project is totally up to you but please consider the following: Do you want to be responsible for being the artist as well as the producer, thus complicating your job immensely, or would you rather have a seasoned producer extract your artistic vision and make sure it is what ends up on the final product?

Recording a CD

In this series of blog posts I will go through the steps in making a CD. There’s quite a bit to it and my personal approach is fairly methodical. I hope you will find the blog educational as well as a tool that might help you in preparing to record your own project. The topics we will cover, for the most part, are in chronological order, although the first topic, “What Is A Producer?”, is a frequently asked question and I would like to go over it first so you can decide if you will be producing your music or if you want to hire the job out to a professional.
Other topics will include:

• Gathering material
• Rehearsing
• Preparing for the recording
• Should you make a demo to present a label or record a finished product by yourself?
• Choosing a studio
• Scheduling time in the studio
• What to expect in the studio
• Making the most out of your time in the studio
• Tracking (stacking tracks), Overdubbing, and Recording Live. Which is right for you? Maybe one or a combination of 2 or more?
• Editing
• Vocal Tuning
• Mixing
• Mastering
• Cover design
• Manufacturing

Please feel free to comment or ask questions.

John Hartford Stringband Grammy nod!!

The John Hartford Stringband - Memories Of John has been nominated for a Grammy in the upcoming 2011 Grammy show!!!

The project, was recorded in an attempt to help in the effort to keep the music and memory of the extra-ordinary John Hartford alive and well. Given its reception and the number of fans on the official Facebook page it seems to be having that effect.

Produced by Chris (who also plays guitar throughout the CD and sings 2 songs), tracked and mixed by David, and using mostly gear from Studio 607 the project was great fun and we are proud to have been able to record it!!

Below is the official press release:

We are “tickled to death” (as John would say) to announce that the John Hartford Stringband’s CD, MEMORIES OF JOHN (Red Clay/Compass Records) is nominated for a Grammy in Category 68: Best Traditional Folk Album. The album includes the Stringband—Bob Carlin, Matt Combs, Mike Compton, Mark Schatz and Chris Sharp—with guests Alison Brown, George Buckner, Bela Fleck, Tim O’Brien, Alan O’Bryant and Eileen Carson Schatz, as well as very special guest John Hartford himself. 2011 is the 10th anniversary of John Hartford’s passing, and it would be especially poignant for John and his family for the Stringband to be honored with a Grammy.



“John Hartford is now in the clouds, but his spirit can rest easy. His friends have honored his memory in the best possible way. They have created a remarkable album that breaks new ground while exploring the music of a legend.”—Countrychart.com

For more information, or to order your copy, please visit: http://www.johnhartfordstringband.com

Thanks to everyone!!!