Becoming a Music Producer: Working with the Artist

So think you're ready to put your skills to the test and produce you're first song with an artist? Now is as good a time as any to jump head first into the producing game by working with a artist, it doesn't matter what kind of genre, just as long as you run the setup.

Working with an artist sometimes can be rather difficult because you're not just working with your own opinions. You have to include the input of the artist about their song in order for things to run smooth. There is nothing worst than a producer that wants to be in charge and run everything without the feedback of the artist. Remember this is THEIR song and they should have equal input when you're recording. Many producers run their clientele off by trying to be controlling when it comes to the control boards. Just as a word of advice, make everything 60/40 with the artist having 40% feedback.

Before recording any song with an artist find out what that artist's capability is. Once you know this you might have more of a detailed image in your mind how you want to portray the song or the artist doing the song. Basically, know who you're dealing with or the song with be a complete disaster. Also when recording, have the artist try different methods of singing or rapping. As always though, when you record, don't add the effects until after, focus on doing a "clean" recording job with no effects. Effects can always be added at another time during the mix down process. However; if you want to add in some real-time effects just to see what it sounds like with the artist, by all means experiment away.

Another important tip is to always make the artist feel comfortable in your studio. An artist performs best when they are comfortable in their surroundings. So have things such as room temp drinks, chairs, fans and maybe even a couple snacks on hand. Little things such as that could keep an artist coming back to spend money with you, trust me. Get as much material out of the artist as possible as you will have more of a selection to work from. Don't just do the amount of tracks you need, do extra because you can always compose other mixes with the artist's vocals. Bottom line, adapt to the artist and they will in return adapt to you.

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