Music Production

[Nightwolf55]

What does it take to be a great music producer? Many bands/musicians use a producer to "oversee" their project. I'm sure that the said band members understand music theory, and working together, which is why I think music producers do more than that.

Do music producer, for example, try to get their signature "imprint" on a project? Does it all depend on the producer that's being discussed?

In the world of hip hop, the term "music producer", refers to the person that makes the hip hop beat, and also, tries to figure out what's best out of the said rapper, when it comes to recording. Another example, maybe Ross Robinsion. For those familiar with his production of nu metal, he definately brings a recognizable signature sound from different bands where you can tell that he produced it. James Brown was also a producer, though, at the same time, the singer of his music.

Anyhow, I wanted to know what ya'll think. I'm a little interested in music production.

[TheVoiceless]

Well,

The word "producer" gets thrown around a lot. Basically they are the overseer of the album being recorded. At the highest level a producer will do everything from scheduling studio time, to playing music on the recording. They make sure deadlines are met and make sure that the album is of a certain quality. They also can engineer, but usually have assistants for that.

Honestly it is a very mysterious job. Rick Rubin has been known for a very hands off approach (so I've read, wish from personal experience). Others are known for being control freaks. I've heard stories about Jason Suecof going missing for hours and the musicians standing around waiting for him. I've heard of Producers making sure the musicians had drugs. So I would say that when choosing a producer one sizes does not fit all.

Its really a weird position. You need to be a jack of all trades.