Amateur musicians working with a producer

[mr.zero]

My band is set to record our first full lenght (with the money mostly coming out of our own pockets, which is sort of the norm in the scene we are part of) this year and we have gotten in touch with a producer who has made some name for himself nationally and produced some albums we like. Also he is willing to work with us within reasonable price range, so we are pretty excited.

We also feel that we really need a producer - as a band we have always lacked strong leadership (we are one of those 'democratic' bands) and a clear vision.

We are having a pre-production session next weekend, to smooth out things in the studio. I am foreseeing a bit of an emotional weekend, since as a band we are not very used to dictatorship - but that's what we are paying the man for.

Any tips from TBassers with similiar experiences behind themselves?

[TRichardsbass]

When you sit with the producer you must make sure he understands your vision and sound. You chose him for a particular style and sound, so expect your stuff to lean in that direction.

Also, get ready to do a billion takes. No booze, drugs or sleeping.

He probably won't be the dictator you think. Just relax and have fun. Make sure you read the contract carefully, as he will definitely have some residual and mechanicals in it.

tom

[Fridge123]

Originally Posted by TRichardsbass

Make sure you read the contract carefully, as he will definitely have some residual and mechanicals in it.

This.

Ultimately he should not be taking any of the copyright, no matter his input. Make certain that this is agreed with up-front otherwise you could be out of pocket later. His payment comes in the form of the fee you are paying him, not a percentage at the other end.

Also, when leaving, make certain to clean his hard-drive of all the masters of your recordings. It sounds like a bit of a dick thing to do, but relying on trust has kicked many a musician in the balls.

[bassbrad]

Pre production preparation is the key, have all the tunes and parts exactly the way they're wanted before you burn studio time, have all your gear in tip top shape strings and set up. Establish boundaries and learn the lingo to communicate with the producer and engineer. Have an open mind to suggestions and questions and new techniques or methods.
Have fun!

[geddeeee]

A producer is there to guide you. It is YOUR music... An experienced head is always good to iron out any potential pitfalls.
A producer's job is get the best out of you.

Above all, as has been said.. Have fun!!!!

[marmadaddy]

Originally Posted by Fridge123

This.

Ultimately he should not be taking any of the copyright, no matter his input. Make certain that this is agreed with up-front otherwise you could be out of pocket later. His payment comes in the form of the fee you are paying him, not a percentage at the other end.

Also, when leaving, make certain to clean his hard-drive of all the masters of your recordings. It sounds like a bit of a dick thing to do, but relying on trust has kicked many a musician in the balls.

I'll second this one. One project I was involved in had a producer after everything is mixed come up with "my contributions warrant at least 20% of the copyright."

Found out later that it was a standard tactic of his with acts he thought he could intimidate.

The role of "Producer" is very nebulous. Sometimes they're just a project manager who keeps things on schedule, sometimes they're a full creative partner. Usually they're somewhere in the middle. It's best to have it defined up front where that middle will be.

Ask if they'll be working with an engineer they've used before. That can make a huge difference. The producer's relationship with the engineer can be as important as their relationship with you.

[mr.zero]

Thanks everyone!

A few replies in case you are worried:

The copyright and payment side is as you adviced - so no worries there.

We will be working in his studio with him or his house engineer, so in that regard things should go smoothly.

And we are planning on havin fun, don't you worry!

[WhiteKnuckles]

The best piece of advice I can give for anyone working with a 'producer' is not to be too attached to the way a song was written.

If they suggest a change to a note or arraignment...be willing to explore it and see how it goes. You have to remember that a good producer is hearing your songs primarily as an educated listener.

[MNAirHead]

do your own concept and scratch tracks.. then see what the producer can mix them into.

[iamtara]

I was once dreamed of becoming a procedure like Bradley Spalter. I guess that will be a wish from my childhood.