Whos is your favorite current Producer?

[sixer2007]

From what I notice in listening to music that rarely hits the radio, a band's first album is often times my favorite. They're raw, powerful, full of emotion and just simply cool. They're creative. Then ALWAYS, by the third album the band just sucks and sounds like all the other BS that is popular today. Produced to hell and back. I hate it.

 

[RAMI]

John Leslie.

 

[grimtraveller]

The OP is a fascinating one though, because it brings into sharp focus the question - how much of the finished product is down to the producer ? How much responsibility should Kit Lambert take for "Tommy" or Derek Lawrence for "Argus" or the variety of producers on Laurnea's "Betta listen" ?

 

[gecko zzed]

When others come to be recorded, there are two main roles I can assume.

The first is simply to engineer for them. They are in charge of their musical direction and artistic treatment of their material, and I am there just to press the buttons and make stuff come out the other end. That's fine by me.

The second is when they come to record but also seek help with treatment, in which case they can engage me as engineer and producer. I will work through with them to see how they can make the most of their material.

Throughout my listening-to-music history, I never paid any attention to who produced what. I was only interested in whether I liked it or not. Nevertheless, there are particular production techniques that have insinuated themselves into my brain, and which are now echoed in the way I approach recording.

But here's the thing. Though I paid scant attention to producers in the past (and not even now), I want to be recognised as a producer rather than just as an engineer. I know that some people regard producers as being little more than highly-paid interferers, But that is way too much of a generalisation, and belongs in the same category as saying that all live engineers suck.

Most professionals that I know (doctors, mechanics, architects etc) take pride in doing work and work closely with their assorted clients and customers to get the best result. Producers, in my view, are no different.

 

[miroslav]

I want to be recognised as a producer rather than just as an engineer.

A good producer will help an artist realize their vision...or in many cases, assist them in finding it.
Some artists/bands are good at producing themselves, but it's too easy to end up in the same place over and over.
A producer is a fresh set of ears, someone who can see/recommend options and help you define your goal, and unlike an engineer who is there to give you the sounds you want, a producer helps you with seeing/finding the big picture...'cuz without that, it's kinda hard to tell the engineer what sounds you want.

It's no surprise that some of the biggest names often want to work with a producer...they want that fresh set of ears and someone without the preconceived notions of how it's going to be.

 

[dreib]

A good producer will help an artist realize their vision...or in many cases, assist them in finding it.
Some artists/bands are good at producing themselves, but it's too easy to end up in the same place over and over.
A producer is a fresh set of ears, someone who can see/recommend options and help you define your goal, and unlike an engineer who is there to give you the sounds you want, a producer helps you with seeing/finding the big picture...'cuz without that, it's kinda hard to tell the engineer what sounds you want.

It's no surprise that some of the biggest names often want to work with a producer...they want that fresh set of ears and someone without the preconceived notions of how it's going to be.

Well said, I also think that artists like/need to be challenged to step out of their comfort zone, to be pushed to a new level, I think that is very important. It would seem to me that a musician that flat out refuse's to use a producer may be insecure and would probably benefit most from having one.

 

[Greg_L]

I see it the other way. Artists or bands that rely on producers are lost and insecure and don't know who or what they are.

I think artists/musicians that want to work with specific producers do it for one reason: sales. It has nothing to do with fresh ears or vision or any of that fantasy nonsesne. It's about who's name can we put on this record to get us more sales. That's the way I see it.

 

[miroslav]

I'm sure some of the biggest names in music would disagree with you since they all use producers regularly...but you're free to have that opinion.

I've never worked with a producer on my music...but have done it for some other folks.
I would be blown away to have someone like T-Bone Burnett come produce for me. I don't think that artists like The Wallflowers, Alison Krauss, Robert Plant, and the late Roy Orbison called him up 'cuz they felt "lost and insecure".

But personal opinions aside...the reality is that if you are a nobody, and you get a record deal opportunity with some major lable...be prepared to have a producer in the studio with you.
They ain't going to drop serious recording cash on a newcomer unless he/she has a LOT to show going in and a proven track record of making the right studio decisions with pro/commercial product.
I just think it's always a great learning experience hearing a pro's opinion about something that you are working on...hearing about what they are hearing in your music.

I had a couple of opportunities in the past where someone wanted to play one or two of my tunes with their band....just local stuff...and it was very interesting and cool to hear their version. They came up with an alternative production that I never even considered.
That's all a producer does.
That said...not every producer is right for every/any artist, and there have been cases where the initial producer was fired/changed/etc because the production was going down the toilet....so just having a producer doesn't guarantee anything. Ideally, you want to first gel with the producer before you get going with the recording sessions.

 

[CrowsofFritz]

George Martin is my favorite. Some would say he's the fifth Beatle! And I would have to agree.

 

[Greg_L]

I'm sure some of the biggest names in music would disagree with you since they all use producers regularly...but you're free to have that opinion.

Yup, and I will. Shame on me for not caring what the "biggest names in music" do. I'm sure they appreciate your support though. It's easy to just think and say whatever's safe and go along with everyone else. I understand that producers are thrust on to people without them having any say so. Labels, marketing departments, etc take the control away from the bands. That doesn't mean I have to like it, or blindly go along with it just because "the biggest names in music" do it. That's just the way I see it. Naturally, you will see it differently.

 

[miroslav]

I think artists/musicians that want to work with specific producers do it for one reason: sales. It has nothing to do with fresh ears or vision or any of that fantasy nonsesne. It's about who's name can we put on this record to get us more sales. That's the way I see it.

Yeah...but if like you, no one pays any attention at who produced the record....why/how would that impact sales?

Heck...I may know that T-Bone Burnett produced the Wallflowers, but I doubt the majority of Wallflowers fans bought the record because of T-Bone Burnett.

Producers aren't IMO something the buying public pays much attention to...but it is what the artists who chose them pay attention to, and in many cases they pick a specific producer based on the sound/style they are going for.
At least many have said so in countless post-production articles...some even go so far as to give the producer honorary band member recognition because they realize how much that producer made a difference for their project.

That's what U2 did with Danial Lanois (another producer I would love to work with)....they even brought him on tour and introduced him as the 5th member.
Look at the Eno/Bowie relationship...there's a tone of Eno in the stuff he worked with Bowie on...but I bet most of the buying public only has a marginal awareness of Eno....probably more from his own work than his role as a producer.
And speaking of Bowie...his work with producer Tony Visconti is top-shelf and all over many Bowie records...but I bet few people bought Bowie records because Tony Visconti's name was in the liner notes.


Anyway....if the album kills, the producer is a GOD in the eyes of the artist...
...if it sucks, they blame the engineer...
...and he blames the mastering engineer!

 

[Greg_L]

Yeah...but if like you, no one pays any attention at who produced the record....why/how would that impact sales?

Who said that anyone is like me? I'm pretty sure I'm the opposite of most people.

 

[miroslav]

Yup, and I will. Shame on me for not caring what the "biggest names in music" do. I'm sure they appreciate your support though. It's easy to just think and say whatever's safe and go along with everyone else. I understand that producers are thrust on to people without them having any say so. Labels, marketing departments, etc take the control away from the bands. That doesn't mean I have to like it, or blindly go along with it just because "the biggest names in music" do it.

Nevermind Greg...you obviously want to turn it into another argument.

You know best...the countless artists out there that have made it and work with producer all the time...they don't.

 

[Greg_L]

Nevermind Greg...you obviously want to turn it into another argument.

You know best...the countless artists out there that have made it and work with producer all the time...they don't.

I'm not arguing. I don't argue with you. I don't take your bait. I'm just giving my own viepoint. You're the one trying to dismiss it, as you always do because you simply can't help it. Greg says something, miro comes along to say the exact opposite.

 

[miroslav]

Who said that anyone is like me? I'm pretty sure I'm the opposite of most people.

I'm sure you are....

...but I do believe that most people are actually like you when it comes to caring who the producer was on an album....at least not enough to use it as part of their buying decision.

Honestly...I never heard anyone say they were mainly buying an album because so-&-so produced it.
Have you?

 

[miroslav]

I'm not arguing. I don't argue with you. I don't take your bait. I'm just giving my own viepoint. You're the one trying to dismiss it, as you always do because you simply can't help it. Greg says something, miro comes along to say the exact opposite.

Greg...you have issues....you really think it's all about you.


Have a nice day.

Over and out.

 

[Greg_L]

My opinion is all about me. That's why it's called an opinion. No need to be insulting, moderator.

 

[Greg_L]

It's nothing personal miro. We just disagree, as usual. Don't take it personally or make it personal.

Peace buddy.

 

[miroslav]

Well said, I also think that artists like/need to be challenged to step out of their comfort zone, to be pushed to a new level, I think that is very important. It would seem to me that a musician that flat out refuse's to use a producer may be insecure and would probably benefit most from having one.

Yes...I agree.
It's too easy to just keep doing what we are use to doing or what works for us in our environment...so most people don't like having someone come along and say..."No, don't use that "box"...just try it this way."
Even just working with other musicians, it's kinda the same as working with a producer. You are exchanging ideas, trying out someone else's suggestions, etc....though with a full band...sometimes it is the different band member ideas that become a competition, with each member pushing theirs...a good producer can step back and help them come together and end up with a finished product.
Look at the Beatles in their last efforts...if it wasn't for George Martin...they might never have gotten through the productions.

Sure, it can be very unnerving having someone doing that, but if you accept the challange...even if it maybe pisses you off a bit that you are being pulled out of your comfort zone...you can often end up with a while new idea/SOP about something you never would have tried on your own....and then that becomes yours too.

Brian Eno had his "cards"...random suggestions describing some studio action...and whatever card came up, like in a board game, that's the production step that would get used.
Sometimes it leads to a total dead end...other times a real discovery.
Producers don't just pick random actions like that...but the better ones will get familiar with the artist/band...discuss the golas/sound...listen to what the band has done before...and then offer up alternatives.

 

[miroslav]

George Martin is my favorite. Some would say he's the fifth Beatle! And I would have to agree.

I think most would agree that George Martin probably paved the way for the producer's role in recording.
Yes, there were others before him...but he certainly took the role to a new direction (no pun intended)...and opened the doors for many that followed.