[howzit]

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I was talking to a friend last night about our jobs, typical bs, and she mentioned that she thinks I'd enjoy and would be good as a producer of some sort. I don't know much about the field as far as what is required, what to expect, etc, and I know we have some video production experience here...anyone get into production on the music end of things? I'm interested, but also realize this is probably one of those jobs that people fantasize about without realizing the hard reality beyond the "cool" mental image.

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evan, I came to New York either to be in finance or go broke doing music production. I ended up in finace but I spent a lot of hours during high school and college recording my friends and generally giving opinions (read, produce) on their acts.

So I took an intern as a studio manager (no production but making sure things are run smoothly for the bands renting studio space) in exchange for cheaper studio time for my band that I was trying to get off the ground. To put it basically a typical recording session goes like this:

Studio manger sets up mics, wires, software and tape. Engineer comes in and checks levels, lines up reels.
Producer comes in and looks over everything and starts getting things lined up for the takes, usually talks about what they want to record, what tracks are working out so far, what needs work, basically getting a handle of things before the artists come in. If the artists are around, they'll kind of brainstorm on ideas and do all of this together.

talk about this [censored] until artists feels like they're ready to lay down tracks. Some artists come in meticulously prepared, some artists have no idea what they will play. they lay down multiple tracks, listen to them and artists leave. producer sticks around and works on the tracks w/engineer and usually talks business w/A&R people if they are around. Band manager is usually gone by now and the band is off to do their thing.


I'd start at your college music department to see if they have a program to work w/music production. See if the music department has a studio for you to work in, and somebody to hold your hand.

Anyway, the perks was being around music 24/7 and doing something creative and making something out of nothing and when a band/artist is just flowing and laying down retarded tracks, it's a great [censored] high. The shitiest part of all of this is working w/no talent hacks where every track is a grind.



There's no money unless you're talented, lucky, and most of all can look through the being broke part of doing something you love. Somedays I wish I worked on my production skills cuz it's worth it when you make something that shits on everything else.

You don't need super music skills to be a good producer, that's what musicians are for. You'll need a great ear, solid knowledge of music, instruments, and equipment, and social skill to get ideas down on tape.