From office roles in record labels and publishers such as A&R Administrators, to on the road jobs like booking agents, managers and tour managers, there are many different roles in the music industry outside the realms of music performance.
However, for those interested in getting more involved in the musical process, the profession of record producer or sound engineer may be sound rather appealing.
The role of a record producer is to ‘project manage’ the recording, mixing and mastering process of a selection of songs. The producer will usually have a vision of what the final product will be.
There have been many famous music producers, notably George Martin of Beatles’ fame, Berry Gordy, founder of the Motown record label and Sam Phillips who famously founded Sun Records and produced the albums of Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley.
Nearly all producers have one thing in common; they are all extremely knowledgeable about music. All aspiring producers, serious about a career in the recording process of music should quite literally live, eat and breathe music.
Each producer brings a different opinion and style to the table, hence why most producers such as Butch Vig have become well respected in a certain genre of music. Vig has produced albums from the likes of Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins and Muse.
Key points to becoming a record producer
- Work with bands you enjoy first
- Be prepared to work for free
- Work in one genre of music and build up a reputation
- Familiarise yourself with different sound equipment
- Find work experience, study recording at a reputable University or College
The primary requirement of every producer is, of course, a musical ear. A producer will advise a band on arrangements, songwriting and other elements of a song. For this reason, many producers have previously enjoyed successful careers in as artists in their own right.
For those pursuing a career as a producer, it’s crucial to understand that the times have changed since it was possible to get a job in a record label and work your way towards the top. Thanks to technology everyone who creates music at home is their own record producer, sound engineer, songwriter and mixer.
This means that, whilst becoming the next Butch Vig or George Martin is not impossible, there is considerably more competition and, as in most of the music industry, keen producers will have to work for free/little pay to gain the experience they need to break through the mould.
Do you aspire to be a record producer or sound engineer? Perhaps you’re a veteran in this field of work and would like to give advice? Let us know in the comments below!
