Alex Ryan
This project explores how the methods of a music producer/engineer should adapt when working with clients of varying genre and act makeup with focus on preproduction and recording engineering. It documents the full production process of two songs from preproduction to mastering with two diverse acts.
The objectives were to identify transferable skills between the varied acts and gain practical experience through leading the productions. Success of the study was validated through surveys with the acts determining perceived effectiveness of methods/adaptations.
Results indicated following agreed upon roles and genre expectations largely drove perceived success with soft skills like organisation, communication being significant too.
Objectives of the project included the following:
- Identification of transferable skills/methodology between the varied acts
- Identification of unique skills/methodology to the act types
- Delivery of "successful" productions approved by acts
- Delivery of productions comparable to commercial references
- Insight and practical experience in client-based music production
- Effective documentation, planning and skill-building across the stages of production
Objectives revolved around practical research insights for the researcher resulting in "successful" productions. An additional objective would be to provide a beneficial practical case study as a point of reference for aspiring producers based around this specific process.
The project outcomes included the following:
- Completion of two finalised mixes (1 song per act)
- Act survey results indicated generally successful adaptations/production methods
- It was discovered that the producer's methods were largely tied to their established roles with acts, however some genre expectations played more of a part, such as composing a beat for Act A
- Based on this study a band like Act B may expect more engineering skill and have greater recording needs
- Based on this study a band like Act A may be open to more contributions, such as session musicians/collaborators, due to being a solo act
- Shared skills/adaptations included organisation, people skills, familiarity with genre expectations
This project aims to explore how the methods of a music producer/engineer should adapt when working with clients of varying genre, act makeup and personalities. This project will be focused on preproduction and recording engineering. While the field of music production and recording engineering are well-researched in terms of best practice approaches, examining shared and dissimilar skills/methods through practice are of interest to allow the producer/engineer to transition between varied clients dependably as well as benefit from the learning outcomes of carrying out the productions.
The approach was largely practice-based, following a full production process from preproduction to mastering with two diverse acts resulting in two finished songs. The practices were validated with surveys with the acts determining perceived success of their methods/adaptations. This process was insightful regarding transferable skills and methods beneficial to the producer/engineer, particularly the importance of organization and communication. It became clear that useful methods were largely determined by agreed upon roles for the producer/engineer but that expectations of the genre also contribute largely to expectations for the producer/engineer.
I have a great interest in exploring the various sectors of the music industry, particularly regarding music production, recording and artistry. This project allowed me to immerse myself within these areas and better understand how I can adapt to expectations within them.
