A music producer serves as the artistic leader of a recording project. This individual has been envisioning the final product of a song since the initial demo was heard. In the traditional music industry, the responsibilities of a music producer typically revolve around the creation of the song. However, in today’s music landscape, with the rise of bedroom producers and their presence on the main stage, it is not uncommon for a music producer to also take on the roles of songwriter, guitarist, vocalist, and even mixing and mastering engineer.
The boundaries between various roles in the music industry have been eliminated, including those of music producers. Nowadays, there are producers who take on multiple roles and act as a comprehensive source for creating songs. Nevertheless, the traditional role of a music producer still exists. In this blog post, we aim to distinguish and explain the key distinctions between a commercial studio producer and a bedroom producer. Consider which category you align with the most!
A commercial music producer usually has four characteristics:
Hired by a major label to record a record with an artist
In the traditional music industry, a label typically signs a contract with an artist for a collection of songs and aims to produce a hit. The label typically has a roster of preferred producers to achieve the desired sound and direction. Therefore, the label selects and employs a producer to collaborate with the artist in the studio, schedules studio time, invites musicians to assist and mentor the artist during the recording process, and ultimately record a record.
She usually studied at a music school.
Numerous traditional music producers possess industry credentials, making it a convenient route to obtain such credentials for a financial degree. As a result, these producers have undergone music education and possess a vast understanding of music theory. A brief look at the renowned roster of pop, rock, and jazz producers should provide insight.
Works in a commercial music studio with expensive equipment
One benefit of being hired by a major record label is the generous budget that typically covers the time spent in a large commercial studio. This allows for the use of high-end equipment and the assistance of a sound engineer. The ultimate goal is to produce a highly successful record that will bring in significant profits for the label, without any added pressure.
The role is clearly defined in the production of vinyl records
Typically, the music producer’s duties are clearly defined, with their main responsibility being the creative leader of the recording project. They oversee recording sessions, guide artists, recruit musicians, and make arranging choices. It is uncommon for a producer to get involved in the mixing or songwriting process. However, there may be cases where a producer also has experience as an engineer or composer. Yet, in its traditional sense, the producer’s involvement is limited to the recording process.