How to become a Producer

I am not sure if there is a tried and true path. I have been recording some songs for friends of mine and I have gotten fairly good at it.... mixing the tracks, layering the instruments, getting song ideas and arrangement ideas.

But how precisely do you become a producer? I can only assume it is similar to how you become a signed artist, you have to query record companies and see if they want to do business with you. I mainly do rock bands but I am not opposed to hip-hop. I do not personally write hip hop but I think it would be a nice way to expand myself.

Any suggestions at all? If so, thanks!

Start producing as many projects as you can for friends, and use the finished products to get hooked up with some larger studios. If engineers like what you do, they will often recommend you to clients who are DIY and having trouble. And if you get good at it, word will get around. That might not be the only way to go about it, but that's how a couple of guys locally have done it. I was approached about producing a local band's CD after they heard mine, but I don't have that kind of time-it is very labor intensive, if you're a good producer. I have an average of 90 hours each into my CDs.

Are good producers hard to find?

Yep.

The best way to become a producer is to find acts that you want to work with. Get them in the studio and start producing. Its really that simple.

To move your career forward beyond Joe Blow artist at the local bar, take the artists that you have worked with that really are good in your opinion and start submitting them to record labels. If you get an artist a record deal, you may have the opportunity to produce their record. Bingo, a true blue record producer.

The bottom line, enjoy your work. Enjoy working with artists. Don't worry about the money as much as the love of the music. The money will come and so will the success.

Good Luck!

I've encountered three kinds of producers:

THE COLLABORTAOR: He's gets involved with the band on songwriting or arranging, etc. He may play or sing b/r on the recording. He's a musician who has the trust of the band and is their guy on the other side of the glass. His job is to focus on the content and to let the band know whan they have the good take, the right song, the right approach, etc.

THE ENGINEER: He's a guy who does amazing things sound-wise. He knows all the tricks to get the best tone, effects, etc. Usually a mixing savant, they are all about capturing the best sonic results.

THE INSIDER: He got the gig because he put up the money, or was assigned by the label or has the connections. The most important thing he brings to the session (other than the resources to make it happen) is he generally knows what's commercial and what's not. He also knows how to navigate through the minefield of the label people. And he can fix things like uncooperative engineers, meddling label pukes, etc. Also effective at bringiing up the notion of session players when necessary, banning girlfriends from the control room, etc. Might also have the ability to bring decent food, coffee and beer to the sessions.

Some producers have all of the above traits to varying degrees, but most seem to fall into one of the main categories.

The trick is to match the right producer with the right band at the right phase of both of their careers. As if making a commercially successful recording wasn't enough of a crap shoot, right.

All that said, the rookie band that doesn't have the right producer in the studio with them has two strikes against them and they're carrying a 50-OZ. bat.

Produce as many projects as you can, recording and everything and make sure you get your name and a producer credit on the CD!! Do you damn best on each project, and get a nice little list going and if those recordings do well, you have your name out their, which will be a really good way to back you up when you start talking to record comanys.

Zeke