Hi, Dave here… There are many definitions of a producer in todays music industry. On this page I will try to explain the role I play in a studio, and what you get when you book me for a session.
My day job at Manchester Recording Studios is in house engineer. This means when you book the studio, you get me on your session to operate the equipment in the studios, I set the mics, operate protools, route the signal through the desk and generally make everything sound amazing. In this role I try not to comment on things such as the song structure, or the chords, as this is the producers role, and I am always cautious about over stepping the mark. Of course if there is an obvious problem I will voice my opinion, but the producer is the boss, and what he wants I will do my best to achieve. Often this role can become blurred if there is no producer, in which case, I tend to assume the role, and will try to work with the artist if they are self producing. When it comes to compiling vocal takes for example, if nobody takes the lead and chooses the takes, then I will just get on and pick my choices, then play it back to the artist for approval. I find this is often the fastest way to go in a time pressured session. Of course if the artist wants to be involved, then I will keep my opinions to myself and let them choose their preferred takes. The same goes for all aspects of the recording, I will choose the mics I think are the best for the job, but if the producer has a preference I will always defer to his choice. I’ll give my advice and offer my input, but of course it’s not always wanted!
When I am booked as the producer, I become much more involved… I will go through the songs with the artist, look at the chords, and make sure everything is working musically. I’ll analyse the song structure with the artist and suggest edits and changes if needed. With a band I will go and see them rehearse and try to attend at least one gig before we go into the studio, so I understand the vibe of the band, and their audience. I’ll work with the various band members on their parts and make sure they are all well practised before we start recording. I particularly enjoy working with drummers and fine tuning their patterns. I am an ex bass player, so I like to get involved with the bass lines, a crucial part to any song! Then I will work with the guitarist on his tone and always like to try experimental mic techniques, stereo manipulation and have fun with the pedals when recording guitars. I have a good knowledge of guitars, amps and pedals built up over years of recording.
I have loads of experience in electronic music and synthesis/sound design, so can help out in that respect with guitar bands who might like to experiment. Or with electronic artist. I have worked with some of the best over the years, such as Gareth Jones, Phil Hartnol, and Liam Howlett. I have in depth knowledge of vintage synths, and am right up to date with the latest plugins.
Vocal production is something of a speciality for me, and something I have done extensively with some major artist over the years. I am not singer myself, so depending on the session I will sometimes bring in a vocal coach to help the artist with harmonies and backing vocals. (especially for soul, RnB or Gospel)
When I work as the producer on a project a major part of the job is to oversee the budget. I work on a per track basis, and will book the studio, session musicians if needed and work with a fixer for orchestral sessions. I will make sure we work to a schedule, and keep to the budget for studio time etc. I find good, daily communication with the management and label is crucial on a big project.
I am based at Manchester Recording Studios and get great rates there, but of course its not always in the budget, so I can also arrange pretty much any other studio you might want to work in, or that more suits the budget. I have my own space where I can work on pre production and where I tend to do the final stages of a mix. I either mix fully analogue on the SSL duality, if the budget allows, or I am happy to mix in protools up in my room…
Of course it’s difficult to put a price on this kind of work, so I will work with you to achieve your budget. I work on a per track payment, this varies from project to project. I also ask for a production royalty when booked as the producer. I’m currently unpublished, so am able to do deals on writing sessions as I own all my own work. Please get in touch if you would like to use any of my music for your project.
For rap and hip hop production. I am not a beat maker, although I do write and if you give me references, I can create pretty much any genre. This is writing though, often wrongly labeled as production, if you want me to make a beat for you, then I need some notice and at least one reference track to check out first. I charge a fee for making the beat (negotiable), and keep 30% prs. You will own the master.