Hi, i was wondering how producers/engineers get their jobs at record labels. Are they "discovered" like bands and hired to work for them? Any information you can tell me about this would be greatly appreciated. Thank You.
P.S
As you can tell I don't exactly have a wealth of knowledge of the music business yet, but i continue to study each day various topics so please don't criticize if this is a stupid question.
Comments
As Dave pointed out most producers were engineers or (insert job
As Dave pointed out most producers were engineers or (insert job title) and started doing good things for the recordings that got them noticed by the record company which then made them an offer of employment as a producer. They may have also owned the record label and were at the sessions acting as the producer watching over their own money.
The role of a producer, as Dave pointed out, is a constantly changing one and depending on the individual and or the record company can have many different facets.
In the old days a Producer was the person that got everyone together for the recording and may have hired the engineer, the studio and even the backing vocalist and orchestra members and was responsible for the record companies money. They may have had a hand in arranging and the general overall feel of the recording as well.
Today he or she maybe part of management and be primarily concerned with the money and not so much about the music.
The Producer's job keeps evolving and with record companies trying to cut back he or she maybe hired as an independent producer and work as needed and NOT be on the record companies payroll.
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a producer it maybe wise to try and schedule some time with a working producer and if agreeable to them shadow them for a day or a week to see what their life is all about.
(Side Note: It is probably a lot more dull and repetitious and a lot less glamorous then many producers would have you believe and their days maybe very long and very hectic when in session and maybe downright dull while they are waiting for their next session but only working with someone for a period of time will show you all the parts of their job)
If you are interested in this, George Martin's autobiography "Al
If you are interested in this, George Martin's autobiography "All You Need Is Ears" is worth reading. Not a exceptional book, but enough tidbits about 50-60's recording technology and the role of a producer to make it worthwhile. BTW, his impression was that in US studios in the 70's the role of the producer was to provide drugs. I think the studios have specialists for that now.
Producers actually come from vast underground caverns where they
Producers actually come from vast underground caverns where they are 'grown' from pods. The best part is the giant record companies can pluck the style and color of producer they want directly from the vine.
I'm just kidding.....
Producers have become the mercenaries of the music world. They most always got started mixing, engineering, cleaning up after the sessions, tape-opping, all the regular ways to advance in this society. A lot got a chance to work projects, which due to their skills, got them reputations, which in turn gives them clout and return business.
Some simply started studios and worked it from that angle.
The lines blur a bit as to this particular job description these days.