The Producer Difference
We find it is often beneficial to explain our record production process in full detail to new and upcoming Artists. For those who are just starting out, or for those who wish to learn about our specific process, feel free to Click on the items listed below, as well as the tabs above, to learn more. While each individual project is unique, the outline below demonstrates the standard order of sessions in the making of a professional record as implemented by record producers within Major Record Labels. The various tabs above provide details on what a record producer does/is, as well as the steps involved.
Why do Artists have record producers?
One of the biggest reasons Artists choose to collaborate with record producers is for objectivity. Having an objective ear is paramount to a successful outcome. As an objective confidant, a record producer not only helps the Artist objectively pick their songs, often helping them craft their songs, but also shapes the Artist’s music according to the Artist’s vision, which are all critical responsibilities for the success of a project. Along with scheduling, budgeting, and forming the best plan of action for tackling the recording, they also guide and coach performances during sessions as well. In a nutshell, record producers provide their Artists the best chance for commercial success as possible. Without a record producer, it would be up to the Artist to decide whether the project is on target to getting the best emotional response out of their intended audience via the careful selection of microphones, instrumentation, and etc. It would also be up to the Artist to know whether the song they are choosing to record is really their best song and is as impactful as possible.
The Record Producer
What is a
record producer?
A record producer is someone who oversees every aspect of the entire music production process. They are more than just engineers; they are creatives and Artists in and of themselves. In a lot of ways, you can relate a record producer to that of a movie producer. Both provide guidance and instruction on behalf of the project as a whole. Both maximize creativity and achieve the highest chance of success possible by pushing each artist to reach the highest level of expressive ability. And both of them dedicate years cultivating their process under the training and tutelage of the masters who came before them. The difference, however, is that while a movie producer is enacting solely upon his own vision, a record producer enacts upon the vision of his artists, thus becoming an intermediary /conduit between the intended audience and the identity of the artist. You can think of a record producer as a confidant; someone to bounce ideas off, someone you can trust, someone who always has your best interests at heart. All so that you can focus on what you do best!
The Producer Difference
Below is an outline of the record producer's process laid out in steps as implemented within Major Record Lables. This process includes milestones as well as numerous sessions per step that aren't shown in this outline. On average, one song takes about one full month to complete:
Step 1: Preliminary Pre-Production + Pre-Production (Artistic Vision, CRDs, Emotional Timelines, Work-Tapes and Review, Artistry Development)
Step 2: Full Demo Pre-Production (B.R.S Arrangement and Compositional Oversight, Musical Blueprints, Charting + Markups)
Step 3: B.R.S Tracking (Supervision, Aesthetics, LRA, Sonic Footprint/landscape)
Step 4: Lead Vocals/Lead Instrument Pre-Production (Arc of the Song, Phrasing, Artistry Development)
Step 5: Keeper Vocals/Lead Instrument Tracking (Arc of the Song, Phrasing, Artistry Development)
Step 6: BGV + Overdub Pre-Production (Musical Blueprints, Compositional Oversight, Emotional Timelines)
Step 7: BGVs + Overdubs Tracking (Supervision, Sonic Footprint/Landscape, Aesthetics, LRA)
Step 8: Final Editing/Comping (Mix Sessions Forms/Pre-Mixing, Vocal Pre-Mixing)
Step 9: Attended Mixing (Focal Point/Big Picture Analysis, Three Dimensionality, Revisions)
Step 10: Pre-Mastering, Attended Mastering + Revision Sessions (QC and The Finished Record, Artist Next Steps)
If this production process interests you, feel free to send us your music and we can discuss each of the proprietary sessions that aren't covered in this outline in detail with you in a free consultation. We'd love to consider working with you. Are you new to recording in a studio or need a proper refresher? Check out and download our article containing advice from the record producer for helping you get the most out of your studio sessions.