The professional title of producer is one of the most commonly misused titles in the music industry. First thing I see the most, is people not understanding that a music producer is a "co-writer" of any song that they have produced. Let me explain. A person who sits down at their computer, whether it be with a live instrument or they happen to work strictly in their DAW (digital audio workstation), they are composing (aka writing) music. Therefore, making the music producer a "writer" on said track. This article will cover the three different types of music producers as well as the roles they play within the music industry and inside the recording studio, as well as give you a little more insight into our many different roles at The Architexx Studios.
I'll Tell You What A Producer Is not...
A producer isn't a musician that makes his or her own music only. The proper title for this position would be a musician, plain and simple. Producers also tend to work with a team of recording professionals, industry executives and reliable musicians to complete a recording project. Because the skills involved in managing a recording project take time to learn and are very demanding, someone who works on their own to create music isn't typically considered a producer. The title of producer is often wrongfully associated with the roles of songwriters and general musicians.
1. Executive Producer
An executive producer is generally the person that funds the recording project. Executive producers also ultimately determine the direction of the recording project and carefully maintain the relationship between the artists or bands involved in the project and the record label that oversees the completion of the project. Executive producers essentially maintain the bridge between the record label and the recording artists as well as make sure that the project makes sense financially from a business perspective and a creative perspective.
2. Music Producer
A music producer typically spends a majority of their time creating or arranging music for the recording project. Music producers used to have to have a strong background in music theory and occasionally have degrees in music theory or music composition from established universities and colleges, but these days that is changing, especially in hip-hop. Another job of the music producer is to make sure that the music within the recording project is of the highest possible quality and that the musicians involved in the project are making the best music they possibly can. Sometimes music producers are also given the task of maintaining communication between the artists and the record label executives, which is often a task that is more difficult than a lot of people within the music industry realize.
3. Engineering Producer
The engineering producer understands the technical aspects of the recording studio more than the other two types of producers. Engineering producers know how to work the recording console, setup the microphones for recording, use the recording software efficiently and effectively, and keep the recording project organized. A lot of engineering producers start out as either mixing engineers or assistant engineers to record label producers. They also tend to understand the technical aspects of recording and what it takes to make the music sound great from an engineer's perspective.
The Architexx want all the smoke!
When it comes to the Architexx, we have to be all 3 types. We didn't have the luxury of paying each individual type of producer, so we had to become them. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it. For over 20 years G Rockwell, Astray and I (Emsee), have worked with so many different DAWs, instruments, midi controllers, mics, hardware, software and have developed pro level skills performing live, writing/composing, recording, producing and engineering. From studying arrangements and layering harmonies, to setting up multiple studios. Helping artists out with direction and professional creative processes. All the while, teaching my son (Solo) the game. He now has brought his best friend since early elementary school, EJ, onboard the team as well. EJ has picked up guitar and keyboard along the way, learning production and engineering tips and tricks from the vets on the team. Solo and EJ both have incredible music IQ and great passion for good music. Together we mesh the old school with the new school as we take on these roles. From funding our own projects and creating our own graphics or websites, to running our own ads and promos, The Architexx are truly your one stop beat shop, with every production and engineering capability necessary to succeed in the industry.
Emsee of The Architexx