How can creating a record for an artist not be? Its the one thing that defines the role of a producer in the first place. We create musical landscapes that the artist has to like in order for them to achieve their artististic vision. What’s the difference between that and someone being hired to work on a project that will help their client achieve their goals? You’re providing a service to a client, i.e. Client Services. Since I’ve taken this approach my credits have increased and I’ve been told this is what separates the boys from the men.
We all know that a producer is someone who does more than just sending a beat. Its been beaten into our heads now and to be honest there’s really nothing wrong with taking that approach in my opinon. However, since I’ve gotten more involved with creating the records I’ve been given more opportunities. Its not because the artists like me more, its because my skillsets have changed and in turn increased. Instead of just sending a batch of beats I now know how to work closely with musicians to create a track. Instead of just letting the artist spitball lyrics, I can write hooks and produce demos. Instead of hiring an engineer, I can now run a session on my own and have a few pro tools templates to choose from. The point is because I am more involved I now have to find solutions to problems that may prevent the record from being completed. Because I can this has in turn increased my value in the market.
My skillsets may be different from a digital media company’s but the approach is the same. You have a skillset in which you can deliver as a service and align it with a client’s goals. If you do this enough times you’ll develop a system in which you can actually predict the completion of the project but also the outcome because you’ve done it times before. Now since you have a system you can actually scale up and bring on more people whom you can train to be part of your team, i.e. a production team. People who can perform the same tasks at the same level without you being there, i.e. Rico Love/Division 1. You don’t have to think corporate you just have to remember that when an artist reaches out to you it is because they feel they can achieve that artistic vision with your skillsets. Therefore, take a “yo let’s work” DM as more of a nod to your branding and skillsets rather than just someone looking to “get on.”
Oh what a business this is…
