each creative stage before moving to the next .
I ’ ve had several world-class producer / engineers tell me that they won ’ t start recording until the sound they hear is so good that it gives them goosebumps . That ’ s focus ! And , that ’ s what it takes to build world-class music .
MUSIC FIRST At the core of every great performance or recording is a great , inspired song . That ’ s an absolute that really can ’ t be challenged . A great song doesn ’ t need anything grandiose to make a listener feel emotion . If the song is great , an a cappella version will be just as powerful as the full production .
The musical arrangement must be skillfully crafted and the orchestration ( the stuff the band plays ) needs to support the power of the song without getting in the way of the song ’ s emotional impact . When both of those things are in order , it gives everything that follows a chance at greatness .
Question : What came first , the chicken or the egg ? Answer : The song , inspired by God !
INSTRUMENT / ARTIST Work hard to make sure the instruments are in peak condition . It makes an amazing difference in the sounds you capture , whether in a live gig or the studio . And , help the singer feel comfortable , natural , and loved . Vocalists are a little different than instrumentalists . They often respond to criticism by closing down . Since the voice is such a personal instrument , they take criticism personally . All musicians , but especially singers , respond far better to positive input than negative . Quincy Jones shares in his book , Q on Producing , that a relationship between an artist and producer is all about love . If the artist doesn ’ t perceive genuine love from the producer , nothing magical can happen . To Quincy , music is very spiritual . He likes to say that he goes to every session totally prepared , with every note written and planned out , but then he always leaves room for God to walk through the studio because He might change everything !
PERFORMANCE Whether you ’ re working live or in the studio , create an atmosphere that inspires the artist . Set the lighting for the right mood . In the studio , control the temperature so it makes the artist most comfortable , which might be very cold , very hot , or juuuust right . It ’ s all about the performer ’ s comfort , not yours .
In a live show , make sure the performers have water , the right kinds of stands , places to set whatever they require during the gig , and that they generally feel loved and supported . And , make sure their monitor mixes are as perfect as they can be . When using wedges , get up on the stage , hear what they ’ re hearing , and help build a great mix . When using in-ear monitors , if the artist is having trouble , plug your own headphones into their monitor mixer and help them build a great mix . This is one of the most important things you can do for any musician . A musician ’ s level of performance is based on what they hear and how that makes