Work with a Music Producer

• Find a Music Producer you connect with personally and musically - meeting them for a coffee or visiting their studio to build rapport and discuss the project are great ways to find out if you click with each other. A good working relationship makes the process easier and more enjoyable.

• Send the music producer all of your song material to allow them to get an idea of the song(s), including:

  • Song demos (even if it is recorded on your smart phone);

  • Lyrics

  • Chord charts or sheet music (if available)

• This can help get a dialog going between you and the producer and a vision for your sound.

• Send the music producer a playlist of song references to listen to. These can be songs you are inspired by, or specific production elements that you envisage for your songs eg. the sound of a vocal or guitar, or the overall aesthetic of a song. This helps them better understand you as an artist and musician, and what you want to achieve for your project.

• Come ready with your ideas if there is something specific, like a background vocal arrangement, or type of effect you want on your vocal. Again, song references are great for expressing your ideas.

• Vocalists: make sure you look after your voice by being well-rested, and sufficiently warmed-up prior to a session. 

• For musicians: have your music equipment in top-notch condition (instrument leads included). This can make recording a lot easier and faster if all your equipment is in good working order. Get your instruments tuned before recording, as this goes a long way to a better sounding record.

• Practice, practice, and practice your parts. It’s important you know all your parts inside and out, and can sing or play them at a drop of a hat. This will save you time and money.

• Be prepared to work hard, come with an open mind, and leave your ego at the door – this is the best way to ensure you have a creative, fun and rewarding experience!

About the Author

Mark Fogliano is an experienced Music Producer, Songwriter, Composer ,Pianist for the Adelaide / Melbourne based music production company Eleven:11 Music Productions.

Eleven:11 Music Productions fulfils a range of musical needs - from song development, artist development, arranging, orchestration and music programming, to vocal and song production, recording, post-production, audio mixing and project management.