Audio: Producers vs. Engineers vs Artists: What's the Difference?

In todays' world, there are more than a million billboard top hit songs. As of today, Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars takes the #1 spot on the Billboard 100 list. With the help of producers and engineers, artists are able to make these ranks. Within this song, Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, and Jeff Bhasker are the producers. Several engineers worked on this song as well such as Boo Mitchell, Charlez Moniz, Wayne Gordon, Bruno Mars, and a few others. Now lets rewind. Bruno Mars. Producer, Engineer and Artist. Are they the same or different? The answer is different and here is why.

An artists is one who performs, or releases recorded music through a label or independently. This is be a singer, rapper, or music with musical talent. Both Ronson and Mars, played drums on this song too.

There are two types of producers. The first type of producer is the one who creates the instrumental. This can be done through playing instruments or programming music using DAWs such as Pro Tools and Logic Pro. They create the track for the artists to sing to, and give advice on any ideas whether good or bad such as redoing a verse second type of producer is an executive producer. The executive producer oversees the production phase. They are also in charge of the recording budget, hiring and overseeing talent, engineers, and any other crew members needed to complete the song.

An engineer is one who operates any audio equipment that is used during the recording, mixing, and mastering stages in music. The main job is to help bring the artists and producer vision. Through the three stages vocals and instruments get recorded, audio gets cleaned up, and the final mix gets corrected for different media formats. Producers are capable of being engineers and vice versa as well, because audio knowledge is needed for both.

It is possible for one person to possess all of these talents through hard work and dedication. In Bruno Mars and Mark Ronsons' case, they were apart of all three positions into getting this song done.

Negotiations and Deal-Making: Interview Blog

Interview Blog

Name: Shaun Banks

Position: Entertainment Consultations / A&R

Contact: Unable to disclose

Brief: A&R responsible for hiring talent whether it be artists, producers, or musicians. Also acts as an aid for entertainment industry advice.

Questions: 

•    How do you separate the people from the problem when you are negotiating? What tips do you have for new negotiators who are trying to do this?

Answer: The number one way to separate people from the problem is to focus on the result you wish to obtain and/or the solution to the problem you're facing. Secondly, to understand that just because you make a decision that doesn't favor a person doesn't mean you're a bad person or that you dislike the person.

•           How do you handle positional bargaining tactics?

      Answer: The best way to handle positioning bargaining tactics is to get the person to see the advantages of looking at a different position or how bending a little from their position will reward them with greater results.

•           Can you give me an example of how you worked toward mutual benefit when you were negotiating a deal?

      Answer:  I once had a client that thought my commission for a deal was too high...and I thought it was actually too low. The way I created a mutual benefit was to show the client all the benefits they were getting by taking the deal and how the commission could actually be higher...the result was the client agreeing to a higher commission and I provided even more benefits than we originally agreed to.

•           Can you tell me about a time you failed to reach an agreement in negotiations?

      Answer: I have many, but the it always boils down to me not creating enough of a mutual gain for both parties. In the past I have used my position to get deals regardless of any interests. At those times, I should have put interests over my position because it creates a problem when others begin to see me only as a the title of my position and not for me and what I’m capable of.

•           What's the most complex negotiation you've handled?

      Answer: Trying to get my dad to give me a loan to start a entertainment business when I was young...he would not budge because I had not invested any money myself. Relating to this when negotiating deals with artists; If an artist has a set mindset to what they want whether relating to how much to offer them financially or benefits to signing a contract, it can be hard to change numbers if they would want the most ($$$) and abide by it.

•           Are you familiar with BATNA? Why is it useful in negotiations?

      Answer: Yes, Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement. It's so useful because if there is an alternative that creates a win-win you should take it. Helps measure the balance of power in a negotiation and is a mechanism for deciding whether and/or when to quit.  Also if you’re aware of any alternatives, the better prepared you are for negotiation.

•           Is a negotiation a debate? Why / why not?

      Answer:  No, a debate is when two people come in ready to disagree and only one person can win. In negotiations you want to create a scenario where both people can walk away at least satisfied.

•           What does it mean to demonstrate good faith in negotiations? Why is it helpful?

      Answer: The idea is to build a good relationship where you can have multiple opportunities to negotiate with them, because that means you're making money. If people feel you're dishonest, they will not develop that relationship and you will not make money.

•           How can you tell if the other side is bluffing to in negotiations?

      Answer: Its very hard to tell which is why you must know what you need to get out of a negotiation and where you draw the line. Sometimes they may try to use dirty tricks in negotiations such as talking for a long without addressing the issue bringing up irrelevant topics, or by trying to restart the negotiation after a deal has been reached.

Questions Reference:

Marr, A. (2013, February 6). 97 Negotiation Interview Questions - Simplicable. Retrieved from http://careers.simplicable.com/careers/new/97-negotiation-interview

Top 3 Music DAWs "Digital Audio Workstations"

A digital audio workstation (DAW) is software used to record, edit, produce, mix and master audio. it is commonly used for music, radio, television, film, podcasts, and any other situations that call for recorded/produced audio. Music notation and midi sequencing is also included in DAWs. Different components of a DAW include plugins such as equalizers, distortion, synthesizers, compressors, limiters and many more. Instrument plugins include keys, guitar, drums, horns, etc., and with the plugins, these sounds can be manipulated. Each plugin has a way to manipulate the sound waves tone, speed, and pitch of the audio recorded or inputted audio.

To date there are a wide array of DAWs available to the public. They all offer the same solutions but with different designs and advantages over one another. Here is my list of the top 3 commonly used DAWs to date. 

Logic 

Logic Pro was originally developed by German developer C-Lab, and Emagic. Now it is a manufactured and a product of Apple. It is only available on Mac operating systems. It is widely used as a midi sequencer and to edit music and audio. One can also record and do other audio functions on the program. Logic Pro is currently on its 10th version and systems include Logic Express and Logic Pro X. Logic feature Apple loops which are royalty-free professionally recorded instrument loops. Like the other mentioned DAWS, Logic provides instrument, synthesizers and editing/recording plugins. Real-time scoring in music notation and a guitar tablature are also included.

Pro Tools 

Pro Tools developed and manufactured by AVID Technology is currently available for Windows and Mac users. It is one of the most commonly used DAWS and is recognized as the standard for professional recording. It can run as standalone software or with external converters and internal audio cards with onboard DSP.  Available ProTools systems include HDX, HD, (10, 11) LE, 9, M- Powered and SE.  Pro Tools is currently on its 11th system.  It supports 16, 24, 32, and 64 bit audio at sample rates leading up to 192 kHz.

FL Studio

FL Studio (Fruity Loops) developed by Belgian company Image-Line is commonly used to create music and instrument tracks. It is a pattern based music sequencer and offers the option to import created sound fonts and sounds to its library. This DAW can be rewired into other programs such as ProTools and Reasons. FL offers a wide selection of plugins that come with the plugin and the option to easily add more plugins to the program. There are many plugins specially designed to run only on FL. System options include Studio Express, Fruity Edition, Producer Edition and the Signature Bundle. Fl Studio Mobile is available for Apple and Android devices as well. For now, FL Studio is only available on Windows computers but within the next year or two, it will be available to download and install on a Mac as well. 

Bobby McFerrin: Watch me play the Audience!!!!

Bobby McFerrin: Watch me play.....the Audience!!!! 

The Power of the Pentatonic Scale

Speaker Bobby McFerrin

This video is based on how our brain neurons and notes from music scales coincide with one another. The video opens up with an World Science Festival intro.  The actual performance was done at the festival and was edited in down to 3 minutes. After the intro the Bobby begins his performance by hopping in a horizontal path along the stage singing notes of the Pentatonic Scale. The pentatonic scales consists of five notes within one octave on either the major or minor scale. After a few hops with a little help on vocal guidance the audience was able to sing a song using the pentatonic scale just by watching Bobbys movements on stage. Our brain neurons transmit information based on what we hear, feel, smell, see, or touch. So based on visual of where Bobby was standing on stage, the audience was able to predetermine the notes in order as a chorus. 

Bobby McFerrin is a classical conductor, spokesperson for music education, and one of the worlds best known vocal innovators and improvisors. He has also collaborated with many artists and bands and has sold many copies of his music including his version of "Don't Worry, Be Happy". (Ted.com)

What stood out to me about this video is that I'm into music as well. Seeing how music scales and music itself impacts how our brain thinks really stands out to me. As a musician, when I write songs I sometimes use scales that are so unique that the listener happens to sing or hum along to it predetermining, what the next bar or note may be in succession. 

What made this video gain over three million views is crowd accelerated innovation. Many skeptics, innovators and so on attend the World Science Festival to celebrate and explore the different aspects and new findings in science. Bobby was able to show the attendees what they are capable of based on how the brain allows them to perceive things. 

Check out the video here: Watch me play...the Audience

Writers (Producers) Block

Every now and then creative professionals get the all time bothersome writers block. Producers block can be described as a point when your mind goes completely blank when trying to come up with ideas to finish or start a project. This may be cause by a work overload, working on something your not interested in, or working on something for the wrong, as well as others causes. This can be a bad thing if you have a deadline approaching. Remember everyone struggles with ideas from time to time. Our brains need time to rest. After you go through the phase of having producers block, many times the best ideas come into play b/c your brain has been recharged. Don’t get upset if you can’t come up with any ideas at the moment. Just relax and try following these steps.

These are some ideas to overcome producers block:

1) Clear your mind – step away from working on the project for a while. Try going out, hanging with friends or doing something you enjoy.

2) Go to a concert or venue where artists/producers are to get ideas. (Avoid coping other peoples styles)

3) If you know you music scales try improvising to come up with a different melody or rhythm.

4) Don’t force yourself. (Forcing yourself to come up with something will only make matters worse)

5) Communicate with other producers. (Networking with others may teach you strategies to accomplish your work.

6) Attend Music (Producers) Seminars (Performing Rights Orgainizations such as ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and others host seminar and producers or songwriting workshops several times a month)

7) Collab. with others. (Sometimes working with others whether it be creating a song together, having someone else mix your song or vice versa can allow you to see the creative style of others)

8) Change your workflow (Change the order in which you do things or add something new)

9) Listen to other genre’s (Listening to other genres such as pop, country, rap, jazz, hip hop, r&b, as well as many others will spark up ideas to incorporate in your own music)

Technology: Avid S6

The Avid S6 by far is one the greatest sound consoles/mixing boards that is offered in means of recording, mixing and mastering music. For a great length in time I was always accustomed to using analog mixing boards to help me create and mange my songs. As an audio engineer I found this piece of hardware impeccable. Much like the Avids previous console the "Icon" many people in the music industry would benefit from this piece of technology. Sadly the Icon was discontinued once the S6 came out but coming from the same family there is no doubt that the S6 can live up to its ancestors ratings. 

The Avid S6 has many features, which include:

•    Revolutionary Modular Design - Customize the surface with the controls you want.

•    Superior Ergonomics - Get the most intuitive and immersive mixing experience.

•    Intelligent Studio Control - Take control of Pro Tools and other popular DAWs.

•    Proven Technology - Complete projects faster with industry-trusted workflows

•    Extensive Visual Feedback - See your mix with comprehensive metering and more.

•    Networked Connectivity - Get highly responsive, reliable control with EUCON.

As a musician, when creating music I often use other software programs besides Pro Tools such as, Logic, Cubase, Reasons, etc. This mixing board allows me easily pull up these programs without any errors and works generally well with them. Anyone who works not only with music, but sound design, film, television, among others would benefit from this machine. It also allows you to have many channels for vocals and instruments to patch in and offers a variety of eqs, compressors, and limiters, and other effects to take advantage of when creating your project. "No Need for the Masking Tape". This console provides a digital screen, which shows your channel names, clip names, and vertically scrolling waveforms, directly under the meters. This comes in really handy and takes time out having to jot down what each channel represents. 

According to Audio Media Simon Allen's conclusion of the console is that even though it is in the pricey range the S6 has combined the best parts of the much-loved Euphonix consoles and the hugely popular ICON desks in a very modern and coherent package. In 2013 AVID was acknowledged in by Audio Media earning the 2013 Gear of the Year Award. Many audio professionals worldwide trust this brand and when dealing with AVID you can't go wrong. NBC's "The Voice" uses many of AVIDs products to help their show move along production wise. 

Many audio professionals worldwide trust this brand and when dealing with AVID you can't go wrong. Overall this board is a must have for those who can afford it. It output rich quality sounding media, works at as fast speed, and provides, many features that enable you to get the job done. 

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