Why a producer? Why Me?

1) The producer has a vision for how the end product should sound and knows how to make that happen. Most bands don't know how to use the studio to get the sound they want. They rely on the engineer. However the engineer has a lot to do and might make a suggestion but really is not motivated by a vision of how the band can come alive on the recording. This results in lots of retakes. How good is good enough? These are not decisions taken unilaterally - I engage the band and listen hard. Often they have better ideas than I do - but someone has to recognize the good idea and make the decision. How many album projects have killed off the band?

2) The producer knows when you are done doing takes.  At take 35 maybe you should either change your approach, find a new musician, or wait until tomorrow. Who will make that call? This saves a lot of studio time.

3) The producer will make the tough calls.  Most pop and roots music is simple and direct and uncluttered. Most bands use every track they can and pay a huge price. Making less better parts, and letting the material drive the production saves money and gives you a better product. Often this means muting a track which is an insult to the musician who got muted. Bands never do this because they are friends. Engineers won't do it because its not their job. I'll do it. If you are using protools and you have 300 plugins to chose from which ones will work in the situation. I've heard a lot of them and can make these decisions.

4) The producer brings the technology and the music together. Maybe the kick drum isn't deep enough for a driving sound. I can fix it. Maybe the vocal is too thin. Maybe its just a big mess. Usually, I can fix it.

5) The producer can bring assets to the project from outside the studio. I have the best preamp in the city for Vocals, and the best compressor and eq in my Pendulum Quartet. Also, sometimes one studio does things better than another. 2" tape or adat? Track at one mix at another? Master where you mixed it? I know how to make those decisions and they will save you a ton of time and money. Don't ask your buddies because they are emotionally involved. Hire a producer who will be objective and brutal and is at the same time connected to your art.