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Last month’s article was about why I do and say the things I do. This month I want to explain what I do as a producer and a teacher.

I got a call last week from a very discouraged and unhappy group. The recording they had saved up for turned out mediocre at best. Their company paid little attention to them and their career was going nowhere. Their comment was, “If only you could have produced our CD and worked with us, we would be much further along.” When I asked why they hadn’t called me to work with them the response was, “We didn’t think you would work with us.”

This really surprised me because I thought I had made it clear that I have dedicated myself to helping artists, especially new artists.

So now I want to state exactly what I do and how it can help you. Compare it to the services you received.

Step #1 – The Meeting

I meet with the artist, (group, or soloist), either at my office in beautiful Gallatin, Tn or I travel to where they are. I’ve been all over the country and Canada meeting and working with artists. This first meeting is important because I want to learn their short term and long-range goals. I also evaluate the artist’s strengths and weaknesses in order to determine what must be done to reach those goals. It is my view that no artist should be operating without clearly defined goals and a plan to attain them. This is what a producer is SUPPOSEDTO DO.

This meeting is a time to get questions answered. It is important to me to have the artist reach a comfort level and no question about any topic is off the table. It is also here that I begin the teaching process and answering questions is usually the best way to get things started.

Step #2 – The Song Selection

The next step is to begin finding songs for the artist. Let me repeat that: I find songs for THAT artist. This takes time and effort. It’s what a producer is SUPPOSED TO DO. When I find a song that I think fits that particular artist, I’ll send 2 or 3 songs at a time until there is a good balance of songs. Some companies have 2 or 3 CDs that they play for every artist, which is why all their recordings sound the same. I take the time to find the songs that will fit that artist on this recording.

Step #3 – Song Arrangements

Then I meet with the artist again and begin arranging the songs and teaching parts. This is a vital element for a successful recording. It’s at this time we choose the right keys for each singer, the correct vocal parts for each member of a vocal group, and the arrangements that allow the group to feel comfortable. This is what a producer is SUPPOSED TO DO. At this time I also write the charts for the musicians and set the tracking date.

Step #4 – Tracking

I write the charts, hire the musicians, reserve the studio and record the basic tracks for the songs. I am ALWAYS at the session, running the session, guiding the musicians, because that is what a producer is SUPPOSED TO DO. I don’t let someone else run my session.

Step #5 - Rehearsal

When the tracks are complete I send the artist home with the tracks so they can rehearse and also sing the songs some in their concerts. When they return for the final rehearsal, which is the day before recording, I want them to have a good feel for the songs. Being in the studio can be intimidating for newer artists, and trying to sing a song they hardly know is no way to produce an album. I make sure the artist is comfortable with the song before they attempt to record it. This is what a producer is SUPPOSED TO DO.

Step #6 Vocal Recording

I have my own process for recording vocals, which I would rather keep to myself and the artists I work with, but I can tell you the artists love it.

As you can tell there is a lot of time spent with my artists. My job, my calling, is to teach, and I do this by spending time with my artists. It is not unusual for an artist to sit in my office all day just talking.

Over a period of time the artists that work with me learn how to practice, how to develop arrangements, how to put a program together, stage work, vocal technique, how to have good sales, how to keep the date book full of good dates, how to deal with pastors and promoters, how to make a quality recording, and they learn a lot about music and how the business works.

The group I mentioned at the beginning of my article was surprised to learn that it would have cost about the same to work with me as it did to record a bad CD and be abused by their company.

This is what I do. It’s my job, but I’m only doing what a producer is SUPPOSED TO DO. It brings me much joy. If you need help, contact me. You will not only be helping your ministry you will be helping me fulfill mine.

I can be reached at

As always, I welcome your comments,

God Bless You,

Nick Bruno
http://www.nickbruno.com

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