How To Find A Producer?

I coach a lot of singer/songwriters, and almost all of them struggle with finding a producer when it comes to recording an album or EP. Here are some tips for finding a producer that’s a good fit for you.

Why do you need a Record Producer?

There can be some ambiguity when it comes to understanding what a record producer does, because it can vary a bit. Generally, they are there to craft the overall sound of your work. This can apply to instrumentation, arrangement, how the song is recorded, and how the sound is mixed.

When I made my first record, I did not understand what a producer was, so it was self-produced. My band rehearsed every week and played a lot of shows, and I thought, “An album is just recording the sounds we make together, right?” Well, that’s right, if you want to record a live album, which the majority of albums are not. As a result, I was not very happy with my first record, but it was certainly a good learning experience.

Hiring a producer is a great way to get an outside ear on your music. Typically, a producer knows a great deal about recording and mixing techniques and can help you craft the album (or song) you want to make.

How do you find one?

It can be tricky to find a producer because those who are well known are astronomically expensive and probably only work with artists who are already on a label. But there are many, many wonderful producers out there who are not Max Martin or Quincey Jones. Unless you have a massive budget as well as Max Martin’s cell phone number, you will need to do some research. Look for local acts that have albums out. If you like the way they sound, who produced them? This should be listed in credits on streaming, but if it’s not, reach out directly to the artist or band on social media or via their website. Or better yet, go to one of their shows and talk to them in person.

You can and should also ask other musicians or people in the industry whom you admire and trust. This may include your voice teacher, if they have recorded their own albums or perhaps performed on others. Who would they recommend? I found one of my producers using this method, and was able to work with a producer who has worked with several of the musicians that made me want to be a singer/songwriter in the first place (Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Tori Amos, etc.). I’m sure I wouldn’t have been able to find his contact information anywhere if another musician hadn’t connected us.

What are you looking for in a producer?

It will help if you have a decent idea of the overall vibe you want your music to have. Are you looking for a simple, acoustic sound? Or something more layered and modern, with a lot of computer wizardry involved? It helps me to think about what other songs or artists would be on a playlist with what I’m working on. Would it be with Adele, John Legend, and Sara Bareilles? Or would it include Paramore and Green Day? Obviously, your music is unique, but having something to reference will be very helpful in narrowing down your producer search. If you’re going for a Chapelle Roan type modern pop sound, you probably don’t want to hire someone whose only production work you can find is acoustic musical theatre or hip hop. 

Once you find some prospects who are in your price range, you’ll want to meet with them and discuss your goals for recording as well as what you would like them to do. Some producers are ready and able to play all of the instruments on your record and even assist with songwriting, if that’s what the artist needs. Do want them to do something like that, or is it mainly a mission of making the song or album sound good? If you’re not sure, you’ll also want to discuss that with them as well. 

Possibly the most important thing is that you want to feel comfortable with the producer, and that you are able to clearly communicate with one another. If they make you feel nervous for one reason or another, or if they seem like they’re not really listening to your ideas, it’s pretty much guaranteed you won’t be happy with the result. 

I recently recommended a great producer I know to one of my singer/songwriter students, and she said it’s like he “reads her mind” when it comes to what she wants her original songs and voice to sound like in recording. That’s an ideal situation. The producer I work with the most doesn’t necessarily read my mind, but I feel very comfortable telling him when I don’t like something. I also completely trust that he is committed to making my music sound the best it can possibly sound. Communication and trust are key. 

Do your research!

In conclusion, finding a producer that’s right for your music will probably take time and research, but it will be completely worth it. Plus, this is fun research where you get to listen to a lot of music and go to shows! You’ve put your heart and soul into your singing and your songwriting, and you can and will find the right person to help you realize your vision.