Comments on: Tips on Producing Vocals

By: CR

CR — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:40:33 +0000

No offense Ross, but if you have a clear idea of how you want your song to sound, and want to be in the control room to make sure that happens, then you want to be the producer. Period. That’s what producing is. In other words, you want the guy in the control room to be an engineer, not a producer, so YES, you would be undermining his role, which is fine if it’s okay with him, just make sure YOUR name is in the credits as producer, not his. Take responsibility for your role. Alternatively, you could “co-produce” if you have a decent relationship with the guy. Just don’t fool yourself into thinking what you’re really talking about is co-producing, because that’s exactly what it is. 😉

By: Ross

Ross — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 03:00:24 +0000

As a vocalist with a bit of recording experience I would still probably insist on sitting in on a lot of the vocal editing and production. Although the producer has the technical expertise and usually a great ear for what sounds good, as a song writer I’ve got a clear idea of how I want the vocals and song-as-a-whole to sound. I know this could be of annoyance for the producer but the production process, as you say, is to deliver a product, and that product is my bit of art. Although I’d expect a producer to be on the same page as me, I’m the one who knows how it’s supposed to sound as that art piece. For me, a massive part of the process is working WITH a producer to try and get what’s in my head recorded.

Saying this, I don’t want you thinking I want to undermine the producer at all. I have and will welcome instruction, input and artistic ideas from producers. I love being pushed for takes which capture different textures and moods that I wouldn’t have tried at first. But if you were producer, I would most definitely want to produce my vocals WITH you. I can see why this wouldn’t work with your standard pop singer but I just wouldn’t want to compromise on anything artistically I guess.

By: Rick Styles

Rick Styles — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:09:17 +0000

Thank you for the tips.
I rap and I also sing.
I now know what to do in the studio!

By: Terah

Terah — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:57:32 +0000

Thanks for the great article! As a vocalist, it will be great remembering to check for the same things you mention and make things as easy as possible…not just for the producer but for whoever the project is for.

I was wondering if you could provide some insight into how much I should charge for studio vocals? I’m trying to pick up some part time work, but don’t really know how to price myself. I currently live in San Antonio, TX, if that gives you any sort of geographical consideration.

Thanks again!
Terah

By: Jason Brock

Jason Brock — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 21:29:16 +0000

Thanks! Great tips covering all aspects quickly. My website given is temp. but
works. My new one should be up within a week. I needed those tips for vocals as I am planning on recording light vocals as well as stories with my music. I play a Chapman Stick Touchboard, I have a solo CD- instrumental but have done a
couple tests with a girl who writes a recites hear stories. Her voice is very soft and gentle ( she’s into yoga and such…) now I’m sure our future home recordings will improve.
THanks!
Jason Brock
Chapman Stick Artist
Ontario, Canada