Monday, 14 April 2014

Hip Hop Producers New Role In The Music Industry

By Jerry K. Lewinski


At one point in time, Hip Hop producers did not necessarily need to know about every aspect of the process involved with putting an album together. They were able to get by focusing primarily on the recording process. However, music producers new role in the music industry dictates that they must wear many hats, and be familiar with all of the aspects of the business.

There have been a lot of changes in the recording industry in recent years. With the current proliferation of the internet, and the growing importance of digital releases, the industry looks very different than it did two decades ago. Record stores have all but vanished, and traditional radio is not as popular as it used to be. Marketing through social media is incredibly important, and most music buffs get their fixes through downloading.



The role of a Hip Hop producer has changed just as much as the industry itself. There are a number of new hats the producer must wear, involving many facets of an artist's career. Here a few of the things he or she must be familiar with. This list is not exhaustive, but it gives a good overview of the things that are of the greatest concern. A music producer must also be:

1. Recording engineer. A music producer needs to stay on top of the latest recording technology, and also needs to know which tried and true techniques should be preserved. Part of your job as a producer is to advise the artists when they are making decisions and to know how to bring out the best sound from their raw material. This has always been one of the producer's functions, and it always will be.

2. Musician. A good producer should also be a musician. In order to advise the musicians and to make the best use of recording techniques and equipment, you should know about the basic element of the sound, which is the music itself. Musicians will be much more receptive to feedback from someone who is also a musician. Any professional should be familiar with all of the aspects of the jobs they supervise.

3. A & R executive. Artist and repertoire is the aspect of the business that involves searching out new talent, and helping both new and established talent to grow artistically. An A & R executive supervises the evolution of an album during the recording process, and serves as a bridge between the record company and the artist.

4. Marketing Expert. Marketing is also a part of producing. The digital age has made this aspect even more important. You need to be able to help your artists with social media, branding, interviews, public image, and everything else involved with projecting their desired persona to the world. There was a time when marketing was more narrow than it is currently. The internet has transformed it into a 24-hour a day, 7-day a week opportunity.

These are only a few of the roles Hip Hop producers in Los Angeles must play. New issues and responsibilities arise constantly in this ever-changing industry. To keep yourself fresh and informed in your profession, you must stay on top of these changes. You should seek to understand every dimension of the music industry in which you work and the work you do.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment