Author: mmerce01

WHAT DO YOU MEAN, YOU WON’T PLAY IT ON THE RADIO?

For too many years the music production industry has relied on radio stations to make its music popular.

But marketing strategies for music have changed in the past ten years due to the internet and file sharing.

The past is gone! Take the time to learn the multiple options that are available to modern musicians and producers. For instance, did you know you can get your music placed in movies and television series by simply submitting it through web services like www.taxi.com.

There are many different ways that people like you and me can market our songs.

Don’t depend on others to find the distribution avenues you need to make a living at producing your music.

Let’s talk about streaming services and what they offer. From what I have found, unless you get 1 million or more plays on a streaming service you can’t make much money. But that doesn’t mean you don’t do it. It can help make your songs popular and provide an avenue for your music to get placed in film or on tv.

Take the time to plan out your marketing. It will work in your favor. Too many times we give up too soon and don’t stay for the long haul. Keep at it. It’s all going to be okay.

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments.

When using a production house

When starting your production, be sure that your engineer/producer understands the purpose and intention of your song.

The worst thing to happen in a studio production is having a engineer/producer who doesn’t understand the songs purpose.

Speak to the engineer and give him/her the story behind the song. After all, the engineer is responsible for reproducing your sound. You’ll be very upset if your R&B song sounds like a country song.

Once you’ve explained the purpose and meaning of the song, step back and let the production team work.

Only interrupt your production if it is not going in the direction you want it to.

Don’t be too difficult. Make the production as easy as possible.

Using a Microphone 

Microphone placement determines the sound quality of the instrument or vocal you are recording.

Vocal microphones vary and choosing the right mic for your vocal can make or break a song. So take the time to check out different mics and find your favorite.

Three steps to producing an album

1. Recording the tracks (Recording Engineer)
2. Editing/mixing the tracks (Editor/Editing Engineer)
3. Mastering the tracks. This is putting the icing on the cake. (Mastering Engineer)

During Production

During production, record as many takes as possible. With today’s technology you can cut and paste all of your good takes together to get the ultimate track.

On the other hand, don’t get overly picky. The engineer will know if your take is good. As artists, we have a tendency to over-complicate things and stop the production flow. Resist the urge to your our own worst critic.

Finally, when the sessions are completed you need to have your own portable hard drive to save your sessions for future production edits or mastering.

In Summary

1. Make your intentions known to the crew and be open to suggestions.
2. Work with the engineer and/or producer to get the product you desire.
3. Understand your studio environment. Is it conducive to what your music needs are? Do they have the chops to produce you?
4. Ask about the history of the studio?
5. Don’t be overly picky or your album will never be complete. It is okay to state what you would like to have in your album, but learn when to let go.

Does your song have substance or is it just another tune with a redundant message?

Like most of us in the world of music, I’m sure you have an idea of what sounds good to you but you must also ask yourself: what sounds good to your audience?

Is there something in our society that needs to be said through your lyrics and can you produce the sound to carry the message?

These are some of the questions you need to ask yourself when writing a new song. Don’t think what you write is insignificant when it has a story behind the lyrics or the music. Something you say may affect your audience.

The first step is writing the lyrics and determining the melody and chord progression that fits. Take your time and remain calm through this process or you will stress your way out of creativity.

When you are finished making your edits to the song, take the time to chart out the song for your studio session. This consists of knowing the Nashville number system and all the shapes for change, pause, tempo, etc…  Check out this tutorial on charting the Nashville Number System.

Take into consideration that everyone’s creative process is different, but everyone must find some common ground during the production process.

Don’t get me wrong, the best way to learn is by doing. Please don’t spend all your time planning and not playing. The whole purpose of this information is to equip you to play and make a record reflecting your creativity.

Feel free to leave comments, advice, or questions.

 

Welcome to OneStrum Media. Our goal is to serve you.

OneStrum Media is your number one stop for music production needs. OneStrum Media is located in Cleveland, Tennessee. We are ready to help you take your great idea and bring it to life for everyone to hear.