It’s taken me a long time to learn this lesson. You need a producer for your record. I’m not saying  for EVERY record (but it couldn’t hurt). Why you should consider working with a producer? The evidence is quite clear. Many of your favourite artists would not be your favourite artists unless a Producer helped shape that sound. Thing about it:

The Beatles and George Martin

Eminem, N.W.A, Kendrick Lamar, and Dr.Dre

Jay-Z and Kanye West

Joy Division and Martin Hannet

Kesha, Katy Perry, etc and Dr. Luke

U2 and Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois

The lists of great producers and great bands could be endless but lets just get to the reasons that Producers work for artists.

1. A Producer can be impartial and objective about your music

You know that killer riff you just rocked, or that verse that you just killed? It can probably be better. That’s what a Producer does. Takes your sound and makes it better. By cutting, shaping, adding, suggesting, a world of ideas that you don’t have. A good Producer will be someone who is impartial and objective about your music. You all (Producer + band) have ONE JOB. Make GREAT MUSIC. This is your only goal. Since a producer isn’t married to your material as much as you are, they are able to step back and say “this sucks” and “this is fantastic.” These are things you THINK you know about but a Producer will offer a new view on your material.

2. A Producer has a larger network than you

If you hire a good Producer, they will probably have a larger network in the music industry than you. Use this to your advantage. Get the contacts out of them. They can offer you contacts to possible managers, booking agents, festival organizers, publishers. This is all of you to take advantage of and use to share your music with a larger audience.

3. A Producer brings a new flavor and approach to your music

You have one approach to music. A Producer has an entirely different one and this will only add to the creativity. Or the frustration, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The point is that your approach can get stale. It can even become Cancerous when it stops you from innovating and pushing your artistry. Use a Producers suggestions and approach to invigorate your music.

4. A Producer will educate you and you will learn new tools

You should be learning something new everyday when you’re in the studio with a great Producer. How do they approach songwriting? What’s their workflow like? What tricks are they using on the DAW? Observe and learn as much as you can. These are things that you can bring to your own solo recordings and demos.

5. A Producer is adding thier name to the product and will work to make it successful

When someone agrees to work with you in the music industry they are putting their name with yours. Your success will be a reflection of them in a way. This typically means that a Producer will only work with artists that they believe in and will work their hardest to make sure your record is a great one.

 So consider using a great producer for your next record!