In a message dated 99-02-26 08:08:58 EST, Terry writes:
Anyhow,
in my own arbitrary, subjective head, I do prefer to maintain the myth
that the artist is the one calling the shots on production.
Oh, in a perfect world I suppose...
I don't think there's any specific formula for the producer/artist
relationship. Every one that I've ever been in has been unique. I've worked
with guys for hire, guys working on spec, guys full of enthusiasm. I've done
projects with producers I was in awe of, and where I didn't speak myu mind, so
I know the feeling of failure, of coming home with something even I dont' want
to listen to after so much hope and expectation.
Greg Garing turned out to be amazing in the studio, got some great
performances out of us, he was the midwife for the great rhythm tracks, was
great at helping us find the "just right" tempos and feels.
But between him and Boo, my guitarist and co-founder of the band, I found
myself really having to struggle to do certain things the way I wanted them
done. And I learned that sometimes if someone doesn't get their way, they lose
interest.
If you want to call the shots you've got to stand your ground, and accept that
sometimes you're just not going to be liked. That you've got to trust your
instincts and stand by your impulses, and hopefully your producer willl let
you work your ideas out, even if they're not sure what you're getting at.
That's the hardest thing, insisting on something when eveyrone else has a
different idea. But oh boy what joy when you realize your vision and then
everyone goes, "o, I see what you mean."
"One Dog Town" is by far not a perfect record, but there are some things on it
that I'm really proud of, and they are almost inevitably the things that I had
to fight tooth and nail for.
As for knowing when it's the right time to move on, it's also important to not
let someone push you into accepting something your'e not happy with, when what
you hear in your head hasn't happened yet on tape.
I don't know if this thread was started by someone wanting to know about
producers because they're entering into a producer/artist relationship (I've
been on the road and forgot to unsubscribe so wow! what a lot to sort
through), or if it's just a dreamy kind of speculative quest, but there are a
few of my thoughts on the subject.
Been enjoying reading all the fun P2 stuff again.
Take care,
Elena Skye
P.S. Met a few P2-ers on the road, and then again last night at The Rodeo Bar.
Great fun.
