In the world of music production, creating a polished and impactful vocal performance is essential to a song’s success. A vocalist’s talent and technique are vital, but there’s another crucial element that can make all the difference: a vocal producer. This specialized professional can help you elevate your music and bring your vision to life in the studio. So, let’s dive into the fascinating world of vocal production and see why hiring a vocal producer can be a game-changer for your music career.
What is a Vocal Producer?
A vocal producer is a specialized music industry professional who focuses on guiding and shaping a singer’s vocal performance in the studio. With expertise in vocal technique, recording technology, and song interpretation, they work closely with the artist to create a polished and emotive vocal track that showcases the singer’s talent and connects with the listener.
Vocal producers play a crucial role in the music production process. They are the bridge between the singer and the rest of the production team, ensuring that the artist’s vision is captured effectively and that the vocal performance complements the overall musical arrangement. Vocal producers draw from their experience and knowledge of various genres, vocal styles, and production techniques to tailor the recording process to the specific needs of each project. They may also contribute to vocal arrangements, harmony parts, and background vocals, enhancing the song’s emotional impact and musical depth.
How Can a Vocal Producer Help You?
A vocal producer brings invaluable skills to the table that can elevate your music to new heights. Here are seven ways a vocal producer can contribute to the success of your project:
1. Help Invoke Emotion
A vocal producer understands the importance of conveying emotion in a vocal performance. They will help you tap into the feelings behind the lyrics and deliver a powerful, authentic interpretation that resonates with listeners. By coaching you on vocal techniques and offering constructive feedback, they can help you create a captivating and emotive performance, and help you better connect with the lyrics.
If you’ve read anything I’ve written in the past you may notice that I talk about emotion a lot, and that’s because it matters. Emotion can be the difference between an OK song that goes nowhere and a hit. If you we’re painting a picture of the ocean, you wouldn’t just throw blue paint on the canvas and say it’s done, you’d put in the fine details, the different colors. It’s the same thing in the studio, you want every little detail to come through, because once it’s out there it’s permanent, and if your listener can’t connect, the song won’t do well regardless if it’s good or not.
You can sing just to sing … sure … LIVE (Which we also don’t recommend). The studio is where you REALLY need to tap into the emotion, and a great producer can help you do that.
2. Getting the Best Performance
Vocal producers possess the expertise to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a singer’s voice. They will work with you to develop your vocal technique and help you make the most of your unique talents. By providing guidance on breath control, pitch, tone, and delivery they can help you achieve your best performance and enhance your artistic expression.
When it comes to performance it’s not just pitch that matters, it’s more about the delivery and, of course, emotion. I’m sure even you yourself have heard a great singer hit every note perfectly, with fantastic runs, and vocal acrobatics…. but it was just boring. Timing, Emotion, tone, and delivery all need to be taken into consideration when recording vocals.
It’s not all about just hitting the notes, and these days … you don’t even have to hit the note. Many times the take that may be a little flat but the delivery and tone was perfect. You can use other tools like melodyne to fix pitch, there are not tools to recreate what i like to call “The Magic”. A great producer will be able to identify small things that can drastically improve the performance. Maybe it’s just even singing 1 word a different way, or changing the timing slightly for more of an impact.
Theres also just no better feeling of having someone in your ear hyping you up and directing you mid performance to make you feel confident, and just deliver a great record.
3. Help With Arrangement and Harmonies
Believe it or not, ALOT of people have a hard time with harmonies over their own voice, and even more don’t realize the importance of doubling a vocal. If you’ve read my article “How to Layer Vocals Like a Pro: 7 Layers You NEED to Record” YOU may understand a little more than most people, but you’d be surprised at how many people don’t. A great vocal producer will know exactly how many doubles are needed, what phrases or words to emphasize, and help you flesh out all of your harmonies, your layers, gang vocals, false choirs and any other things they hear, or you envision.
4. Editing and Polishing
A crucial part of a vocal producer’s job is to polish your performance. They will meticulously review each take, helping you refine your delivery and perfect your timing, phrasing, and intonation. Afterwards they will pocket the vocal, tune it, and tighten up the doubles and background vocals to get ready to send to your mixing engineer.
5. Confidence and Support
Stepping into the recording booth can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially for new artists. A vocal producer provides the support and encouragement needed to help you feel comfortable and confident in the studio. By building a trusting relationship with you, they create a safe environment where you can take risks and grow as a performer.
And it doesn’t matter who you talk to, ALOT of singers at all levels are uncomfortable in a vocal booth, especially the first time, or the first time working with new people. It’s normal, I’ve performed for large audiences in the past myself, but I’ll have a hard time if anybody else is in the room when I’m recording. Remember this isn’t a performance this is a process. You need to feel comfortable making mistakes, trying new things, and you need someone who is not only going to accept that, but will also egg you on and encourage you to push harder.
6. Efficient Studio Time
A skilled vocal producer can help you maximize your time in the studio. They will streamline the recording process, ensuring that you make the most of your session and avoid costly delays. With their keen ear and technical know-how, they can quickly identify issues and provide solutions, keeping your project on track and on budget.
7. Industry Insight
Vocal producers bring valuable industry insight to your project. With their experience working on a variety of projects and genres, they can offer guidance on current trends and help you develop your unique artistic identity. Their connections and expertise can open doors to new opportunities, furthering your career in the music industry.
How to Find a Vocal Producer
Finding the right vocal producer for your project can be a game-changer. Here are some tips to help you in your search:
Research your Favorite Artists
Start by researching vocal producers who have worked with artists in your genre. Listen to their work and take note of the quality and style of the vocal production. This will give you a sense of their expertise and whether their approach aligns with your vision. Now we don’t recommend you trying to reach out to an A-list artist’s vocal producer (unless you have the budget), but when you start to look at the B C and D list artist’s credits you’d be surprised at how affordable some of them are
Ask for Recommendations
Reach out to fellow musicians, music producers, and industry professionals for recommendations. They may have worked with vocal producers they can vouch for or know someone who has. Personal referrals are a great way to find a trusted professional.
Look on Online Platforms
Explore online platforms like SoundBetter, Upwork, or social media groups dedicated to music production. You can find vocal producers who advertise their services or receive recommendations from other users. Always review their portfolios and client testimonials before making a decision.
Visit Local Recording Studios
Visit local recording studios and inquire about vocal producers who work there. Studios often have a roster of in-house producers or can recommend freelancers they have collaborated with in the past.
Go to Music Industry Events
Attend music industry events, conferences, and workshops to network with professionals in the field. You may have the opportunity to meet vocal producers and discuss your project in person.
Know your Budget and Compatibility
Consider your budget when searching for a vocal producer. Rates can vary widely, so be upfront about your financial constraints. It’s also essential to find a producer who shares your vision and with whom you feel comfortable working. Schedule an initial consultation to discuss your project and gauge your compatibility.
But also you can always work with us for your vocal production needs =]. Twisby Production Services
What if I can’t afford a vocal producer?
If your budget is tight, consider seeking out a vocal producer who is just starting their career or is willing to work on a smaller scale. Alternatively, you can invest in vocal coaching or online courses to improve your skills and apply these lessons to your recording process but we always recommend AT LEAST having another person “driving” your DAW and giving you feedback as you go.
Just make sure they are a friend that you trust to give you constructive criticism. The process will always go smoother when someone else is recording, allowing you to just focus on the performance, and the collaborative effort when working with someone, most of the time, will give you a better result than just working by yourself. I’ve done the whole Bouncing back and forth from the DAW to the mic, and I will NEVER do it again, but at the same time …. I’ve got my own engineer for that as well (I mean, we are a studio after all).
While it’s possible to self-produce your vocals, working with an experienced vocal producer can bring valuable perspective and expertise to your project. Collaborating with a professional allows you to focus on your performance, knowing that someone else is overseeing the technical and creative aspects of the recording process.
How do I prepare for working with a vocal producer?
Before entering the studio, make sure you know your material inside and out. Practice your songs, focusing on pitch, timing, and emotion. Be open to feedback and ready to make adjustments during the recording process. Establish clear communication with your vocal producer, sharing your artistic vision and any concerns or preferences you have.
Also, remember before starting the session to talk about writing as well. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “Write a Word, Get a Third”, be sure to address any potential rewrites that may happen during the session. Even If a producer asks you to change “She” to “You” or something small, they are entitled to a songwriting credit, and you could get yourself into trouble if you don’t address this type of situation prior.
Some producers will work as a “work for hire” others may want writers credit, and even you yourself may value you their insight and would like to leave the table open for any rewriting that may improve the song. Just be sure to address this before starting the session.
The Cost of Hiring a Vocal Producer
When it comes to hiring a vocal producer, the cost can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, location, and the scope of your project. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Flat Fee
Some vocal producers charge a flat fee for their services. This fee typically covers the entire project from pre-production to editing pocketing, and tuning. Flat fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the producer’s experience and the project’s complexity.
Hourly Rate
Other vocal producers work on an hourly basis, with rates that can range from $50 to $200 or more per hour. In many cases, there will be a minimum number of hours required to book a session. Keep in mind that hourly rates can add up quickly, so it’s essential to manage your studio time efficiently. Make sure you have everything ready to go when working hourly, and ask if comping, editing and pocketing is also hourly as well or included.
And just a little rant, if you are IN a physical studio, show up early to make sure you’re set up and ready to go when it’s go time. If the studio isn’t ready, or you aren’t allowed to show up and they waste 30 minutes setting up, testing mics, and getting signal, that’s just not right. We don’t think it’s right and studios will do this on PURPOSE to milk more money out of you. I’ve seen it, I don’t like it, it’s wrong. Make sure the studio knows exactly what you’re doing that day and exactly what you will need.
If it’s a studio that is known to do this Don’t work with them again, call them out on it, and if you can’t avoid it, book 1 extra hour of studio time to prepare before your vocal producer is on the clock. As long as everything is ready to go, the producer will most likely want to start with a mic shootout to see what works best and then the session will start. The last thing you want is to be paying someone for standing in a corner and waiting for an hour. Sorry …. We’re called “The Way it Should Be, Yes?” (Aka “Twisby”) for a reason lol.
Project-Based Rates
Some producers may offer project-based rates, which are tailored to the specific needs of your project. These rates can be more flexible and may include a combination of flat fees and hourly rates for different stages of the production process. Be sure to discuss your project’s scope and requirements with the producer to negotiate a fair and transparent rate structure.
When budgeting for a vocal producer, it’s essential to consider the value they bring to your project. Their expertise and guidance can elevate your music, making it a worthwhile investment in your career. Additionally, don’t be afraid to negotiate rates and inquire about payment plans or package deals that may be available. Remember, the key is finding the right balance between quality and affordability to ensure the best possible outcome for your music.
By understanding the importance of a vocal producer and following these tips, you can enhance your music and create a polished, professional sound that connects with your audience. Don’t hesitate to invest in a vocal producer – your music career will thank you.
