Recording Studio

Yes, even you can benefit from a producer...

Why do most major artists use an outside producer?  A producer has the ability to see the song (and album) from an outside perspective, aware of what is translating as a whole from the speakers to the listener.  A good producer also has the musical skills and the ability to know how to arrange instruments and vocals so they create a good feel and don't step on each other - a good mix starts with the arrangement!  Artists and songwriters, who have usually been with their music since the beginning, often hear it only one way.  This can put them too 'inside' their music, preventing them from seeing the full potential of their songs and their ability to musically reach people.  If there are lyrics, without a stellar musical vehicle, they won't reach anyone either.  A set of fresh ears can hear improvements in things such as tempo, time feel, key, instrumentation, or song form for example.  If the bass player is playing the same rhythm as the guitar & keys, perhaps a contrasting rhythm or line can bring out the funk, getting more people to dance or tap their feet.  Maybe the song's beautifully cruising along, but there's suddenly a weak chord change that brings the song down, or there's a chord that needs to be held longer going into the chorus in order to give the band time to build into it.  Or maybe the vocalist is singing with the wrong attitude, detracting from the meaning of the lyric.  Maybe there's an instrument or a background vocal arrangement that would bring the chorus to life.  The goal of the producer is to breathe new life into the song by bringing out the best in the band or artist, or if there is no band, hiring the best studio musicians and hearing the best arrangement for the song.  Also, a good producer is not a dictator - he will keep the artist's vision in tact, and will listen to ideas from the artist or the band as well.