No "One Correct Way" To Approach Music

With music, and art in general, there is no such thing as a one-way to do things. You cannot always bank on using the same techniques or approaches for every song. Some songs? Sure. But, at times, it can be too nuanced to take a shortsighted view like this. 

Every song has its own identity, its quirks, and demands. That’s what makes the process so exciting—and challenging in the best way.

Instead of sitting on my hands and falling into the trap of doing what I’ve always done, I ask myself some questions to help make decisions. These questions help me tailor my approach to the unique needs of the artist and song. 

Personally, I’m at a point in my work now where I don’t stop to sit and ruminate on these questions.

However, I approach production instinctively with these in mind as I go through the project; discovering the answers through communication and collaboration with my clients, as well as through the creative decisions I make along the way. 

Let’s take a look:

What Is the Artist's Vision for the Song?

The first step is understanding the artist’s vision. After all, that’s why we’re here in the first place. 

Are they aiming for something raw and emotional? Or, polished pop and radio-ready?

Do they see this song as a standalone piece (single), or is it part of a larger narrative within an EP or album?

If it’s part of a bigger project, how does it fit into the overall story they’re trying to tell? Does the album even have a narrative, or is it a collection of individual songs?

Getting clear on these answers (upfront, if you can) ensures that your decisions align with what the project.

What's Their Artist and Sonic Aesthetic?

Every artist has a vibe, a brand, a feel. And, each of them are different. Just as we all have an individual personality, so too does a band or artist. 

Their sonic aesthetic plays a massive role in shaping the final product - and how we make our decisions from the outset.

But it’s not just about what they like. I try digging deeper beyond just their influences. 

What inspires them? Do they want their sound to reflect those influences, or are they looking to make something new with their identity? They may love one element of a particular song, but then love something completely different in another. 

It’s worth noting that just because an artist loves a particular style of music doesn’t mean that’s the music they’re best suited to create. 

What Suits Their Voice and Style?

This is a big one. Sometimes artists gravitate toward a sound or genre that doesn’t quite fit their voice or style. We’ve all done it - tried to sing songs by our influences and favourite artists, only to find it doesn’t suit our sound at all. 

It’s my job to help artists find a lane that plays into their strengths while helping steer them away from directions that might not serve them well.

For example, if an artist with a delicate, airy voice wants to tackle a heavy rock sound, we would need to find ways to balance their vocal character with the weight of the production, and stand out from the wall of sound of the music. 

It’s about working with who the artist is and honing in on their best qualities. This goes back to the point above about; just because we may have certain influences, doesn’t mean that we suit making music in that style. 

So, it’s about juggling all of these things to make sure we A) get a great end result, B) a happy client, and C) guide the artists we work with in a way that’s constructive and not damaging. 

How Does the Song Fit Into the Bigger Picture?

This point is kind of a flow-on from point 1 above.

I try to take a holistic view of every project. A song isn’t just a collection of parts; it’s a piece of a larger puzzle. Whether it’s a series of singles, an EP, or an album, I’m trying to keep context in mind.

• Does this song need to be the attention-grabbing opener on the record?

• Or, is it the introspective, vulnerable song?

• Is this song similar to what they’ve done in the past, or is this a new sound and turning point heading in a new direction? 

Should it contrast with or complement the tracks around it? 

By thinking about the bigger picture, I can make choices that not only serve the song but also enhance the project as a whole - whether it be just a single, or more. It’s about more than the song.

Extra tip - consider song order if it’s an EP or album. That can play a big role in how some creative decisions are made.

Collaboration and Adaptability Are Key

No two people are the same. Artists, producers, painters, whatever. 

What works for one might completely miss the mark for another. That’s why production is as much about collaboration and adaptability as it is about the technical stuff.

By staying open to the artist’s ideas, being willing to experiment, and keeping the focus on their vision, I’m able to craft something that feels authentic and uniquely theirs. And at the end of the day, that’s the whole point, isn’t it? To bring music to life in a way that resonates with both the artists I work with and (hopefully) their audiences.

One thing in particular I like to do when working in-person is: sit down and do the vocal comp together with the singer/s. Make sure everyone is happy with how the vocals are sounding right there and then. It’s imperative to make sure the song has the right vibe and energy - and that the artists are happy with the end result. 

Wrapping Up

So, if you’re a producer, you’d better accept, and lean into the fact that there’s no one “right” way to do it. Dive into the questions above, dig into the artist’s vision (and handle it with care), and let each project guide you to where it needs to go.

Is it your job to help or guide artists at times? Yeah, absolutely. But, it’s their song at the end of the day, and not so much about us putting our “stamp” on a project.