RESEARCH QUESTIONS 

In my project application I wrote a couple of research questions that I would address at the end of the project. The first part of the question was:

What types of 'artistic co-ownership' does the music producer take on when the artistic co-creation processes unfold in the recording studio, and what artistic consequences can this have for the final works?

During the research I have arrived at the following answers - both through reflexion upon the old and new knowledge about producing music the project work has given me and also through the artistic practice I have done within the project:

When a music producer is involved in the creation of a musical work, different degrees of artistic co-ownership can arise, depending on the producer's role and contribution in the process. I have come up with a list of roles that a producer can take on, and the artistic consequences this can have for the final works:

The shaper of the sound image:

The music producer plays a crucial role in shaping the sound image of a song or an album. This may involve choosing instruments, sounds, effects, and mixing. The possible consequences are, that this can radically change how a musical work is experienced. Two producers can take the same basic song and performance and create two vastly different versions. It is not composition per se but the sonic signature and perception of the piece changes based on the choices made by whoever is exerting control over the music.

The creative partner:

In some cases, the producer acts as a co-creator of the music, working closely with the artist to compose, arrange, and develop the music. In these cases, the consequences could be, that the final work may feel as much the producer’s as the artist’s, which can lead to a more unique and cohesive creation but also challenge the discussion about who is then the artist…

The technical expert:

The producer may have a more technical role, focusing on realizing the artist's vision through technical expertise in recording and mixing. The producer could in this case be viewed as a servant. The artistic consequences with this role would normally mean that the artist’s vision remains central, while the producer works to realize this vision to the highest technical level.

The project manager:

The producer may act as a project manager, keeping track of the logistics of a recording, from schedules to session musicians. The consequences here, is that this can free the artist to focus more on their own artistic work, but it may also mean that the producer has significant control over how the project develops.

The artistic advisor:

In some cases, the producer acts as an artistic mentor or advisor, providing feedback and guidance but without necessarily taking a hands-on role in the creation of the music. The artistic consequences with this role is, that this can help shape the artist’s work in a way that respects their vision but provides them with guidance and perspective.

In all these roles, there is an element of artistic co-ownership, but the degree can vary greatly. In some cases, the producer may be seen as an equal partner in the creation of the music, while in other cases they have a more supportive role. Different genres have their own typical use of these roles.

This leads to important considerations about credit and royalties that I believe need to be agreed upon and made clear from the start of the project to avoid conflicts - based on what type of role or roles the producer takes on. It is also important for both the artist and producer to have a clear understanding and agreement on what their respective roles are, and how this will be reflected in the final product and its presentation.

Finally, the producer's role can have a significant impact on how the music ends up sounding, and thus how it is received by listeners and critics. A producer who understands and resonates with the artist's vision can help elevate a work to a new level, while a misunderstanding between the artist and producer can lead to a product that feels disjointed or does not live up to the artist’s intentions. Clarification of responsibility and control is paramount.

The other part of the research question has given me new insights as well. The question was:

What musical/technological elements and competencies in the music producer's practice as an 'artistic co-owner' can be said to especially contribute new artistic perspectives to the final works?

The unique contribution of the music producer as an 'artistic co-owner' of a music project lies possibly in their ability to integrate both musical and technological skills to create something that goes beyond what the artist might have or could have created alone. Based on my research here are some of the key areas I have found to be of particular relevance where a music producer can contribute new artistic perspectives to the final works:

Emotional intuition:

One of the most subtle but critical roles a producer can play is as an emotional guide for the project. They may have a deep intuition for how the music feels, and how it can be altered to achieve the desired emotional effect.

Creative problem solving:

Recording music is often a complex process. An experienced producer can use their creativity to solve problems in ways that end up adding something special to the final recording.

Production style and knowledge of genres:

Producers with a broad and deep understanding of different music genres can bring elements from different styles together in new and exciting ways, challenging the artist’s expectations and taking the music in unexpected directions.

Arrangement and composition:

A producer with strong musical abilities can suggest changes to the song’s structure or contribute ideas for harmonizing, melody lines, and instrumentation that can elevate a simple song sketch to a fully realized work.

Recording techniques:

Producers can bring expertise in different recording techniques, which can have a dramatic effect on the final product. This can include unique microphone placements, using analog equipment to add character, or creative ways to record instruments.

Mixing and mastering:

A skilled producer can create a mix that highlights the key elements of a song, creates space and depth, and achieves professional sound quality. Mastering adds the final professional touch and ensures that the music will sound good on all sound systems.

Timbre and sound design:

Music producers can have a deep understanding of how to manipulate and design sounds. This includes selecting and modifying instrument sounds, applying effects such as reverb, delay, distortion, and EQ to create a unique sound image.

Technological innovation:

Music producers who are skilled with studio technology can often contribute new perspectives through the use of the latest software and hardware. This can include the use of synthesizers, sampling, electronic manipulation of sound, and integration of digital and analog technologies.

Overall, the practice of the music producer combines a range of musical, technological, and interpersonal skills that can lead to new artistic perspectives and contribute to realizing a clear, coherent, and emotionally resonant vision for the final musical works.

Although there are clear parallels between a music producer's role and educational practice - such as guiding, supporting, and promoting an artist's growth - there are also important differences that make a strictly pedagogical approach insufficient for a music producer. Here are some arguments for how these differences shine through:

Artistic co-creator:

A music producer is not just a guide or a teacher; they are an active co-creator of the artwork. This often involves making artistic decisions that have a direct impact on the final work. 

Emotional intuition:

A key part of the producer's role is to understand and shape the emotional content of the music. This involves a deep level of emotional intuition and understanding of creative processes and psychology.

Technical expertise:

Music production requires a deep technical understanding of sound, recording, and editing. This aspect is central to the producer's role. A producer needs to know and to master a wide range of software and hardware.

Mentor and critic:

A music producer’s feedback is directly tied to the artistic development of a project; they are helping to shape a piece of art. They are an active part of the process.

Time and resource management:

The producer often plays a role in managing the logistical aspects of a recording project. This can include budgeting, scheduling, hiring session musicians, and coordinating various elements of a production.

Advocacy and networking:

A music producer often plays a role in promoting the artist and their work, sometimes even taking on a managerial role. This can include connecting the artist with important industry contacts, something that is beyond the traditional idea of a co-creator.

Market understanding:

Music producers need to have an understanding of the music industry and the market. They often advise artists on how their music can be packaged and presented to reach a wider audience. 

So, the role of a music producer have a unique contribution, the depth of involvement, creativity, technical expertise, market understanding, and artistic co-creation that a music producer brings to a project set this role or function apart from others.

In the course of my project, the intertwined processes of creating new music and conducting interviews with fellow artists have generated profound insights into my own artistic practice as a music producer. This investigation has profoundly highlighted the imperative of possessing an intrinsic comprehension of technology, art, psychology, and society within the domain of music production.

From the very onset of this project, the act of crafting new music—this delicate interplay of creativity, technology, and human connection—has demanded an acute awareness of my own internal emotional landscape. Each choice I make, from the most minute tweak in sound design to the overarching direction of a piece, is informed not just by technical prowess, but by an intuitive, emotionally charged understanding of what each moment in the music calls for. 

The interviews with other music production professionals have exposed the intricate emotional dynamics that are in constant play during collaborative work. They've revealed how essential empathy, active listening, and effective communication are in fostering a creative environment where artists feel seen, heard, and respected. Here, the role of the music producer emerges not merely as a technical overseer but as an emotional anchor and guide through the often tumultuous waters of artistic creation.

Moreover, the project has brought to light the significance of adaptability and resilience. Through the process of creating new music in subproject 2, I’ve navigated unexpected challenges and adapted to the evolving needs of each piece. My adaptability is not merely a practical skill; it is an attitude.

The project has also underscored the importance of grasping the listener's perspective. Through interviews and creative practice, I have come to appreciate how being able to switch perspective enabling a nuanced, empathetic approach to shaping sound that considers the emotional and cognitive responses of listeners. New to me is the toll this switch takes from not just being the producer or engineer but also composer and singer. This mental distance travelled makes the switch tough, and much tougher than I have normally experienced when only producing or engineering.

So, this project has illuminated the multifaceted role of a music producer as both an artistic co-creator and an emotional guide within the collaborative process. It has highlighted that while technical skills and artistic vision are undoubtedly vital, it is the deep understanding of oneself and others—that holds a central, indispensable role in the uncertain and human process of creating art.