The Music Producer as Artistic Co-creator

Morten Büchert

In my artistic research project, I embarked on an exploration of the continuum between the roles of a music producer as both facilitator and initiator. Through in-depth engagement with real-world scenarios in professional music production, I examined the dynamics and nuances of how these roles negotiate, intersect, and shape the final artistic outcomes. This investigation not only unveils the intricate processes that underpin music creation but also highlights the implications these negotiations have on the resulting works of art. The findings shed light on the subtle artistry embedded in production decisions and offer a fresh perspective on the evolving landscape of music production.

CONCLUSION

Through my work, I have gained a nuanced understanding of decision-making dynamics within different musical contexts. The project have highlighted how 'who decides' varies significantly depending on the project's nature and the involved parties.

In the first sub-project, centered on live classical music, I observed that decision-making is deeply rooted in respect for the composer and tradition. The conductor plays a central role, interpreting the composer's intentions. My role as a producer was to facilitate this vision in the final sound production, ensuring the conductor's and composer's intentions reached the listener.

In the second sub-project the decision-making process was more fluid and dependent on relationships among contributors. As a producer, I had a more active role, shaping the artistic vision and navigating personal and creative relationships to build trust. This required balancing technical expertise with collaborative initiation.

These experiences taught me that 'who decides' in musical production is complex and variable. I learned the importance of adapting my role and approach to the specific conditions and expectations of each project. Clear communication and understanding of the various actors' expectations are crucial.

The blending of roles in the creative process provided an opportunity for a unique artistic expression but also presented challenges in maintaining focus.

Reflecting on the sonic expression, the first sub-project pursued aesthetic purity and precision characteristic of classical music, aiming for a polished, harmonious sound. In contrast, the second sub-project sought a unique identity, independent of genre conventions, resulting in a distinctive artistic vision. Overall, sub-project 1 was documentary in approach, while sub-project 2 was an abstract creation striving for freedom of expression. These experiences have profoundly impacted my understanding of music production, emphasizing the need to adjust my approach based on the artistic goals of future projects.

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Morten Büchert - The Music Producer as Artistic Co-creator - 2024