Tuesday June 26, 2012
12:58 AM
Parker Strafer
Producer
What are the responsibilities of a producer?
I Specialize in beat-making & pre-production. I meet
with an artist and develop a concept, learn their vocal range, and write lyrics
around their concept so they have a plan instead of coming in with a nice beat
and good sounding song and hoping it works.
What training did you have to become a producer?
I was in an R&B group for a while after high-school
& we started making our own beats because we could not afford to pay the
others who were good at making beats. We started working with MAGIX software
and grew from there. About eighty percent of my training was self-taught.
What are some of the characteristics an artist should look
for in a producer?
You should find a sound you like. You should be able to hear
yourself on their tracks or sing their lyrics. If you don’t feel it you won’t
deliver the proper performance with it. You also need a producer who is
patient. You need someone who will take time to develop a track to your liking.
You also need someone who likes your sound. If they don’t believe in your sound
it is a waste of time to pursue them. If you have that everything else will
fall into place.
What is your particular style?
I can make anything for anybody. I’ve made tracks for every
style that is popular. Third place would be R&B tracks. Second place would
be the Club tracks. I am my best when I do Hip-Hop.
Do you have any interesting things do you do with an artist
to get them ready for recording?
I like to have a good five to ten minute session to joke and
talk so we can build up a comfort zone with people.
How do you critique an artist during the recording session?
I have something to go on before we record so I can help
keep them in the correct direction. I don’t stop every time they make a
mistake.
What are other challenges of being a producer?
As a beat maker broke people have the biggest dreams. They
want a great session, extra arrangements, and the special treatment and do not
want to pay money. Also, everyone thinks they are amazing songwriters.
What are the rewards of being a producer?
When you hear your song and the person has a talent, the
chemistry is right, the song is great. When other people can see that the song
is great. You get more confidence, you make better music, you get a high that
pours back into your music. The validation that comes from those that owe you
nothing and your words are warranted, that is the best thing ever.
What happens after you finish recording the song?
Either I mix or I send it out to get mixed and mastered. I
complete additional paperwork.
How do you know when you have a hit record?
I know I have a hit record when people cuss me out, as in
“DAMN!!! That's that ish!!!”
How do you get paid?
It depends on who the person is. If the person is in town I
get cash. If they are out of town I get Paypal. Few people do not pay up front.
I get producer points. I own 50% publishing rights.
How would a new comer go about finding artists to work with?
The easiest way I know of for an up and coming producer to
approach artists and offer to work with them 50/50. Choose artists you think
are good and you can work together.
Can you relate an interesting story of working with someone?
Pretty much every single
time I go to someone's studio or a performance, I get ignored, because
producers strive to be in the BG & apparently, I'm so good at it, that I
almost miss business opportunities because of it. So, an interesting story
would be EVERY time I've met someone, then they find out I'm the guy who made
the tracks or wrote the song & their mood changes.
Songwriter
What style of music do you write?
I can do it all. My writing's not limited.
Do you write alone or collaborate with others?
Both.
What is your song writing process?
I have a concept in my head and I get to jamming. I start a
beat and get the melody going with a few lines. Then I will export a loop of a
melody. Then I make a beat around it.
How do you find artists to write for?
Mainly through word of mouth or I shop some music & it
goes from there.
Does having an artist in mind before you write a song change
your process?
This does not change it. Only if I’m making a song
customized for an artist does things change. Other than that, if it feels right
I do it.
What are the common topics found in your music?
Love and the situations that love brings about.
How do you get paid as a writer?
If it is a writing session where I write all the lyrics I
get all the songwriting credit points.
What challenges do you face as a songwriter?
Having to break to people that they can’t write songs. Everybody wants a song like someone
else’s song. And I ask why? And when you force writer’s block on yourself. The biggest challenge of all is
demanding respect and money. They do not understand it is a skill, a gift from
God, and that you should be paid what is due.
How does it feel to hear someone sing your songs?
Validation is great. It reassures you you are not wasting
your time.
What do you do when the artist’s interpretation of the song
does not match your vision?
You are not getting out the studio without the delivery
matching my vision. My name is on it. Not going to crap all over my work. If it
doesn’t match, shame on me.
What PRO are you with and why did you choose them over the
others?
BMI, I would rather leave my royalties to those who are
focused on getting royalties. Most of the people I associate are with BMI.
What is the hardest part of dealing with publishing?
When people ask for a percentage of money you don’t feel
they’ve earned. Often you deal with people who don’t know much about
publishing. Then you have to explain why you get paid for certain things and
then you have to print things out to them.
A lot of the so-called “publishing companies” think money is
supposed to show up magically. They don’t want to work for their percentage.
How do you shop your music around?
I used to be dumb enough that making the song and somebody
would tell someone and then everyone would love my music. Now I talk to people
who have connections in the industry. It can be word of mouth, just as long as
it's the right mouth speaking the words.
What is your publishing name?
I use my real name.
Do you keep your lyrics in a special notebook?
No. My lyrics are just as scattered as the thoughts in my
mind.
Have a great day,
No comments:
Post a Comment