DO YOU QUALIFY?
by Cedric & Victor Caldwell
continued...

Having an opinion is probably one of the most important qualifications for success as a producer. You are probably now saying that anyone and everyone has an opinion. The reason why a producer gets hired for his or her opinion and the other person doesn’t is because the producer has “Taste” that is proven. This “taste” is one that is consistent with many people. The people who will go out and buy the record. Our prayer is that producers will also be hired for their ability to educate and instruct the people spiritually who are buying the records. Your education may enable you to do a better job, but since most people have no idea what you do or how you do it, you will be judged by your results.

Letters after a producer’s name have not been proven to be a significant factor in getting work. In fact, more successful producers have come up via the practical experience route. Recording schools can’t teach you how to hear or how to mix. They can only teach you how the equipment runs!

People skills are another important qualification for a producer. You will not learn the people skills in a classroom. Over the years the most important thing we’ve realized about artists is, they are people first. Most artists when viewed away from the spotlight lead the same kind of life most non-artists lead. We find most artists have a strong need to be appreciated and they have their own set of problems, wishes, fears, hopes, and dreams. Artists suffer under the constant scrutiny of the public and critics, which from time to time produces stress. Each artist has his or her own way of dealing with stress and it’s part of the producer’s job to recognize the stressful moments. One of the recognizable signs of a seasoned producer is his or her ability to deal with artists and their emotions effectively. Despite the closeness of BeBe and CeCe, we take into consideration their different personalities when working with them individually. Understanding the needs of each artist is paramount in production. Knowing when to push them, when to back off a little and when to stop altogether can be the key to getting that extra performance. The way to gain an artist’s respect is to show respect. So educational qualifications are useful only when tempered with a certain amount of wisdom when it comes to dealing with people.

The next qualification for a producer by far is the most important. We are referring to a pursuit of excellence. The Bible says in Proverbs to “Seek that you may excel to the edifying of the church" and in Ephesians,” whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Without question success does not only happen because of human ingenuity and hard work. Rather it is God’s blessing blended with diligence. There is inter-relatedness between God’s enablement and man’s involvement. God promises to add our efforts when our motives are aligned with his and we are diligent in pursuing excellence. An ingenious musical track alone will not turn the tide, nor will crafty lyrics accomplish very much alone. Our job as Christian producers is to let you know that whatever success we attain is “because the good hand of my God was on us”. (Nehemiah 2:8)

In our closing statement, let us restate that an education is still vital to the “complete package” of being a producer. It may not come in the form of a college degree but through the form of practical experience and tutelage. Nevertheless, those aspiring to be seasoned producers will need to be educated, whether it is formally or informally. By understanding music and engineering fundamentals, Producers will have a better chance at having prosperous careers in the music industry. As cultural trends and social conditions change, so will the taste in music.

If you are “qualified” with sufficient musical, and spiritual knowledge and possess good people skills you can adjust to those trends and communicate to the present generation. Know your craft and know it well! Let’s provoke the world to jealousy!

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