Are you an artist with a vision but aren't sure how to get from "song idea" to "finished track"?
Maybe you've even tried to get a song made and it didn't go as well as you hoped.
I hear so many "horror stories" from artists who come to me practically traumatized by their past experiences with producers.
Music Producers have a rep...and it isn't a good one.
Whether they're too pushy when it comes to the creative direction of your idea...
Or they treat you like you know nothing when it comes to your own music and make you feel small...
Or, worst-case scenario, they're downright creepy/harassing/abusive...ugh.
Don't get me wrong...there are amazing producers in the world who create a safe space for creative exploration and vulnerability.
But there are also a lot of bad apples out there. I'm sure you've heard the stories and that I don't need to nail this point home any further.
My point is that who you work with and how they treat you is arguably more important than any number of Grammy awards or impressive artist credits.
I've found myself continually coming back to 3 common "pillars" of collaboration that I practice with every artist I work with:
1: Transparency
Not everybody wants to be a music producer, and I get that! But too often I hear of music producers glossing over important decisions or using jargon to make themselves sound impressive or important.
This lack of clarity leaves you in the dark and leads to a finished product that differs from your expectations. My goal is never to impress you...it's to educate you and create the best song possible.
2: Equity
Song rights are a hot topic, and you've probably heard of artists re-recording their works over the past few years in order to obtain the rights to their masters. This can make collaborating with anyone a scary thought.
It is despicable when artists are taken advantage of and not given their fair share of the credit on a track. You should own your music, and song rights should be made clear up front.
3: Ego-Free Production
While I might have some specialized knowledge when it comes to music production and songwriting, I will be the last to claim I know what's best. I see myself as a lifelong student - constantly learning and trying new things to achieve results for my collaborators.
I take a "no stone left unturned" approach to production. My goal is to try all ideas and for us to move forward with only the best ones - regardless of who came up with them. The ego is left at the door, and instead we work in service of the song.
Ready to start or want to find out more?
I would love to learn more about you as an artist and how I may be able to help! You can listen to some of my recent works below and follow me on instagram.
If you're ready to get started, great! Reach out at sky@skystovermusic.com and I will get back to you soon.
Thanks,
Sky Wells
