Should I work with a local studio or [insert big name studio or producer] from Nashville, New York, or Los Angeles?

I recently was asked this question in a pretty straight forward manner. Actually, just like I wrote the question in the title. It's a good question. But a question that might be a little complex to answer. Still, I'm optimistic that by the end of this post, you'll have more clarity on the best move for your music. 

First, let's begin by defining the role of a producer. A producer exists to help you make a recording of your songs. Producers typically enter the process as early as song selection but can be as late as tracking. Some producers are more engineer minded and don't play an instrument. Some are more composition minded and look at songs from that stance. At Blue Sky, we try to do both. With a band, parts are often more cemented, and the engineering side of producing can be more helpful. With solo artists, there's typically more flexibility with the arrangement, instrumentation, and song structures. 

A producer's inherent role is NOT to move you further along in your career, although that can certainly happen. I spoke with a big named producer recently about this topic. He said in the last 5-10 years; he has found himself acting in more of an A&R role at times, rather than simply producing. However, as we spoke further, it did seem like he meant that he provides a lot more career advice than he use to. Not so much connections and introductions. 

Second, don't confuse the producer with the manager. A manager is there to move your career forward and provide council on what “forward" looks like. Moving your career forward is not the role of a music producer. Before you get carried away and begin googling "music managers", know that most good music managers will want to walk in to significant revenue to be a part of your music. So if you're currently not generating enough revenue to share 10-20%, wait to build that up before saying you need a manager. 

Third, there are certainly ways that producers can help you move your music forward. By having a more developed and polished end product, your music will attract more listeners and garner more industry attention. In addition, a good producer might use their experience and expertise to re-envision your music through a new lens. 

So yes, working with a big-name producer might move your career forward because it sounds good. But don't count on introductions, connections, or labels knocking down your door because you worked with a specific person. More guaranteed is the HELOC note you'll have to pay monthly for the next decade because you want to work with a big name. 

In conclusion, I'm not saying that working with a big-name producer is the wrong move for you. Ensure you have the other pieces in place before taking a financial risk. Taking an emotional risk is much harder but far less financially costly. So take the emotional risk of playing a bunch, building an email list, and building a following.