As future producers (dare I say it), we should keep an open mind - to everything! I was unaware of the producer Phil Spector, his technique, and his eccentricity. I want to focus on his eccentricity for now at least. Simon Kuchel provided the basic info on Spector, and I was amazed at some of the claims I heard such as:
- discharging his firearm while in studio with John Lennon
- placing a loaded gun at Leonard Cohen’s head while in studio
- and holding the Ramones at gunpoint for many days
Now, all of that is pretty ridiculous, it’s crazy. But why did he do it and why was he so insanely focussed on getting the right takes and sounds? Spector had early success, and also helped develop the “Wall of Sound” technique. He was a highly respected producer. If we ignore his admition of bipolar-ness[1] perhaps Spector gained an arrogant approach to recording because of his success. Perhaps he thought that because he was so successful, that anything in other people’s eyes should not be taken into consideration.
I want to reinforce my previous statement[2] in that producers should keep an open mind not just to technology advances and methods, but also to other ideas, and more importantly keeping a happy relationship with the musicians. Plus, do you think that anyone will want Spector after all of the things he has done? Some will, but not as much. The same I think applies to Bob Ezrin, who’s ego tends to blanket his recordings - as seen with the Deftones[3]. By word of mouth, Ezrin’s reputation to me appears to be diminishing, and as a producer that is something you can’t afford to have. A producer is his/her own business, their reputation for flexibility and open mindedness is essential to the recording arts industry.
I myself have wondered how I would perform. I want to records many styles of music, but I sometimes don’t see myself recording something like rap, hip-hop or pop because I generally don’t like it. I’m not sure I if am letting my personal taste cloud my career goals, but it’s something that I’m intrigued by. I often wonder how open minded I can be towards music and recording it…
Reference:
1. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1469813/20030206/story.jhtml MTV article on Phil Spector; accessed 7th May, 2007
2. http://taylormemer.blogspot.com/2007/05/mtf-week-6-26th-april-2007-second-round.html Reference from my previous blog on open-mindedness; accessed 9th May 2007
3. http://scottbphilpuni.blogspot.com/2007/04/bob-ezrin.html; Scott Philp’s blog on Bob Ezrin
Sound Samples - Phil Spector: Listen for all the overdubs he uses.
John Lennon – Imagine (John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band – Imagine)
The Beatles – Let it Be (The Beatles - Let it Be)
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