What is a vocal producer?
A vocal producer is responsible for guiding and enhancing the vocal performance of an artist during a recording session. They work closely with the vocalist to refine their vocal techniques, ensuring the emotional delivery aligns with the song’s intent. A vocal producer also helps arrange harmonies, background vocals, and ad-libs to complement the main vocals.
In addition, the vocal producer oversees the technical aspects of recording. This includes microphone selection, setup, and processing, to achieve the best sound quality. By providing constructive feedback and directing the performance, a vocal producer helps shape the final vocal tracks. Their job is to ensure the final vocal tracks fit seamlessly within the overall production. Ultimately, the vocal producer plays a crucial role in translating an artist’s vision into a polished recording.
How Can I vocal produce myself?
If you are a singer with a home studio and you want to produce a polished recording, it is possible to learn the skills of a vocal producer. In fact, here at HVS Conservatory, we encourage singers to learn how to vocal produce themselves. Some techniques and processes you will learn include:
- Microphone Selection and Placement: Choosing the right microphone and positioning it optimally to capture your sound.
- Recording Techniques: Utilizing techniques like layering, doubling, or harmonizing to enrich the vocal production.
- Editing: Comping a final take, adjusting timing, pitch correction, and removing unwanted noise or breaths to polish the final track.
- Effects and Processing: Applying effects like reverb, compression, and EQ to enhance your vocal tone and blend it with the overall mix.
Learning to be your own vocal producer also includes listening to a variety of recordings and studying the vocal delivery of different artists. By analyzing their techniques, phrasing, and emotional expression, you can gain valuable insights that will help you develop a more nuanced and impactful vocal style. This will greatly enhance your performance in your own recordings. Our performance classes, production classes, and masterclasses can help you get hands-on experience with these skills as well. Come learn from our stellar faculty involved in teaching these courses and masterclasses.
Adreana Gonzalez – is a multi-talented singer, actor, writer, vocal coach, and founder of HVS Conservatory. She is known for her work with Julia Roberts, Jennifer Anniston, Garrett Hedlund, Will Ferrell, Jessie Reyes, James Torme, and developing new artists with major and independent record labels.
Ron Harris – former A&R at Sony and Epic Records, multi platinum producer, songwriter, and musician. Ron has worked with Christina Aguilera, Fergie, Gwen Stefani, The Jacksons, and more.
Nikki Flores – is a mega talent and Grammy nominated producer & songwriter. She has been signed to all the major record labels and works with artist Nas, JoJo, Zayne, and many more.
You can find our faculty holding a panel on “How To Produce Your Own Vocals” at this year’s TAXI conference on November 8th, 2024 from 3pm-4pm. TAXI is the World’s Leading Independent A&R Company. Check out https://www.taxi.com/taxi-road-rally/ for more info.