I’ve been a music producer for 10 years… and I’ve sucked at it for 9 1/2… : )

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If you have read through any of my entries on this site you already know that I find more value in the lessons of failure, than from the pat on the back of success.

I’ve been meaning to initiate a discussion about music for sometime, but I’ve been too caught up in the actual act of producing to spare the time.

But it is from this very experience that I will base these entries (good or bad), as we dive head first in to making music for independent artists, labels, and mostly the massive mechanism of Bollywood.

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To begin with, being that I’m working in India, many people ask me what is the difference between a Music Director and a Producer.

For those of you in “Timber-Land” you must understand that Indian music isn’t defined by film, but films define ALL popular music.

(Just come Mumbai and try to release an Alternative-Rock Album, and you’ll have as much luck as you would in Afghanistan :)

So as I meet film directors, it becomes paramount that I convey exactly what we do, how we are different, and what the advantages are.

(I say “we” as one thing I’ve learned is that its quite advantageous to work as a team.)

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So what exactly is the difference between a “Producer” and a Music Director?

While we find the answer quite clear in the west, most people in India, even from within the industry, don’t have a clear understanding.

So lets begin our discussion of the craft with my own definitions…

“A Music Director creates and manages the musical requirements for a film including but not limited to the soundtrack and the score.”

“A Music Producer maintains a balanced responsibility between the Song, Artist, Genre, Mix, Intention, Distribution (Label/Film), Marketing, and Audience.”

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I’ll go into the specifics of this definition through the series of upcoming entries, as well as discuss specific studio, composition, arrangement, and production techniques, all while exploring the philosophy and strategy of how music production fits into Bollywood.

(I also reserve the necessary right to note and change the elements of this discussion as there is never an end to learning.)

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As Music Production is gaining importance, my goal is to document the industry’s and my own journey towards this destination, in hopes that it may help you on your own.

I’ve noticed that “production” is the defining factor behind what makes the top music directors great today…

Vishal and Shekhar, Shankar, Ehsaan, and Loy, A.R. Rahman, and Pritam as examples, all have an advantageous ability to produce their own material.

In no lesser terms, production defines the state of the art.

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I truly believe that we are at the beginning of a trend where filmmakers will prefer a “Music Producer” to come in and polish their OST (Official Sound Track), over the traditional team of music director, lyricist, and composer.

Also noted is that filmmakers are breaking from the sole music director approach, and using multiple sources for their soundtracks, which again creates an environment where good production easily stands out against the rest.

Some evidence is rooted in and will replace the obligatory need to include remixes to appeal to the weddings and masses.

And ultimately, in the end I believe this trend will spur on a necessary renaissance for music outside of film in India.

(My next entry will go into details about your role as a producer.)

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1. Aankur 07.10.09 / 8am
   1

   Great article. Looking forward to the next.