The Role of the Producer

This paper takes an in-depth look into the role of the producer within the music industry, as well as focusing on the influence the role has on the music itself. The first section of the paper takes a historical focus, highlighting the origins of the role as a record company A&R man that evolved into someone that was just as creatively invested in the music as the artist. This section also specifically focuses on several producers that helped to truly define the role and bring it into the current era of record-making. The following section shifts into a more modern context. I discuss how as a result of the evolution of the role, today there are now various types of producers who possess unique characteristics which influence the way they work and their influence on the music they are involved with. The final section continues in the modern framework, and expands on other responsibilities that come with the role of a producer, including business aspects and interpersonal communication skills with clients