Ryan Hanratty
Broadcast Programming
Dr.
Kildea
4/26/12
Station
Profile Interview
The great thing about doing a
“Station Profile” project is you get the opportunity to talk to a professional
who works in your possible field of interest.
This is beneficial because it can lead to internships or chance to pick up some
well versed insight.
For my project,
I conducted an over the phone interview with a professional record producer who
is currently working on an album with colleague of mine.
Mr.
Jerry Ramos is freelance music producer who is currently working on numerous
projects.
He has been producing music professionally for 5 years now and is also a
talented song-writer and multi-instrumentalist.
One of the records he is working on was composed by my colleague’s band, Shadowplay. The band is currently signed onto
Romulus X Records which the label of many young artists in the New Jersey and
Philadelphia area.
Their album is being recorded at Arc Studios,
where Mr.
Ramos works as an executive producer.
Arc Studios is located in Lincoln Park, New Jersey and is home to the
record label,
Romulus X Records.
Together the two businesses help upcoming bands with matters of promotion, management, consultation, and production. They are mostly known for their
work with hard rock and metal artists but are continuing to grow and expand
horizons.
The first part of my discussion with Mr. Ramos began with the listing of
important characteristics needed in order to become a professional music producer. He stated, you need to be well versed in
music as a whole.
To be specific,
a good producer has become familiar with the many different types of musical
instruments and technologies used throughout the past and today. Though, he did not go into detail about
what types of musical and recording technology he has access to he stated, technological expertise will
enhance your ability to work in a variety of different genres. In addition, the new found experience and
confidence will help increase your skill and knowledge as a professional in of your
field.
A producer must be schooled in music
theory as well.
Music theory is study of how music works and how it has progressed and changed
over time.
This schooling can come from specialized classes or firsthand experience with
people who have been in the business for quite some time. Another, useful tool a producer should have
can be achieved from basic understanding of people. This can assist you in helping to
create your client’s vision which requires certain amount patience.
The next part of the interview I tried
to focus on his personal preferences.
I asked him if he had been able to work in any unique styles music. He then mentioned he had
experienced working with artists in the genres of blues, rock,
metal, pop, and Latino music. I then asked him what his favorite
aspect of producing was and he noted,
if he had to pick it would be the actual recording of an album but he truly
enjoys the whole process.
According to Mr. Ramos, the process of music production
revolves around one goal,
“Can you make an album a marketable product?” Once he felt I understood this, he went on to describe the step by
step process.
First, you have to
meet with the artist,
get to know them,
understand their tastes,
and figure out what type sound they would like their final product to portray. Second, once you and your client create a
vision,
you can start to arrange for studio time.
If you are working with a solo artist you may need to hire studio musicians, as well. Third, you bring the artist into the
studio and have them play along to their own rough recordings. From there on you are able to
continue working on tracks until you reach a solid point of satisfaction. Eventually, you will be able to decide whether
or not the album is ready to be mixed and mastered. If not, then you continue on with the
process until both you and your client feel you have achieved the final goal of
creating a marketable product.
I then asked him if he had any
advice for students or musicians who expressed interest in music production. He stated, you need to be persistent with
your ideas and not be afraid to call the shots time and time again. Even though you are running the
show you need to know that “everyone is the producer.” Everyone involved in the album
making process is going to have opinions and is going to make demands, you need to be able to compromise
and take charge when necessary.
Mr.
Ramos is a very busy man and I am extremely fortunate that he took the time out
of his day to talk with me.
Overall,
I felt this interview was insightful and it granted me a great opportunity to
hear a professional point of view of the music business. I was very lucky to be able to receive
information that could point me in the right direction should I wish to enter
the field of music production one day.
Though this interview did not lead to an internship, Mr.
Ramos was nice enough to offer help or advice should I need it in the future.
Contact Information:
Mr.
Jerry Ramos
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