Getting On Part 2

As part of my duties as an A&R Consultant with Lisa Davis Music Management, I receive and go through hundreds of emails daily from producers and songwriters who are hoping to land a placement with a major label artist. Read my journey towards "Getting On". This post is for those producers looking for feedback from an A&R and wanting to "Get On".

Tips on How to Become a Better Music Producer:

1. Get The Right Equipment, with the right equipment and a small amount of money you can start producing. You need three basic things to get started a computer, monitors and MIDI Controller.
2. Perfect Your Craft, a producer that doesn't know what he's doing cannot create the possible music.
3. Learn From the Best, I have learned the most valuable information from watching and talking with others whether it was an artist, producer, engineer, music executive or even journalist. Producers, you can learn the most valuable information by watching and talking to other producers. You can now watch the pros, provide music production tips on YouTube and other video sites. 
4. Trust Your Ears, close your eyes and trust your ears. Whether it is hunting for that new sound or listening to your mix. If it sounds good to you, it is probably good.
5. Take Care of Your Ears. Keep the volume at a reasonable level while you are working.
6. Record Dry and add effects later.
7. Always save your work.
8. Experiment as much as you want. Producing music is about stretching the boundaries outside of the mainstream. You don't have to sound like everyone else .
9. Be open to criticisms. Aim to keep an open mind to feedback from anyone no matter how big your music gets. 
10. Don't be scared to go back and edit a track. Even if you initially think its complete, you'll sometimes notice something isn't quite right or could sound better.
11.  Persist.  You will reach a point where you can produce like a pro. Keep growing, pay your dues and soon you'll be the one who makes it look easy. 
12. Order is freedom, whether it is your studio or computer files. Keep things tidy so you won't get over whelmed with technical issues or searching for files when you want to be creative or productive. 

The SCMC Music Conference

I have had the great opportunity and privilege to work as an A&R Consultant with Lisa Davis Music Management (LDMM), an Independent A&R Consulting firm that provides management, brand marketing, artist consulting & development, and song placement opportunities.

On a daily basis I receive emails and tweets from artists, producers, and songwriters looking to get their music heard or looking to get their songs place with major labeled artists. Though it might seem liked a tedious task to others, many artists and artists don’t have access to major label executives to get the feedback they need to improve their music and that is the focus of The SCMC Music Conference.

I represent LDMM as a panelist on The SCMC Music Conference. The SCMC Music Conference has the most prominent and influential music industry executives searching for independent Artists, Producers, and Songwriters. The SCMC Music Conference provides the necessary information and tools on how to brand your artists, producer or label in the music business.

I recommend that every independent artist, producer and songwriter attend the August 25, 2012 even in Chevy Chase, Maryland at the 4-H Conference Center. Panelists include, Vice President of Konvict Muzik, T-Mah Mba; Chris Patrick, A&R Consultant of Lisa Davis Music Management; Brian Johnson of Atlantic Records; Kash Johns Vice President of 15 Seconds Music Group; Production Team The J.U.S.T.I.C.E League and many more.

The theme of this conference is “It’s All About Business”. Participants will participate in a Q&A session discussing issues such as:

• What is licensing music? And why is it so important?
• What is licensing or publishing deal? When should you consider one?
• Are you a producer or beatmaker?
• How to copyright your music
• The importance of having a business plan
• Why should you register for ASCAP, BMI or SESAC?
• The importance of having a team
• Should I get a manager or attorney first?
• Should I get a manager or attorney first?
• What should I expect from a manger?

I look forward to meeting all the inspiring artists, producers and songwriters who are serious and devoted to perfecting their craft.