THE PRODUCER-WRITER

Producer writers are the current darlings of the music industry. Not only can they write but
they can produce their tracks without the expense of going into the studio or hiring a
producer to mix the tracks. Quite often they use recording technology to inform their
writing. We tend to think of producer writers as writing electronica and pop, such as Calvin
Harris, but writers in other genres can be informed by music production technology. Usually
when we record a song we edit as we record, changing words that don’t scan or chords to
alter the mood of the music.

Here is a little introduction to 4 of the most popular programmes used to produce music:

1. Logic
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/logic-pro-x/id634148309?mt=12
Cost: £149 (but only runs from Macs, and you will need a good one!)

Logic Pro X is industry standard software at an affordable price. It is fairly user

friendly but still takes some time to master. There are many training videos available
on YouTube. It creates a high quality sound.

2. Pro Tools
http://www.avid.com/US/products/pro-tools-software
Cost: £238 for the student version of Pro Tools 11. Between £299-£548 for non
students depending on version. Requires Avid interface such as MBox2.

Pro Tools was the industry standard until Logic caught up. It is complex technology
and takes some time to master, although there are many training videos available on
YouTube. This is important to know as Avid charge £80 per annum for support
services! The sample sound which come with the student version are of a fairly high
quality, apart from the strings but decent string samples are the Holy Grail of music
production.

3. Cubase
 http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/cubase/start.html
Cost: £69-£239 depending on version and plug ins.

Cubase has become less popular than Logic and Pro Tools but still offers high quality,
user friendly recording. Many professional producers use Cubase.

Here is a track of mine recorded on Cubase, produced by Andrew Giddings of Jethro

Tull. You will note it has very good string samples!

www.soundcloud.com/evewilliams/oblivion-remix

4. Garageband
https://www.apple.com/uk/mac/garageband/
Cost: comes free with some Mac Books and iPads

Garageband was Apple’s primary sound recording software before Logic. It has a
decent instrument library and is very user friendly. If you are new to music
production, it’s a good place to start.

Hardware for Starting Out with Music Production

As well as your chosen software, to make home recordings you will need:

 Microphone, stand and pop filter with XLR cable (XLR to XLR or XLR to quarter inch
jack, depending on interface)
 An interface to connect your computer into which you plus your instruments/mics
 Jack leads
 Midi keyboard
 Midi leads
 High quality earphones

Acquiring all this kit takes time and money!