Betterment & Adaptation in Audio Production
The following is a short itemisation of some recommendations & considerations that have been drawn from the above series of events, across broad areas of practical work.
- Communication should be clear, and miscommunication must be openly resolved and rectified if identified. Effective communication is critical, both verbally and written - it is recommended that clarity and transparency in communication is evidently essential to ensure professional standards, and it should not be underestimated.
- Clarity should be established between each individual within a team regarding their roles and responsibilities - It should be noted that when establishing roles and responsibilities, outlining these in detail with emphasis on clarity, transparency and mutual confirmation is very important.
- Positive working environments and relationships are to be sought wherever possible - It is also recommended that engineers in the field maintain their self-respect, and never subject themselves to continued vitriolic remarks. It should also be considered that communication can always remain civil and constructive if all parties proactively work in good faith.
- When working with an artist to achieve a particular envisioned sound - it is crucially important to ensure this can be accurately conveyed, understood and confirmed between all parties.
- Recording takes should be decided on following reflection and consensus, and when this is done commitment to this should be adhered to. It should be considered that an artist may not initially state their dissatisfaction, therefore this verdict should be actively sought.
- Research into recording methods used by engineers of bands with particular sonics that’re to be aimed for within respective project recording sessions. Gather references before recording sessions with this in mind, and utilise these following confirmation of commitment to them.
- Mixing should not commence until all deliverables are finalised in consensus between artist and engineer / producer. This includes reference tracks, and similarly commitment to these pre-established consensuses should be noted to a client as set before post-production begins.
- Time wastage that can inadvertently occur due to a lack of cohesion across production communication can as a result be negatively impactful for proximate activities. Ending such undertakings as this although whilst feeling sacrificial - is advisory so that onward progression can be regained
- Risk assessment should be undertaken regarding all variable factors of a project - Whilst assessing out of the blue outcomes when they tie to project work, always put transparency and communication first with a client to ensure their satisfaction.
- Mutual understandings around collaboration and collective undertakings should be clearly established and confirmed.
- Deriving value from unfortunate circumstances through reflection is worthwhile, as it can be taken forward to better practice.
Following on from this, I will angle research further towards solely engineering and practical production work specifically.
Datacollection from this supports the output from methodological approach. Although circumstances have been less than ideal, being more tumultuous and stressful, the value in information that can be derived has also demonstrated the full extent of usefulness from the methodological approach - as whilst circumstances are tough, it has provided the opportunity to draw from it is useful knowledge and learning experience to take forward in my practice.
