Abstract for Conference Presentation
An Inquiry Proposal - Professional Standards Required Of The Role Of Engineer & Producer For Working In Tandem With Artist Service Record Labels.
Within the field of audio production the rule of standardised professional practice is obscure, with limited academic discourse (Tough, 2013). As many productions deliver at differing standards and perceived quality even across major label releases according to Wilson A. & Fazenda B. (2016). Considering that the skills and abilities we bring to the table are what sets one sound practitioner apart from another (Deloria K. 2024). The goal of this research project will be to bring into focus and operate in relation to a set of established professional standards.
Whilst the record label industry landscape continues to significantly change financially, structurally and technologically, (Gatfield M, 2021), it is crucial to establish these standards as a formulaic aid for engineers entering into the field’s climate. As paradigms around audio production practices shift, establishing direction through recommended standards of practice is aimed at persistance through the changing background of production industry context.
This project being proposed will aim to investigate what professional standards are required of the role of engineer & producer for working in tandem with an artist services oriented record label. Specifically targeting the UK music production industry, the objectives & expected outcomes which will drive this project consist of the following:
- Identification of current professional expectations & standards of production engineers to gauge against and apply in my own practical production projects and practice-based research.
- Identification of current overarching organisational structures, operations of services, client expectations & acquisition strategies of established artist service oriented record labels in the UK.
Data collection within this research project will follow a participatory practice-based method, (Candy L 2006, Lisa M. Vaughn 2020). Literature review will include qualitatively itemising and assessing given standards of practice from a range of relevant sources within the target industry. Additionally, analysis and scrutiny of literature will direct the formation of standards for recommendation, with an agile documentative approach, (Eby K, 2023) to primary findings through accounts of applied practice. This application of findings will be carried out through participatory action research methods (Pain R, et al 2012), as practice-based audio production work within the context of an operating independent record label - Jacaranda Campus Label.
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