Precursory Documentation Overviews
Herein are summary excerpts from each agile documentary account, denoted “Entry” [E], from the precursory Major Project Proposal (Sharp, 2024) & Professional Development Scheme (Sharp, 2024) components to this research project - from Jan 2024 to Aug 2024 - for the purpose of full contextualisation of production practice in reference.
MPP E1 - Pilot Production Project
Onset Aim, Rationale, Methodology, Topic Areas
“For my proposed research, I aim to investigate these areas of professional audio production practice. These areas will directly relate to the practical work I will be undertaking throughout the year, and therefore will ensure informed production / label management and push myself towards professional industry practice. The methodology will follow a practice based structure with qualitative self assessment, with the reflection on my practice serving beneficial for my own professional development in my career going forward. Additionally, with action research methods included in the overarching methodology I will be able to strategies improvements to the existing hegemony and operation of which I am a part of.
Data collection within this research project will follow a qualitative method, itemising and assessing given standards of practice from a range of relevant sources within the target industry. Research will guide the applied practice, whilst further informing practical action related to the research, culminating in a deep understanding of professional production standards / record label operation and management. Research topics will revolve around all relevant areas related to these topics, informing and supporting my own production work and label management.”
MPP E2 - Rationale & Pilot Production Practice
Observation, Sub-Process Development, Coordination
“Undertaking studio recording sessions, the cyclical iterations of reflection and adaptation until a final consensus / implementation is reached is an inherent aspect of the creative production process. With aiming to ensure best practice in a production context, the cyclical process highlights areas of production work that need improving to maintain consistent professional standards.”
“As the methodology for this project forms a framework to hone sub-process, reflecting at any stage of iterations can generate useful considerations for following processes / productions and therefore draws positive action from otherwise unsatisfactory processes. Whilst consensus is still working to be met for the final pilot project output, specific comments can already be made from myself as participatory practitioner such as the following :”
“Coordination and communication is key to ensuring this, as keeping people on the same page means everyone is in consensus of what processes are taking place at any one time, ensuring no nullification of work done or time spent.”
MPP E2 - Methodology and Expected Outcomes
Iterative Approach, Experiential Action Research, Summary Report
“With an iterative approach to honing both production sub-processes and organisational operation, reflective considerations and documentative accounts will be taken to develop a target area towards a higher standard of professionalism.”
“As the starting point for each iteration context may differ (across production or label organisation), the unifying framework of an iterative action research model followed with agile documentative accounts of applied practice will be utilised to develop a final detailed account of recommendations and considerations of practice within the practical context. As all practical work will utilise this framework in some way, with each sub-process being honed and documented in parallel and final accounts - ...
I expect that upon successful completion of this research project I will have produced a summary report of considerations and recommendations which may serve beneficial practically and academically to my peers as well as to my own professional development. Additionally, completed practical production work and Label development documentation will be provided”
MMP E4 - Where do professional standards fall in the creative process, with music production being in the pursuit of art?
Creative Considerations
“The context of this research project is so far composed of inquiry into the areas of professional standards of practice in audio production in-tandem with the background of a developing record label environment. However, in the aim of taking practical meaning further into the realm of artistry I feel it is important to include in this investigation the additional aim given in the title question here presented.“
MPP E5 - Volatility & Transparency - Encountering Complications In Audio Production
Tumultuous Environments
“To illustrate the potential volatility of changing label environments, this series of events begins on the date of a successful launch - during which, following the reception of potentially misinterpreted information, it was observed that a breakdown in communication between the team became out of proportion. With miscommunication focusing around the subject of organisational roles - it is recommended that clarity and transparency in communication is evidently essential to ensure professional standards, and it should not be underestimated.”
“With the mutual plan of a joint project between individuals with shared musical interests and complimentary skills & expertise, following the repeated stages of post production iterative work it became impossible to cater to their expectations. 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.
MPP E6 - Recuperation & Adaptation
Methodological Rigore, Learning Experience
“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.”
PDS E1 - Organisation of Artist Label Onboarding & Release Project
Artist Onboarding, Repertoire Development
“From the inception of working within an artist’s service record label context, there is the expectation that artist onboarding / client acquisition is undertaken through AnR roles. As given in NOS CCSMB15 (2015) - This is about being able to spot artists with commercial potential and being able to develop that potential. Requiring a good knowledge and understanding of genre distinctions, crucial trend spotting of what is popular & well received by audiences, and the ability or resources to develop their repertoire. As label catalogues are also sometimes oriented towards a particular style of music, for initial artist onboarding the genre of rock influenced bands have been mutually sought - including across classic rock / hard rock / psych rock / indie rock.”
“It should be noted that the lack of knowledge around the distinction between record labels that are independent and backed by a major is a prevalent issue from my own direct experience - it is recommended that this should be included in wider onboarding discussions with clients / artists however, even with that there can come discrepancies in the subjective view of what a record label constitutes and that client expectations should be made realistic through effective communication of what services are available to them.“
PDS E2 - Vocal Artist Production Project
Post-Industrial Studio Production, Vocal Artist, Client Work
“Following a short brief of working with a client to record vocals over backing tracks for a performance showreel - a studio recording session was arranged through liaison with the studio owner and client. In preparation for this recording session, the recording setup was familiarised along with the choice of backing tracks for contextual consideration when recording. With prior communication with the artist, it was established that the vocal’s would be a dynamic mix of head / chest voice requiring a mid level gain structure to provide headroom for loud sections.”
PDS E3 - Basement Tapes Audio & Video Recording Production Project
The Basement Tapes, Audio & Video Production, Satisfaction, Portfolio Development
“As a part of The Campus Label’s output, the Jacaranda’s basement tapes is a recurring production undertaken by a team of audio / film personnel from SAE Liverpool’s student base. Being an AV production, there were numerous roles to fill across production crews including detailed above. More specifically, the audio crew consisted of stage hands assisting in setup followed by recording operator roles during filming. Film crew consisted of a dolly camera operator, tripod mounted camera operator, and a hand-held camera operator. Project management was then responsible for the coordination and organisation of the production and post-production, personnel and schedule. In this project I undertook assisting audio crew responsibilities and the project management role for Band 2’s set [The Kites].”
“Upon completion of the post-production for both tracks, the mixes were sent for review and reception by the band - “the band are absolutely made up with these! Everyone’s said how good they sound and spot on to what we wanted them to sound” - this is a really great and supportive comment to have received on the work, having heard they’d attempted productions for these tracks twice before already in different production circumstances, I was very happy to have delivered them a finished result which they were satisfied with.”
“Following completion of the band’s mixdowns, I sought the video files and edited together their two tracks. As the previous format for these productions had followed a strict 4-panel visual arrangement of camera angles, and as a consensus had been reached to move away from this old format. I opted for taking the initiative with a refreshed full screen single-shot / cuts between camera angles to keep the AV flowing throughout the track duration, with additional interest and action drawn from the cinematography framing & focus. Additionally, opening title frames & credit frames were designed and added in.”
PDS E4 - LP Post-Production Rework for Release Project
LP Development, Surround Sound Showcase
“Going into this from a post-production stage in this iteration of these two previously produced works, with the aim of combining them being on the basis of artistic consideration - practical work within this project largely consists of these later stages of overdubbing / refinement / tracklist arrangement, with consideration to the qualities of the works produced across creative conceptualisation and practical contingencies.
Post-production begun with the combination of track listings, with the conceptualisation seen throughout the final arrangement consisting of : [Set 3]”
“With no clear route to it’s finalisation for release - overtime it became under consideration that these two sets could potentially be merged to create a tracklist with these continuous themes throughout - having these relevantly related oceanic aesthetics.
When I was approached by a colleague with the proposition to showcase a tracklist for his upcoming event, I took the opportunity to reinvigorate these projects with the aim to combine them in this way for this showcase.”
PDS E5 - National Occupational Standards Selections & Descriptions
Recommendations & Considerations Towards Professional Standards in Audio Production
See Professional Development Scheme (Sharp, 2024) Appendix I - Entry 5 - National Occupational Standards Selections & Descriptions). With the developed, PDS Sec 2b.2 R&Cs (Sharp, 2024) being contextualised and triangulated with primary experiential learning of skills & knowledge pertaining to each relevant topic.
PDS E6 - Production Project Ideations
Studio Production Planning, Vocational Circumstances Development
“Working with another associated band - The Kites - alongside the AV basement tapes production, I’ve been approached to produce and engineer tracks for them. Having good rapport with the band, and with their satisfaction with the mixing I’d done for them already - this could shape up to be a good project arrangement in a professional capacity.”
“As I look to progress in my own vocational circumstances throughout this module, I have been approaching a potential production studio option - LL - that I had only recently been made aware of. Notably a disused studio space within the same building as one which I already work within on occasion - FE. Although FE Studio is well equipped, it orientates more around the production style of modern in-the-box projects - whereas the LL Studio with separated live / control room is better situated for band productions.”
PDS E7 - Release Project Event
Event Planning, Promotional Showcase, Audience Development, PDS E1 Release
“Planning and preparation on the day consisted of soundchecks with the live sound engineer commencing at 5pm for each band - with all being 4-pieces this additional continuity in the lineups this arrangement worked smoothly through the live sets. 7:30pm doors opened to the 8pm first set by Band 3 - being well received by audiences and laying a strong foundation for the rest of the night. Band 2 then took to the stage at 9pm, with a very strong set of tracks which according to one audience member was possibly some of the best music they’d heard in that venue before. Followed then by the headliner, who performed a tight and exciting set for the promotion and announcement of their release that day.”
PDS E8 - Label Personnel Conference Meeting
The Campus Label’s Considerations & Feedback
“Following the meeting, some notes of consideration going forward were compiled -
- Departmental team organisation - specifically music business - should be coordinated and taken to the stage of implementation. Onboarding personnel and furthering conversations with those present to identify areas of development and plan specific organisational progression.
- Wider explicit call to internal [to the Campus] artists - emphasising the accessibility of the Label’s services across production and publishing to those interested. Being based internally, these artists would benefit from nil rates on services / label publishing & marketing.
- Wide cast email sent out for regular video conference calls including label management team. Aimed to ensure communications are accessible, with information able to be directed more effectively.
- Artist forms / available modular services could be published through social media to present outwardly to external artists / potential clients - for additional increase in onboarding stream.
- Further departmental organisation meetings, focussing specifically on each department and their roles / responsibilities.
- Business plan / model / strategy should be ironed in and established.
- Meet with personnel for personal project artists / projects on campus.
- Inquire into contingency on service feeds for float pool financing.”
PDS E9 - Conference Follow Up
Ensuingly Hypothetical Label Outline Development
“Following the conference event, it has been identified from a group consensus that a number of business aspects need to be developed, organised and established for professional operation going forward from launching as an independent music publishing label. In preparation for a follow up meeting that has been arranged for Wednesday 29th - this document will consist of a business model canvas [see Appendix F - Label Business Canvas], Operations Outline Document [see Appendix C - The Campus Label Outline], Executive Summary [see Appendix B - The Campus Label - Executive Summary].”
PDS E10 - Midway Reflection
Dynamic Production Circumstances, Organisational Arrangements, Studio Production
“Practical work has gotten underway with a number of production projects. Initial plans for this consisted of two main projects taking focus, however due to the dynamic aspect of production work coming my way there has been a development in this regard. Rather than limiting my focus on two main projects, I have been undertaking a number of projects of differing production types. This has included recording sessions, post-production, mastering, AV production sessions, label release delivery / liasoning, & event organisation.”
PDS E11 - Practical Undertakings Summary
Overview of Production Work
“Practical Undertaking Summary -
Basement Tapes - Audio & Visual Production [...]
Release Tracks - Entry 1 [...]
Vocal Artist Production - Entry 2 [...]
LP Post-Production [...]
Mastering for LP [...]
Organisational Label Activities [...]
Studio Proposal and Planning [...]
+ Future Eye Organisation / Socials Marketing + Narration Recording”
PDS E12 - Lighthouse Studio Proposal
Studio Arrangement Organisation & Proposition Presentation
See (Project 7 - Studio Proposal & Planning)
PDS E13 - Mastering Post-Production For LP
LP Post-Production Mastering, Artist Liasoning, Sonic Development
“Entering into this mastering production, I received the brief of mastering 10 tracks + 1 B-side of an alternative electro acoustic LP.
Following this, I received the files and began a preliminary master of the tracks. With the first tracks being mastered with the artist present, we honed a good sound which was satisfactory - and then for the rest of the tracks this was done independently to bring up similarly to the first few done.“
“Imparting reinforcing sound characteristics of a fuller and crisper image, the top-end is certainly enhanced with a clean airy quality which provides polish to spacious mix sections and a crisp texture to heavy distorted synth sections. Overall enhanced definition across the stereo field - comparable to resolution increase. With this new processing bringing noticeable better results, I went through the tracklist and began remastering track by track.”
PDS E14 - Content Analysis of Sec 2b.2 Recommendations Of Skills & Knowledge Required For Professional Audio Engineering.
Visual Qualitative Data Presentation
“The following text visualisations have been done for the purpose of illustrative content analysis of the qualitative recommendations & considerations dataset.”
