It is really fun to see folks who have a great time in the studio. And, yes, there are times that those of us who’ve played for many years have seen that recording can seem surgical or too detail-oriented, losing the focus of fun! What really makes a song come alive, time after time, is the joy of the performance, which translates to the listener as passion and love of the art of playing music.
I had a great conversation today with some guys who travel around playing with their band. They reminded me of a situation I’ve been in when recording. The producer was so sure of his musical development, his vision of the recording, that he forgot to keep the inspiration alive! The need to control the sound of the band and the songs was overwhelming the elements that brought the band to the studio in the first place. Those elements are fun songs with a unique twist that makes the band who they are!
When working with artists as a producer or performer, I love to hear what makes them tick. The elements that give their songs personality and energy are the ones we want to keep. I’m so grateful that my experience at Ben Smith Music Company, getting the chance to record artists and learn what makes them unique, has been so powerful.
With my partner Valda Sarty, we feel the power of the music. We help artists channel that vision into their recordings, their media presence, the visual images we help them develop, and ultimately the picture that the bigger world gets to see.
At the end of any day, we all want to feel that we lived fully, enjoyed that experience, and achieved a stronger idea of who we are with people we enjoy! I’m proud that Ben Smith Music Company gives us, and the people we work with, the chance to live with that passion and intention.
