This subject interests me because I have a limited knowledge of music technology and to know what is and what isn't essential whilst recording my own music will be beneficial. There is a possibility I will write music in the future for work so to explore this topic will be helpful.
I will be looking at two different areas of research; primary sources and secondary sources. To define these two types of research I will use examples of potential research methods for my own project.
Primary research - This involves acquiring information directly from the source rather than from another area. It would be considered primary research it I were to interview a studio employee or somebody that has experienced either studio or home recording. There are some potential benefits to primary research. Information obtained by primary research is less likely to be disputed because it's straight from an experienced source and will naturally be more respected than other kinds of research. This may mean that the outcome of the research is more persuasive than an outcome obtained from a common source.
Primary research isn't totally perfect. It is harder to come by than secondary research and some sources may be reluctant to give up information. For example, a studio employee isn't likely to release any information that could damage their career. They may also be contractually obliged to withhold certain information. If I interview somebody that has recorded their own music at a studio, information might be more honest and therefore more reliable. However this may still be flawed if this person is biased against a studio. They may have been treated poorly on one occasion and their answers might change for this reason. This is where secondary sources might come in handy. The abundance of secondary information means that patterns of opinions might appear and can help clarify facts.
Secondary research - This type of research involves acquiring information from sources that have been produced by somebody else. For example, articles on the internet or magazines would be considered secondary research. There is an abundance of information on the internet and in books which means that information isn't hard to come by and is easily accessible for most people. Books may be written by professionals and legally required to be truthful. They will also be checked for accuracy before they are published which means that they are trustworthy sources. I will be quoting extracts from the recording section of "How Music Works" by David Byrne. I consider this as reliable because Byrne has had experience in both studios and home recording and has worked in the music business long enough to know what he's talking about. The book itself has received positive reviews from multiple newspapers and book reviewers so it is likely to be a trustworthy source.
The internet can't always be trusted because anybody can post online without needing proof for their information. YouTube videos that may be assumed to be trustworthy due to the nature of a video can still be edited and therefore can't always be believed. Wikipedia may be accurate in a lot of cases but it it isn't entirely trustworthy. It is an online encyclopedia that has been compiled by members of the public and can in fact be edited by anyone, which means that it should never be used alone as a method of research. There is so much contrasting information online that it is difficult to know what can be believed. I will try to refrain from using Wikipedia and similar websites during my research and will try to stick to official websites as these will be more trustworthy.
What is success?
Success is perceived differently by different people. For example, mainstream pop producers and celebrity singer/songwriters might prioritise financial success over a positive cultural impact, potentially sacrificing creativity to make way for a fail-safe musical formula. Other artists may prefer to remain underground and experimental if it means retaining entire freedom of creativity or remaining outside the media spotlight.
The music industry is difficult to stay working in without income from other areas. This means that some musicians' definition of success may become distorted in favour of money. Foreign Beggars are a trio made up of MCs Orifice Vulgatron and Metropolis and DJ Nonames. They initially wrote and performed hip hop but have more recently extended their musical output into dubstep and other contemporary styles. Their typical sound has therefore been altered over time to fit into mainstream music. Their 2011 release "Still Getting It" featuring Skrillex is an entirely different style than songs such as "Glacial" from their first album. The bass heavy style of production is more likely to fit well within mainstream club scenes rather than underground hip hop venues which means that they might choose to perform in these places instead in order to further their career. Not only does the music need to change to become mainstream but the lyrics also need to be dumbed down for the audience meaning that creativity is limited.
Foreign Beggars - Still Getting It (ft. Skrillex)
Foreign Beggars - Glacial (ft. Dr Syntax)
Fans of Foreign Beggars admit that they don't listen to them anymore because they have sold out. Foreign Beggars reveal in this interview that making music acceptable for mainstream crowds is more a way for exposure rather than an ideal style of music. They still create their own original music in a similar style to their first album but they also try to reach new audiences. By doing this, these new fans are able to discover their other styles of music and might appreciate them. This is a risky tactic in maintaining loyal fans because people are more likely to hear about their commercial music as that will be the music that is promoted the most.
Foreign Beggars Interview
Although I agree that this is an effective way of getting your music heard, I think it's unfortunate that when someone hears about them now they won't immediately find and may even overlook their previous works because of the high level of promotion on their mainstream collaborations. In my opinion, this doesn't seem like as much of a success as it could've been because it seems they have limited their output of original music in favour of mainstream dubstep, grime and trap.
Denis Dutton, who was an American philosopher and professor at the University of Canterbury, identified seven universal aesthetic categories (Dutton, 2002). Successful records tend to be the ones that display some of these traits.
Expertise or virtuosity - Whether expertise is reached through years of hard work or through natural ability, it is impressive to the listener. When people think of an expert within music they might first consider somebody who can play an instrument with a high level of technique and accuracy. Expertise also comes under production, however. J Dilla, for example, was considered unmatched and pioneering within hip hop instrumentals with his skills in sampling and beatmaking.
Non-utilitarian pleasure - No practical value is required. Within music this can mean that people choose to listen to music simply because they enjoy listening to it and don't require any other use for it.
Style - This is the repetition of familiar components. Music genres are favoured by different people; because of cultural influences or taste becoming refined over time. If somebody went to a metal gig expecting to hear nothing but metal and a band performed a mainstream pop record then they would understandably be disappointed. Producers may choose to compose using particular sounds if they have already proved to be successful.
Criticism - People enjoy interpreting and discussing art. Music with lyrics is often interpreted in different ways but instrumental music can also spark discussions if there is something unique about the production.
Imitation - Imitation of world experiences. Although this may be relevant to most art, imitation of experiences is uncommon amongst music.
Special Focus - Some art is considered more special than other works. Depending on the reaction of an audience, some musicians may have specific shows that stood out from the rest and are considered legendary.
Imagination - All art, including music, can invoke imagination. This can be enhanced by music production by achieving unique and interesting sounds such as guitar effects.
Home recording vs studio recording
Home and studio recording both have their advantages.
Home recording:
Less time pressure - Although there may still be time pressure such as project deadlines with home recording, time is money at a studio. When you book a slot at a studio, each minute is valuable recording time and if you waste it or things don't go to plan, you will become more pressured and lose money.
Impressive - How a record has been made can alter a listener's perception on how good it is. An effective home recording may be considered more original and impressive than a recording made at a professional studio.
Easy access - You will have access to recording equipment whenever you need it at home and will have no need to book studio slots. Popular studios may be difficult to book at an appropriate time for you.
Internet access - Being at home means you can freely send your music to others to hear feedback without having to worry about using up studio time.
David Byrne expresses his opinion on home recording in his book "How Music Works" (Byrne, 2012). "Home-studio recordings can now sound as good as the big-name studios, and the lower-pressure (and less expensive) vibe in a home environment is more conducive to creativity." I understand that this level of recording is possible nowadays but you need an understanding of DAWs in order to produce at an acceptable level.
Some records are made intentionally scruffy. Jamie T's "Panic Prevention" album was recorded entirely in his bedroom. This was the theme of the album and even shows a picture of a bedroom on the front cover. Although this style of recording could've been easily achieved in a professional studio, it was more cost effective this way and appeals more to fans who like the idea.
Jamie T - Panic Prevention (Full Album)
Professional studio recording:
Producers editing songs - Producers in a recording studio may edit or remove your melodies in order to improve your music. Although the experienced ones have trustworthy opinions and have likely done the same with other artists to create something better than the original idea, it may still feel like the end result isn't your own song.
More reliable - After an attempted mix of your own song, a fresh pair of ears might be needed to mix and master it properly.
Saves time - An expert producer is more likely to know what they are talking about and will know how to tackle problems. A home recording might take much longer to create.
Musicians - Session musicians might be more likely to perform on your track in a studio scenario if they expect the extra comfort and security of getting paid.
The Broadcast Music, Inc. website has an article (Goldmacher, 2010) persuading readers to use professional recording studios. "If you’re going to treat your songwriting as a business that you hope to profit from, then it’s in your best interest to employ experts at every level." BMI have worked with numerous successful mainstream artists such as Rihanna, Maroon 5 and Eminem. All of these artists have used professional recording methods to successfully further their careers, which makes BMI a trustworthy source. This quote states that this approach is likely to be successful to increase sales. This is an opinion worth remembering if I'm ever in a position where I want to make as much money as possible. However, at the moment that isn't my aim so home recording seems more appealing.
Lorraine Ellison - Stay With Me
Conclusion
The scenario in which a piece of music is recorded is only one factor that influences the reaction of the listener. As long as the piece can justify its recording style with either musical or meaningful significance then it can still be appreciated by an audience. If the success of a song is defined by the amount of wealth it accumulates compared to contemporary music then it is likely that the more money invested in producing a record, the more money it produces as a result.
Although I would be happy to release records that made money, I wouldn't consider them truly successful myself unless they were interesting pieces of music. Currently, my composition standard is better than my knowledge of sounds and production and in order to create a record that is interesting both melodically and sonically I will need to research other areas further. I will explore guitar tones, sound effects and possibly study other albums to find out how they create the most appealing sounds. I will also need to extend my knowledge of production. I can hopefully achieve this primarily through practice but I will also look into other sources for guidance.
References:
Byrne, D (2012). How Music Works. Edinburgh: Canongate. 180.
Trunkworthy. (2015). The Other "Stay With Me" You Need To Be Listening To Right Now. Available: http://www.trunkworthy.com/the-other-stay-with-me-you-need-to-be-listening-to-right-now/. Last accessed 12th Jun 2015.
Dutton, D. (2002). Aesthetic Universals. Available: http://www.denisdutton.com/universals.htm. Last accessed 12th Jun 2015.
Goldmacher, C. (2010). Why You Should Consider Using A Professional Recording Studio. Available: http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/why_you_should_consider_using_a_professional_recording_studio. Last accessed 12th Jun 2015.
