Fibes wrote on Mon, 23 July 2007 13:12 |
I'm bored with the debate over a certain poker playing engineer from Chicagos recording philosophy.
What's yours and why?
FWIW Mine is pretty simple--take the approach that is:
1. Asked of you. 2. Required of you. 3. Feels right.
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Well this thread is going to keep that discussion alive (directly or indirectly).
(Assuming Point 2 means professional requirements...like equipment maintenance and such,)
I think the real discussion point is on areas like your Point 3.
These are intangible, ambiguous and highly subjective "standards". By this I refer to all cases where "feels right" refers to all other parties but the band (as that would be covered in Point 1).
What do these things mean...what does feeling right to you have to do with the band, unless the two happen to be congruent.
(And by YOU I am not referring to you personally Fibes, but this general area of "standards" that very many of us have.)
Other common comments of that ilk:
-'til it grooves/has the vibe
-'til it rocks/pops/splats
-'til it speaks to me
-Whatever serves the song/vibe (that one is my favorite)
There are few people who have a desired sound/production that bands may go for (TLA/CLA, Clearmountain, Vig, etc.) Those guys maybe requested to perform their magic. Or they may be in a position to be considered "hit makers". If that indeed is even a desire of the band (may our may not be). So their opinion is part of the package.
Otherwise, how do _you_ know what serves the song? The band only knows that. And even if they consciously dont, it is their art.
Point 3 really has no position in the equation unless, as Fibes pointed out, the band has a working relationship with the AE and is looking for that sort of input.
I think that is where most of the forum's philosophies will differ: whether the AE believes Point 3 type approaches belong in a mixing philosophy. (And of course shades between the all or nothing extreme.) I think many believe that is what they are being contracted for (and of course in many cases that is so.)
I believe that thought process is assumed too much....as a default modus operandi.
I almost wanted to hold off this reply to see how many would post something along the lines of "I do what serves the song".
Cheers,
David