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At 500,000+ Streams Across Platforms: Toronto’s Pop-Rocker MICHAEL VINCENT QUATTRO Wants To “Save Our World”

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At 500,000+ Streams Across Platforms: Toronto’s Pop-Rocker MICHAEL VINCENT QUATTRO Wants To “Save Our World”

Award-winning Canadian singer/songwriter Michael Vincent Quattro has seen it all between his late-90s chart-topping hit “Fallen For Your Love” to this year’s half-million and rising hit release of “Save Our World.”

It’s this life-library of experiences that had the artist observe the world’s situation in his new song — one that’s connecting with fans big time; the track has 500,000+ engagements across platforms, and rising.

“One evening as I sat at the piano to write for my new album, I started pondering the impact of the global pandemic and the effect it’s understandably having on people of any status and background,” Michael Vincent says. “I became very emotional as I began to put my thoughts together.

“I’m so grateful for the beautiful reception ‘Save Our World,’ has received so far,” he continues. “When I wrote this song, I dreamed of reaching as many people as possible with it; I wanted to send a message of hope, prayer, unity, and love for not only today, but tomorrow as well.

“As emotional as I was writing the song, I’m just as emotional now learning how it has inspired others.”

Michael Vincent first rose to pop-rock prominence with the Top 10 RPM-charting hit “Fallen For Your Love” in the late ‘90s. Since then he’s won a Voce D’oro (Golden Voice) Award and the Song Festival Toronto, and released a series of critically acclaimed singles, including the 2018 holiday hit “A Christmas Gift of Love.”

Personal tragedies including the untimely loss of his beloved mother, sister and father have inspired other deeply personal song work, including “Up to Heaven.”

A compassionate creative, Michael Vincent’s newest song amplifies his intentions to inspire and connect the community, especially through troubling times.

“I think connecting spiritually is first and foremost the answer to getting through this time in our lives,” he considers. “It is the foundation of working together along with worldwide cooperative measures to overcome this unprecedented challenge.

“As I said in the song, ‘the life we all knew will be forever changed, but with faith and new heroes hope is unchanged.”

23rd Annual TD Markham Jazz Festival Set With Special Series of Live-Streamed Concerts September 2020 – March 2021

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23rd Annual TD Markham Jazz Festival Set With Special Series of Live-Streamed Concerts September 2020 – March 2021

While its two-decade-plus tradition of seeing music lovers fill the streets of historic Unionville this summer was dearly missed, the TD Markham Jazz Festival is set to keep jazz fans connected through this Fall and Winter. The legendary Canadian event will celebrate its 23rd annual season with a special series of live-streamed concerts September 2020 through March 2021.

Some of Canada’s best known and loved jazz stars will perform in select venues around Markham on the last Sunday of the month; the shows will then be broadcast in real-time to MarkhamJazzFestival.com and uploaded for future viewing to TD Markham Jazz Festival’s YouTube channel.

JUNO Award-nominated trumpet phenom Alexis Baro will kick off the series with a quintet of award-winning talent this Sunday, September 27th.

First taking to the instrument at age eight, the Havana, Cuba-born artist was playing lead trumpet for Cuba’s National Radio and Television Orchestra by 19, and has taken the stage with or to open for the likes of Nikky Yanofsky, David Foster, Michael Bublé, Paquito d’Rivera, Hilario Duran, Robi Botos, Andrea Boccelli, Horacio ‘el negro’ Hernandez, Herbie Hancock, and more.

In Toronto as of 2001, Baro flourished as a writer and member of Kollage, earning not one, but three esteemed nominations for ‘Best Jazz Trumpeter’ from the Canadian National Jazz Awards in addition to his JUNO Award nomination for Jazz Album of the Year: Solo.

// TD Markham Jazz Fest Live-Stream Line-Up

Sunday, September 27th @ 2:00 pm EST

Alexis Baro

Sunday, October 25th @ 2:00 pm EST

Spy Jazz w/ June Garber & Irene Torres

Featuring: Eric St. Laurent, George Koller, Great Bob Scott, Attila Fias, & Alison Young

Hosted by: Jaymz Bee

Sunday, November 29th @ 2:00 pm EST

Donovan Locke

While it may look a little different this year, its mission remains the same. First launched in 1998 thanks to a team of volunteers acting under the leadership and invention of local residents, Hal Hill— a well-known broadcaster, concert producer, author (Jazz Canadiana), and all-around jazz genre authority — and his wife Chris, the TD Markham Jazz Festival prides itself on presenting a diverse and eclectic selection of jazz performers from Canada and around the world within a range of sub-styles, including blues, soul, Latin, fusion, world and contemporary.

Previous years have featured Internationally renowned and award-winning artists such as Michael Kaeshammer, Brandi Disterheft, Alison Young, David Clayton-Thomas, Maceo Parker, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bruce Cockburn, Jack De Keyzer, John Pizzarelli, Marc Jordan, Dr Lonnie Smith, Molly Johnson, Barbra Lica, Carol Welsman, Oliver Jones, Rob McConnell, Jeff Healey, and many more.

The 23rd TD Annual Markham Jazz Festival begins this Sunday, September 27th at 2:00pm EST and will continue on the last Sunday of each month through March 2021.

For TD Markham Jazz Festival updates, visit: http://www.markhamjazzfestival.com/

JUNO Award-Winning Tony Quarrington & Zoey Adams Have One More FOLK Thing For You as Q&A

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JUNO Award-Winning Tony Quarrington & Zoey Adams Have One More FOLK Thing For You as Q&A

One-of-its-kind Canadian musical duo Q&A — as in JUNO Award-winning Tony Quarrington and his esteemed counterpart Zoey Adams — deliver the second release in their multi-genre triple EP offering, One More FOLK Thing, including lead single “How Do I Love You?” — available now!

Following this summer’s big band-to-ballad exploration that is One More JAZZ Thing, One More FOLK Thing falls in line with another five tracks that span from old-timey upbeats to slow-folk styles, and everything in between.

“Clap along with this happy, little bluegrass love song,” Adams says of the album’s first preview, “How Do I Love You?” — a lively duet spotlighting sounds of the fiddle, banjo, and guitar.

“Redbird” lands as another bluegrass-based tune, while “Hold On” and “Last One In Love” slow the pace as an intimate, personal anthem and a whimsical yet poignant look at love, respectively.

“This is a cautionary tale about paying it forward,” Quarrington reveals about the album’s closer, “Big Bump (At The End Of The Road).” “The track has a gospel feel to it, including a killer Hammond organ solo.”

One More FOLK Thing is the second in this year’s three-part EP project released via Sonic Peach Music that focuses on specific genres of music through the lens of this spectacularly diverse and uniquely talented pair.

The journeys within the genres are deftly traversed by the accomplished co-writers and artists; with Quarrington and Adams — the former an acclaimed jazz guitarist, composer, and songwriter with hundreds of multi-genre credits to his name, and the latter an artist long-lauded for her work in theatre, movies, radio, and corporate entertainment.

The duo have been making music together in some form or another for the better part of two decades; Q&A quite literally holds 100 years of professional experience between them; the results have included but are not limited to a long-held run as Paper Moon, a nostalgic jazz duo, and their first extended work together took place in 2005 when Stuart McLean commissioned Quarrington to compose what would become Vinyl Cafe: The Musical — Quarrington sang the role of ‘Dave’ and Adams ‘Morley,’ ‘Stephanie,’ and ‘Sam.’

“The pleasure we took in that project convinced us to work together even more,” they recall.

That pleasure is now ours with the release of One More JAZZ Thing, One More FOLK Thing, and One More POP Thing.

Collingwood, ON Folk Rock Singer/Songwriter Shane Cloutier is “Catching Up” in New Single — Available Now

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Collingwood, ON Folk Rock Singer/Songwriter Shane Cloutier is “Catching Up” in New Single — Available Now

Canadian folk rock singer/songwriter Shane Cloutier sets down the weight of emotional baggage in his new single, “Catching Up” — available now.

“This song is one that many, if not all, people can relate to,” the Collingwood-based artist considers. “The human element of emotion can be both tragic and beautiful, and I believe that even the darker side of it can sometimes bring out the best of who we are if we fight hard enough.

“‘Catching Up’ is an expression of trying to move on in life but having emotional baggage weighing me down,” he continues. “It’s hard to keep up when certain shades of sunlight and certain smells in the air pull me back into my past.

“I wrote ‘Catching Up’ in one day — mostly because I compulsively felt I needed to finish it. It also came together naturally; I could feel in my gut when I had the right chord.”

Also in line with his instinct is ushering in the right team for the track; “Catching Up” features Mike Olsen on cello and Alyssa Joline on backup vocals. “As always, I worked with Adam Fair at Villa Sound,” Cloutier adds. “He has a really great understanding of what I’m trying to do, and is great for keeping me relaxed and on-track. Adam, who’s many skills amaze me, also did the video; the concept is to visually portray how we all drag baggage and luggage around throughout our lives, and how it keeps us moving as far and as quickly as we might want.”

As a follow up to this year’s earlier release, “Rain Check,” “Catching Up” lands as an early preview to Cloutier’s forthcoming album, one that promises to further embody the artist’s emotive voice and unique approach — complete with signature heavy metal influence, a sojourn into programmed beats, and a nod to collaborations with multi-award winning blues drummer Tom Bona and legendary guitarist Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush.

“I wasn’t planning on recording again this soon,” Cloutier marvels, noting his most recent 2019 album release, Red Wagon. “But everything came out more naturally because I didn’t have time to overthink anything. Everything felt very organic.

“The material for it feels really good to me. I am in a great place in my life and, because of this, I was able to branch out lyrically to more topics and feelings that are important to me. I feel the isolation we have all been in has really pulled some different topics and feelings out.

“The album Red Wagon was very much a prequel and sequel to In Light,” Cloutier continues, referring to his debut release. “When I wrote In Light, it was very much a cathartic response to some traumatic events in my life, facing the death of my wife and mother of my children. It is very much an album of perseverance and strength, as well as surrendering to vulnerability.

“When I wrote Red Wagon, I was in a much happier place, and I feel I had a much more enlightened perspective. Both albums helped me emotionally, physically, and spiritually move forward. They tethered me to real life, sort of, and didn’t allow me to sink — which was exactly where I felt like I was heading.”

Sinking has never ultimately been an option for Cloutier, who was once told he’d never ‘make it.’ “My grade 12 music teacher was a narrow-minded, mediocre teacher who only listened to classical music,” Cloutier recalls. “He told me at the end of grade 12 that I’m a great student, but I’d never make it as a musician for a living.

“Every day being a full-time, professional musician is me giving him the proverbial finger… Especially being asked to join Mahogany Rush and playing for Frank Marino, who is my guitar idol. It still doesn’t feel real, and might never feel completely real to me.

“This is important to me to hold onto because, in life, we are continuously met by individuals who doubt us.

“I believe everybody has an outlet that they have found — or need to find — and this is mine.”

Canadian Songstress Blaise Moore Unveils “Best Next Ex” New Single Out Now

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Canadian Songstress Blaise Moore Unveils “Best Next Ex” New Single Out Now

Toronto native and UK-based singer/songwriter Blaise Moore surprises fans with the release of “Best Next Ex” her brand new single out today via 21 Entertainment/Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company. Produced and co-written by Jon Levine (Alessia Cara, Bebe Rexha, Dua Lipa, Drake), Midi Jones (Kiesza, Matt and Kim), and Sebastian Cole (Alicia Keys, Fifth Harmony), “Best Next Ex” tells a story of a relationship destined for failure, but with the passion and chemistry that will never be repeated. “I could be your best next ex ever, what are you scared of?” – sings Moore, as she chides her love interest, while ironically foreshadowing their destined demise.

“Best Next Ex” captures the signature emotional depth and honesty woven throughout Moore’s music, possessing an incisive ability to wind its way into the hearts and minds of listeners. The infectious electronica and the accompanying trance-like rhythms, combined with the soulful and complex vocals of Moore herself – sometimes plaintive, other times fierce – mark her as an artist who has so much more to say, about so many other aspects of life.

On the new single, Moore says, “After the release of Laurence, I moved from Toronto to LA for a fresh start after feeling creatively stagnant and to immerse myself in new experiences. I was by myself, in a new place, meeting and working with new people and feeling a lot of pressure to make new music that would exceed my past work. All of those emotions paired with other life events had me in a bad place emotionally, which ensued a heavy writer’s block and self-sabotaging behaviour. I didn’t have anything to write about other than the dark thoughts I was experiencing.

I’m really grateful for that whole experience in a way. It taught me a lot about myself as a person and an artist. I’m inspired again and finally without writer’s block. Going head-first into this new music with a new attitude, feeling more excited and hungry I’ve ever been.”

Prior to the release of “Best Next Ex”, Blaise Moore released the 2017 seven-song EP on Interscope Records to critical acclaim, named for the object of her artistic invective, Laurence. The EP was steeped in the raw, bitter, revelatory spirit of a person scorned, but also captured the overall theme of a person who is aware that in many instances, is the author of her own misfortune when it comes to relationships.

The release of “Best Next Ex” signals Moore’s perpetual growth as a world-class artist, ever evolving and voicing her lived truth through captivating rhythms and emotionally raw lyrics.

Derek & The Dominos Releasing 50th Anniversary Editions Of Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs 3

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Derek & The Dominos Releasing 50th Anniversary Editions Of Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs 3

This November sees the release of 50th Anniversary editions of Derek & The Dominos’ Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs on 4LP and 2CD sets.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1970 double album, the original has been given the ‘Half-Speed Mastered’ treatment by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios and is completed with a certificate of authentication.

4LP SET

Layla is often regarded as Eric Clapton’s greatest musical achievement. The album is notably known for its title track, an evergreen rock classic, which had top ten single chart success in the UK and features the dual wailing guitars of Clapton and Duane Allman. Alongside this are a further 2LPs of bonus material some of which have not previously been released on vinyl. All the bonus material across all of LP3 and LP4 is mastered normally (so is not half-speed mastered). The LP set includes a 12×12 book of sleeve notes taken from the 40th-Anniversary Edition.

2CD SET

This 2CD deluxe edition includes the original album Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs plus a further disc of bonus material. This deluxe set is an exact repress of the 40th Anniversary 2CD edition.

In 1970, following the break-up of Blind Faith and his departure from Delaney & Bonnie, Derek & The Dominos initially formed in the spring of that year. The group comprised Eric Clapton on guitar and vocals alongside three other former members of Delaney & Bonnie & Friends: Bobby Whitlock on keyboards, Carl Radle on Bass and Jim Gordon on drums. Derek & The Dominos played their first concert at London’s Lyceum Ballroom on 14th June 1970 as part of a UK summer tour. During late August to early October, they recorded Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, with the Allman Brothers’ guitarist Duane Allman sitting in, before returning to a tour of the UK and the U.S. until the end of the year. Shortly thereafter the group disbanded but their short time together offered up one of the rock canon’s most enduring albums of all time.

From his early days as a guitar icon to a songwriter of great sensitivity, as well as an interpreter of everything from blues and jazz to rock and country music, Eric Clapton needs little by way of an introduction. As a renowned solo artist in his own right as well as a member of the Yardbirds, Cream and Derek and the Dominos, he is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame and is one of the most important and influential guitarists of all time. He has been the recipient of 17 Grammy Awards, 1 Brit Award and 1 Bafta.

LAYLA AND OTHER LOVE SONGS – TRACKLISTING [4LP]

LP1 / LP2

  1. I Looked Away
  2. Bell Bottom Blues
  3. Keep On Growing
  4. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out
  5. I Am Yours
  6. Anyday
  7. Key To The Highway
  8. Tell The Truth
  9. Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad?
  10. Have You Ever Loved A Woman
  11. Little Wing
  12. It’s Too Late
  13. Layla
  14. Thorn Tree In The Garden

LP3 / LP4 – Bonus Material (*denotes previously unreleased on vinyl)

  1. Mean Old World – Layla Session Out-take
  2. Roll It Over – Phil Spector Produced Single B-Side
  3. Tell The Truth – Phil Spector Produced Single A-Side
  4. It’s Too Late* – Live On The Johnny Cash TV Show, 5th November 1970
  5. Got To Get Better In A Little While* – Live On The Johnny Cash TV Show, 5th November 1970
  6. Matchbox with Johnny Cash & Carl Perkins* – Live On The Johnny Cash TV Show, 5th November 1970
  7. Blues Power* – Live On The Johnny Cash TV Show, 5th November 1970
  8. Snake Lake Blues* – From April/May 1971 Sessions For The Dominos’ Second Album
  9. Evil* – From April/May 1971 Sessions For The Dominos’ Second Album
  10. Mean Old Frisco* – From April/May 1971 Sessions For The Dominos’ Second Album
  11. One More Chance* – From April/May 1971 Sessions For The Dominos’ Second Album
  12. High – From April/May 1971 Sessions For The Dominos’ Second Album
  13. Got To Get Better In A Little While Jam* – From April/May 1971 Sessions For The Dominos’ Second Album
  14. Got To Get Better In A Little While* – From April/May 1971 Sessions For The Dominos’ Second Album

LAYLA AND OTHER LOVE SONGS – TRACKLISTING [2CD]

CD1 – Original Album

  1. I Looked Away
  2. Bell Bottom Blues
  3. Keep On Growing
  4. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out
  5. I Am Yours
  6. Anyday
  7. Key To The Highway
  8. Tell The Truth
  9. Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad?
  10. Have You Ever Loved A Woman
  11. Little Wing
  12. It’s Too Late
  13. Layla
  14. Thorn Tree In The Garden

CD2 – Bonus Material

  1. Mean Old World – Layla Session Out-take
  2. Roll It Over – Phil Spector Produced Single B-Side
  3. Tell The Truth – Phil Spector Produced Single A-Side
  4. It’s Too Late – Live On The Johnny Cash TV Show, 5th November 1970
  5. Got To Get Better In A Little While – Live On The Johnny Cash TV Show, 5th November 1970
  6. Matchbox with Johnny Cash & Carl Perkins – Live On The Johnny Cash TV Show, 5th November 1970
  7. Blues Power – Live On The Johnny Cash TV Show, 5th November 1970
  8. Snake Lake Blues – From April/May 1971 Sessions For The Dominos’ Second Album
  9. Evil – From April/May 1971 Sessions For The Dominos’ Second Album
  10. Mean Old Frisco – From April/May 1971 Sessions For The Dominos’ Second Album
  11. One More Chance – From April/May 1971 Sessions For The Dominos’ Second Album
  12. Got To Get Better In A Little While Jam – From April/May 1971 Sessions For The Dominos’ Second Album
  13. Got To Get Better In A Little While – From April/May 1971 Sessions For The Dominos’ Second Album

34% Of Musicians In The UK Are Considering Abandoning Their Career In Music Due To Covid-19

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34% Of Musicians In The UK Are Considering Abandoning Their Career In Music Due To Covid-19

A third (34%) of musicians are considering abandoning the industry completely, due to financial hardship caused by the coronavirus pandemic. New research from the Musicians’ Union, reveals nearly half (47%) of its members have already been forced to seek work outside of the industry, with seven in 10 (70%) unable to undertake more than a quarter of their usual work.

With furlough schemes coming to an end, 87% of musicians who were covered by the schemes say they will be facing financial hardship, and a third (33%) didn’t even qualify for any of the support available. As a result, nine in 10 (88%) believe the Government has not done enough to support musicians during the pandemic.

The Union, which works to protect the rights of around 32,000 musicians, is issuing an urgent call to Government to do more, in order to safeguard the future of the UK’s music culture and industry.

Horace Trubridge, General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union, said, “These figures are devastating and show how many musicians are struggling financially and at real risk of leaving music for good. In better times, our members drive a £5bn music industry with their talent. One artist’s gig will create a domino effect of jobs – from lighting technicians to ticket sellers. If one musician is out of work, you can be sure many others will be affected too.

“We appreciate all the Government has done to support our members through the furlough and self-employment income support schemes so far, but they must not abandon musicians now. With social distancing measures still in place, venues can only sell at around 30% of usual capacity. We are calling on the Government to implement a seat-matching scheme, which would take venues’ potential revenue to 60%, providing a lifeline to musicians and the wider industry.

“Getting musicians back to work is the priority. However, this is simply not realistic for so many of our members while social distancing remains in place. We strongly urge the Government to recognise the unique situation that our members are in and to provide sector specific financial support for musicians.”

Jessie Reyez Releases New Songs “No One’s In The Room” And “Sugar At Night”

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Jessie Reyez Releases New Songs “No One’s In The Room” And “Sugar At Night”

Following the success of her debut album, Before Love Came To Kill Us, Grammy-nominated Colombian-Canadian singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez surprises fans with the 17-track Before Love Came To Kill Us+ album including two fresh takes “Sugar At Night” and “No One’s In The Room” out September 25. The original which rose to critical acclaim upon release in March is told from a fiery point of view, romanticizing love and contextualizing heartbreak and relationships from Reyez’s lens and uncanny storytelling ability.

Before Love Came To Kill Us+ is accompanied by the Emma Higgins directed visual for “No One’s In The Room,” a powerful offering about individuality and authenticity. Challenging the confines of self-identity, Reyez pleads over echoing bars: “Who am I when no one’s in the room?,” a notion reflected in the eyes of those who change who they are when people are not around. With symbolism of purity and strength throughout, the record empowers listeners to explore their deepest fears surrounding identity.

To note an incredible year, Reyez became the first artist to perform atop Toronto’s CN Tower during the NBA Playoffs, made an impressive cameo in Beyoncé’s Black is King visual album, and performed the title track “Kill Us” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon!. With both peer accolades and critical acclaim, Reyez’s debut album was praised by The New York Times, Variety, Pitchfork, Vibe, Time, etc. With over 350M global streams upon release the debut resulted in a nomination for the 2020 Polaris Music Prizefor best Canadian album, earning the title of Top Female Debut Album, Top R&B album of 2020, and charting in the Top 5 on Billboard’s R&B album chart where it has remained since release. The debut was then followed by a support run on global superstar Billie Eilish’s U.S. stadium tour which was abruptly stopped due to the Covid-19 pandemic and is slated to be rescheduled at a later date. Shortly thereafter, Eilish introduced Reyez before she performed her hit single “Crazy” on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The performance was then followed by a duet performance of her RIAA certified-platinum reimagined hit “Imported” with 6LACK on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

BEFORE LOVE CAME TO KILL US+ TRACKLIST:

  1. NO ONE’S IN THE ROOM
  2. SUGAR AT NIGHT
  3. BEFORE LOVE CAME TO KILL US
  4. ROOF
  5. COFFIN (Feat. Eminem)
  6. WORTH SAVING
  7. I DO
  8. INTRUDERS
  9. ANKLES
  10. LA MEMORIA
  11. SAME SIDE
  12. FIGURES
  13. DOPE
  14. IMPORTED (with 6LACK)
  15. FAR AWAY II (feat. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie & JID)
  16. DO YOU LOVE HER
  17. LOVE IN THE DARK

Stewart Copeland’s Adventures In Music

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Stewart Copeland’s Adventures In Music

Stewart Copeland explores the power music has to bring people together and to bond them in ways that are fundamental to our evolution and existence.

What are the basics of music production?

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Music production is an exciting industry to work in. If you have any thoughts of becoming a music producer then you probably already know something of what is needed but here is some background information on music production and the basics for anyone who has an interest but not any information about music production.

What does a music producer do?

The process of recording and producing a song is music production. This is overseen by a music producer. Their job is to make sure the track that is being recorded comes out the best it can. The job will entail listening to recordings, making or suggesting changes and edits to the track. They may bring in other professionals to assist with the process.

A producer for a top 40 band would have a group of music professionals around him to assist with arrangements, song writing, mixing and mastering. If you were what is known as a ‘bedroom producer’ you would find yourself having to do all of these things. Many bands began with very limited access to equipment and professional help. In a studio there is likely to be professional music equipment and instruments from suppliers like SoundHalo.

Careers in music production

Being a music producer is a rewarding job and if you are musically minded and want to work in a creative environment then this may be for you. There is a certain amount of training needed but this isn’t always formal training. You may also need to look at different areas of music production to find your niche. Music production is not just about working with the latest hip hop artist or boyband it could be that you are producing for video games, TV adverts or recording live bands.

So what are the actual basics of music production?

Songwriting

Songwriting is the process of connecting musical ideas into something that sounds melodious, harmonic and rhythmic. It should have a beginning, middle and an end and be musically coherent. You are looking at making something where the lyrics and music work together to form something creative and pleasing to the listener. It is not good enough to write clever lyrics; they must be arranged for your required musical style and fit that rhythm and harmonic structure.

Arranging

This refers to which instruments are played on a track and where and how often. You may have a great chorus and verse but repeating them over and over will not result in an interesting song. The arrangement is there to make the song more interesting. It allows the sections of the song to be moved along it’s timeline to take the song to a different level. Songs should have moments where they build up to a chorus and other parts where they slow down depending on the style of music and you can control this when arranging the sections. Arranging allows you to introduce an instrument for a subtle effect or perhaps to drop the beat to bring impact. Instruments can be used to almost endless results during the arrangement.

Tracking

So you have your song written and arranged and now it needs recording. This is also called tracking. The process of tracking is where you record all the instruments that you have used in your song. These are normally recorded one track at a time. You may have heard of multi track recording; as you record each new track you can hear all the previous recorded tracks too. This is what multi-track recording means.

Editing

This should be left until after all the recording is done. It can be used to fix some problems but ideally you want the recording to sound natural and if the song sounds great already then don’t edit it. You use the editing process to improve pitches or sync sections that are slightly out of time. Don’t over do the editing or the song can sound chopped up and glued together..

Mixing

Mixing is a complex area that many people decide to focus on solely as it can take years to master and be truly great at it. It is the process where you get to combine all the instruments recorded into a stereo 2 track mix. You get to decide which instruments will sound loudest and if they sound far back or out front. You can add effects where you think appropriate. Mixing allows a world of possibilities and can be a very exciting part of the music production process. This is why some people become mixers and stay away from the other areas of music production.

Mastering

Individual songs can be recorded in different studios and with different producers and sound engineers. When you want to put these individual songs into one collection or album this can become a problem. It can be clear this is a group of very separate entities. A mastering engineer’s job is to take these individual songs and make them sound like one coherent compilation. They can correct any small deficiencies that the mixing engineer may have missed and they will increase the levels of all the tracks so they all sound even. After they have been put through the same mastering equipment they will sound like they come from the same album.

Summary

Music production is simply about making music. If you are interested in any or all forms of music production then search the internet for more resources. Learn more about the processes and practice. By making music at home you will learn more about the different processes and everything will become easier. Many famous music producers started out with no formal training at all and rose to have great careers, think Dr Dre. In the UK many famous producers started out as sound engineers.

If you are serious about a career and want some formal training then you could look into courses at a music school. There are many places offering music production courses online now. They provide projects and support materials and you have the added benefit of fitting the course around your own daily life.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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