The line between the role of the engineer and that of the producer is blurry. Especially in countries with small markets and tight budgets, like Greece.
So it is kind of inevitable to not dive into both…
AUDIO PRODUCTION
When recording and/or mixing a track, i am often taking productive decisions. I prefer to intervene in the arrangement, rather than trying to make a superflous element fit in. I ‘d say that the engineer takes care of technical aspects while the producer keeps track of the big picture and facilitates the artist to express and preform. I got used to both and i like seeing myself as part of the creative team, part of the process. I like to listen!
When i am asked to mix a song somebody else recorded, i am trying to determine which the direction is, what the rough mix is telling me. When producing a track from scratch, i am engaging in this mode at an earlier stage, trying to decode what the artist wants to say -and how!, what kind of impact she or he is after, so i can propose ways to get there and facilitate them on their creative journey. Due to my classical background and training, combined with experience in most contemporary genres, i am approaching music from a neutral point of view, without categorising it.
ASSISTING YOU FROM A DISTANCE
If you are working on a track, i can give feedback, make suggestions and help you move on if you hit a dead end. Ideally i ‘d be involved from the beginning -this is the most creative phase and i might help you in making clear what you want to say and how to tell the story. But i could also check in at a later stage, highlighting potential issues and propose ways to overcome them.
FULL ON PRODUCTION AT THE HARA-GOE STUDIO
Of course physical presence helps creative interaction the most. And recording within a natural environment, with a view to the Aegean sea and the beautiful mountains surrounding our land, might light this extra spark. The idea is for the artist or the band to be guests at the Hara-Goe project and preform from a relaxed, balanced and creative state of being. On a day you not feel like recording, you can just take your time on the beach or the mountain to regenerate and nourish creative juices. The Hara-Goe studio is a small, cozy space with good acoustics. It is off-grid, so running powerfull guitar amps is not always possible, for the time being it is more about recording acoustic instruments and voice, working on the arrangement, mixing stuff.
Ready to Produce?
You are almost there. You have got the lyrics, the melody, some sounds and beats. Still, how should your track sound like in the end? Which is the best way to arrange the material, which instruments should be used and how should they be played and recorded?
Let us unveil the essence of your creation.
The seed is planted. Let’s water it!