Freelance Music Producers Share Insights into Their Production Process

Graduated from Kharkiv music college as cellist in 2008,
Bachelor's degree from Kharkiv National University of Arts (jazz-guitar/bass) in 2012.
Finishing my master's degree in The Institute of Contemporary Music Perfomance, London this year.
Started session work as musician and sound-producer from 2009, fully produced a few albums and take part in more than 60 releases.

I produced for a very wide variety of genres, such as pop, country, rock, metal, jazz, EDM. The vast majority of releases are rock, pop-rock.
One of my main features is keep live playing and acoustic/electric instruments as much as possible in the mix, so it has more lively and natural vibe.

I use Logic Pro X for my works. I have access to few studios with SSL, Midas, Avid consoles, few drums kits, guitar and bass equipment from Vox, Marshall, Orange, Fender and Moog, Nord, Korg synthesizers, VST-plugins as well.
I prefer analog sound, so having real guitar amplifiers and acoustic piano is important for me, coz I think they serves great playing of musicians better.

I start from analysing given references since I try to incorporate their favourite sound and recording techniques for every client. So, I'm usually asking for main influences of artist/customer and know as much as possible about their needs and expectations. Then just follow and fulfil them.
Then we correct tracks if needed during communication and file sharing with specific platforms or messenger.

1. Analysing preferences and needs of the client/artist.
Communication about all needed features of the track.
2. Providing a demo/samples of work (if required)
3. Recording instruments, arrangement (hiring sessional musicians, orchestras, if needed)
4. Providing track to the client (discussing and re-recording some parts, if needed)
5. Final mixing/mastering.
6. Final revisions (if needed).

Accurate communication about all features, preferences of sound.
Full attention to the given references.
Clear communication about needed revisions.

Usually, it's 2-3 revisions for the recording/arrangement and 5-8 for the mixing/mastering. We don't need that amount usually, but this numbers ensure clients that they have enough opportunities to receive needed sound.

I have hourly rate 30-50£/hour, depends on additional studio equipment and type of work. So, for analog production it usually costs around 200£/track, and 100-150£ for mixing/mastering. But, every project is unique, so I can calculate price when I know all needed features of upcoming track and can estimate amount of time which I need for all work.

https://youtu.be/3F8G-yfKN9k?si=P5BY8aYamRwGhoGS
This video clip received more than 8 awards on different film festivals in Europe during 2023, was in rotation on the biggest rock-radio stations in Canada. I was co-producer and mixer on this track.

https://youtu.be/9nj0-CCCGkU?si=VylKcDW2-XjURYAX
This contemporary jazz album has unique sound and exceptional musicality.
Live sound-producing, mixing/mastering by me.

More than 100 official releases (albums, EP, singles) during last ten years with different artists.

Networking with industry experts, following top producers in social media and learning new techniques on a regular basis. Checking fresh releases and charts on a daily basis.

Checking his samples of work, asking for specific ones if you have in mind exact sound which you want to achieve. Asking a demo, if producer provide this feature for you. Clearly communicate your needs and ask a producer how he can achieve the needed result.