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Exclusive interview with Jim
September 2015 Producing K&M: We heard someone say that every producer has a different interpretation of what a producer’s role should be. What’s yours? Does it change with the artist? Jim: Well, you sort of answered a part of it there. It really depends on the project. With a solo artist, it can be everything from writings songs, choosing songs, putting a band together, picking the studio, creating a budget, working with a label, working with engineers and sometimes co-producers. Then there are all of the musical things: arrangements, recording all the parts, getting great vocals, comp’ing vocals, tuning vocals, overseeing the mixing and mastering process. My father is a director (of commercials and short films) - and I liken a musical producer’s role to that of a director. He is in charge of the final product. From soup to nuts, it is the producer’s responsibility. There are also many human aspects to it: sometimes it is being a therapist or even just a friend. When someone trusts you with their music, it is like they are trusting you with their dreams - and that is a massive responsibility to have placed on you. It is not something I take lightly. K&M: What motivated you to get in this side of the music business? Jim: I have always loved music production, As a kid listening to music for hours on end, I was fascinated by the way records were made. Who poured them, where, who played on them - all of that is part of production. Being in the studio, creating: it is still my favorite part of making music. When I got accepted to Berklee College of Music, I immediately wanted to be in the studios making records. I graduated with a degree in Music Production and Engineering. K&M: Was there a song or artist in particular that inspired you to be a producer? Jim: Not one in particular. I just always wanted to be in the studio and part of the process of making records. When did you know you wanted to be a producer? Jim: I’m not sure if I ever wanted to be a producer more than I do now. As I continue to make records, I feel like I am starting to grasp certain aspects of the process that escaped me in the past. And as long as I feel like I am progressing, I am inspired to keep going. K&M: How does producing your own music compare to working for someone else? Jim: Well, obviously when working on my own music, there is no one to answer to but me. Sometimes it can be challenging to be the artist and producer. That is why I really enjoy collaborating. I work with Chris Thompson a lot. He and I have a great back and forth. His influences are very different form mine - but, we are usually looking for the same end result, which I think makes us a great team. When working on my own music, I really enjoy having Chris work with me to bounce ideas around. And I know from an engineering standpoint, I never need to worry if he is there. K&M: What are the pros and cons of each? Jim: That would take a long time to answer. One negative about producing yourself, is that you usually don’t give yourself the same fee you would get from someone else! K&M: What’s harder? Jim: I think they are both equally challenging. K&M: Are there any methods of working that apply to both? Jim: Honesty……..across the board. K&M: What or who is your biggest accomplishment as a producer? Jim: I am currently working on a Christmas record for Marc Broussard that I am extremely proud of. It was a very challenging record to make, since Marc has been touring and lives in Louisiana - so, we have to do 90% of this record remotely. I am also really excited about the work I’ve done this year with Michelle Featherstone, Em Rossi and my side project which is tentatively called Flashback Reunion. K&M: As a producer, what do you think is the biggest mistake new artists make in the studio? Jim: Trying to be someone they are not. I also see a lot of people chasing the sound of other artists. I used to do it. I know it is very common - but, it seldom leads to amazing results. What’s the one thing you wish people knew about your profession as a producer? Jim: Good question. Maybe how hard it is. Since art is subjective, it is very difficult to please everyone all the time. Including yourself. K&M: What do you like the most about producing? Jim: One of the best aspects of making music, is when the finished product comes out better than I imagined. Many times, I will have an idea in my head about how something can sound, and on some occasions the end result has eclipsed my original goal - and that is pretty special. It is also incredibly gratifying to know that you have built something. On the first day of production, there is nothing on “tape”. At the end, you have created something that wasn’t in existence before. It always feels good to build things. K&M: What do you like the least? Jim: Politics and dealing with budgets. K&M: What is the biggest struggle as a producer? Jim: Knowing when you are finished. K&M: What pre-production work would you normally do with an artist before entering the studio? Jim: Once again, it depends on the project. One thing I never like to do, is enter into the studio before the songs are fully written and arranged. Once we have the songs we want to record and a general idea of the arrangement, I like to listen to a lot of records that are in the direction of where we are headed - and then some records that are in the opposite direction. Sometimes the opposite of where you thought you wanted to go, ends up to be the right way. K&M: In regards to pre-production, how do you suggest changes to the arrangement of a composition without upsetting the artist? Jim: If sometime has hired me - and we agree to go into the studio together, we are operating on a high level of mutual respect - and are basically a team at that point. And the goal is always the same: to make the best record was can possibly make. K&M: How involved should the artist be in the recording and post-production stages? Jim: It depends on the artists - and the project. How many of the artists you work with are able to match live what they’ve done in the studio? Jim: Not sure, but I am happy to say that the artists I have been able to work with lately are all incredibly talented. K&M: How different is Green Hill studio in regards to the previous one you owned, The Purple Tongue (better, closer, more equipment…) Jim: Purple Tongue was a partnership, but we never owned that space. Green Hill is my place and is located at my home, so it’s completely different. Gear wise, it is most of the same equipment, but I am constantly upgrading and gear is always going in and out. K&M: We're sure Cassadee’s fans are dying to hear what Cassadee recorded in Green Hill? Jim: Cassadee and I worked on some demos for her new record here, but I am not sure what their status is. Randomly K&M: Which relatively new musicians have you been listening to or enjoying recently? Jim: More single songs, than bands or artists - I hear a lot from TV that I like. I use Shazam a lot. K&M: Conversely, which established ones? Jim: I really like the new Taylor Swift song Style. K&M: What would you be doing if you weren't a musician? Jim: I would really like to work in Caribbean. Maybe take people out on snorkeling trips through the US Virgins and BVIs? I love it down there. K&M: How many guitars do you own? Jim: That number fluctuates depending on my income :). At any given time, I would say between 15 and 30. K&M: Is it possible to be on the road and not eat any junk food? Jim: NO K&M: People have the image that being on the road is non-stop partying. Is it true in general (not talking about you!) Jim: It depends if you are in a band or with a solo artist. And how successful/popular the artist is. K&M: Other than the people you're with now, if you can get any musician living or dead - who would be in your dream band? Jim: Phil Collins, The Edge, Jonathan Cain, Benmont Tench, Mike Campbell, Deck d’Arcy, Steve Fekete K&M: Last but not least – when will we hear some new Jim McGorman music? Jim: Everything I work on is Jim McGorman music!! |