Within this blog post, I plan to raise awareness of a Team built for success and the pessary tool needed to navigate to victory. This “Industry Research Assignment”, will be done by explaining 4 main topics of entrust. The topics are that I choose for my Music Production Career Field, are Workflow, Sonic Branding, Music Leadership and Social Awareness. During this Blog Post, I will expound upon the many strategies that relate to my chosen topics and provide some references to validate these findings.
To start, Workflow is the main driver in the Music Production field and you must prove that you have a solid knowledge of how your Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) can provide flexibility. Drakes producer Noah ‘40’ Shabib states that “Workflow is Everything”, in a recent video launch by Native Instruments. Here, he explains the new OVO Sound “Toronto Sound” that has been the driving force behind Drakes success over that past few years. What I gathered from this source, is the fact that speed and agility is a must during the production process. You have to be able to cater to the artist in a specific timeframe and be on the ready at all times. I can use this information in my studio, when I am trying to perfect my workflow for future cliental. This will be helpful because here is a Grammy Award winning producer who is sharing his secrets and the best way to make it in the music industry, it to take advice from people who have already proven their success. In a article entitled “Keeping It Simple”, it provides tips on how to streamline workflow in the music industry. This has become the pathway into the music production field.
Secondly, “Sonic Branding”, it the main way to get listeners to remember your music and want to comeback for more. According to Kathy Landon, Vice President of Branding and Professional Services, Sonic, “It is important for our booth to really communicate our investment in the Brand and our messaging.” Sonic Branding is thinking about music in a strategic way. What I learned from this source, is that when it comes to my career field of Music Production, sonic branding is something that you must take serious if you want companies to work with you. How I can use this information when working in my industry, is to remember that sonic sound is everything and I must research and find what is necessary to make this sound a sonic brand. This will be extremely helpful to me because having a sonic sound means your right on target with the competition and that is the important part.
Third, “Music Leadership” is a topic I believe is overlooked. Reason being is because few artists bring Leadership to the music industry. Take Kendrick Lamar for example, he has a non profit organization that mentors young boys. That to me a representation on Music Leadership; using your celebrity status to impact our youth. In a recent article entitled, “Here and There” where it discusses “Leadership in the classical music industry across the world.” What I learned for this article, was that classical conductors have somewhat of a regulation when forming a band. They require a certain quality of musicians and they are very stern when practicing and performing. This can be very useful in my career because you must set boundaries with people and by doing so, it will help them to earn your trust. Remixes is another for of Music Leadership. Taking a creative musical piece and being able to build upon it to make the project more successful, is the dream of all artists. This information will be helpful, because you must be innovative in your field, if you want to stand out. According to Nick Jaworski (2012) “Creating one requires both a knee musical mind and advanced technical abilities.” This creates a lane for you to use your creativity and be able to show your listeners what you can do.
Lastly, “Social Awareness” is the highlight topic and to me, the main reason why music has survived over the ages. Any song, that raises social awareness, is something that can easily go to the top if done correctly. According to a recent article, entitled “Deep Listening to the Music World”, “In this time of global awareness, music is an aural pathway for understanding the world in which we live in.” What I learn here, is that we must be able to communicate awareness on a global scale. This will be helpful information in the music industry, because music is that pathway to the ears of people. I can use this in a coming project, that will raise awareness to a social issue that is hurting our veterans to this date. This way, I can use the musical pathway for people to buy to the awareness of this concern and shed light to how we can overcome.
Thank you for reading my “Music Mastery” Blog Post and good luck in your future endeavors.
1. Interview with Noah ‘40’ Shabib, Grammy Award Winning Producer, (2016). Native Instruments. http://www.native-instruments.com/en/specials/40-on-maschine/
2. Peck, N. (2004). Keeping It Simple. Electronic Musician, 20(8), 26-34.
1. W. Siteur. (n.d.) Sonic Branding (1): What is Sonic Branding? Retrieved on April 9, 2016 from In Perfect Pitch: https://www.inperfectpitch.com/sonic-branding/what-is-sonic-branding/
2. Interview with Kathy Landon, Vice President of Branding and Professional Services, Sonic. (2012). Audiology Online, 1.
1. Here & There. (2015). American Record Guide, 78(5), 39-41.
2. Jaworski, N. (2012). Remixes, Roll Call and Remarks. Illinois Music Educator, 72(3), 42-43.
1. Bange, S. (2013). Take Care: Songs for Friendship and Social Awareness. School Library Journal, 59(10), 1.
2. Campbell, P. S. (2005). Deep Listening to the Musical World. Music Educators Journal, 92(1), 30-36
