Beat Maker vs Producer

Everywhere I turn, there is a person who says they are a producer and they have beats for sale. Everyone is trying to break into music one way or another. But my question is, are you really a producer? Ok, so I've been listening to music and buying music since I can remember. And I remember looking at the album inserts and reading the credits, and on every single song, the producer played a major part in it. In my opinion, the producer is responsible for the finished audio product. At least thats how it used to be. Producers can at least play one intrument there are certain elements they must master before calling themselves a producer. I feel that a lot of people have lost sight of what music really is and just look at it as a business and a way to make money. A song is supposed to be a story that is formed by a group of instruments and completed with lyrics and a voice. But so many people sit at a computer and make beats, or a playstation and make beats. Then they wanna email it to an artist and have them come up with something and then call it a day. That's not producing, thats beat making. When you can work with an artist, arrange a song, audio master and play at least one instrument, then I think it's safe to call yourself a producer. A real procucer cares about his work and dedicates time and works with the artist to come up with the best song with the right lyrics. A beat maker throws sounds together and emails them to artists while making small change in the process. Agree or disagree?

Lisa Ward

(originally posted on our sister website CTmuzik.com by Lisa Ward http://ctmuzik.com/LisaWard - http://twitter.com/ldub4ever)