Production Perspectives of Heavy Metal Record Producers Dr Niall Thomas University of Winchester –
[email protected] Dr Andrew King University of Hull –
[email protected] Abstract The study of the recorded artefact from a musicological perspective continues to unfold through contemporary research. Whilst an understanding of the scientific elements of recorded sound is well documented the exploration of the production and the artistic nature of this endeavour is still developing. This article explores phenomenological aspects of producing Heavy Metal music from the perspective of seven renowned producers working within the genre. Through a series of interviews and subsequent in-depth analysis particular sonic qualities are identified as key within the production of this work: impact; energy; precision; and extremity. A conceptual framework is then put forward for understanding the production methodology of recorded Heavy Metal Music, and, how developing technology has influenced the production of the genre. Keywords: recording; Heavy Metal; production; producers; phenomenology Introduction The affordances of digital technology have significantly changed the opportunities for practicing musicians to record music. Technology enables even amateur music makers the opportunity to record music with relative ease. The democratisation of technology has meant that mobile devices can become pocket sized recording studios (Leyshon, 2009), whilst affordable solutions and emulations of prohibitively expensive computing and recording technology are readily available via the Internet. The technology associated with certain aspects of music making is now more widespread and enables a new sense of creative musical freedom; music producers command a limitless array of technological choices. Despite the benefits of the ever-increasing rate of technological development, the recording industry is changing dramatically, and with it, the production perspectives of record producers.