WARREN HUART
Warren Huart Productions
http://warrenhuart.com
British-born Warren Huart is a Los Angeles- based music producer. He has played an important part in the creation of many platinum and chart-soaring albums, and has helped to develop more than a few emerging acts. Over the past 20 years, Huart has worked at hundreds of studios (including Abbey Road in London) with both established and upcoming artists, including Aerosmith, the Fray, Howie Day, Korn, James Blunt, Eve 6, Pitbull, Nelly Furtado, the Suicide Girls and Jennifer Hope, to name a few.
CHOOSING A STUDIO
There are a couple factors that I consider. First, I want to know how well they operate. We all love vintage gear and equipment, but you have to maintain it or it could be a massive problem. So, I look for a full-time in-house tech. If a studio doesn’t have one––I worry about it.
Additionally, I want an assistant engineer who really knows the room. That means someone who has worked in that studio for a good period of time. Often, what separates the best from the worst recording experiences is the assistant engineer.
BIG STUDIOS vs. SMALL STUDIOS
Today, we all work in both types of studios. A small studio (e.g. a home studio) is fine as long as the acoustics are good. You can use small rooms for vocals and overdubs. But, often, the acoustics are makeshift and less than satisfactory. In fact, if you find yourself heavily compressing and equalizing the recording, you need to find a better room. It’s the room that makes you think you need to do that.
COST vs. EXPERIENCE: CHEAP, FAST OR GOOD
Communication is key, and the atmosphere should be drama free. Artists should understand that they don’t have to sweat blood to be a genius. Usually, artists have three choices: their recording could be cheap, fast or good. If an artist can get two of the three, they’re good to go. The problem is that sometimes a cheap recording takes longer, and usually involves an inexperienced producer. Whereas an experienced producer could get what you want quicker.
TEST DRIVE A PRODUCER
Sometimes just trying a song or two isn’t a bad idea before you commit to a full album. This is especially true if the producer is new, or stuck in the past. But, if you’re dealing with a producer who is current and has a substantial resume, you could benefit by doing the whole project. It can define your sound.
