Q&A With Producer Tony Platt

After finding out that a couple of my readers are young and going to school to learn what it takes to become a producer. I am Happy to be able to bring you a short Q&A from Tony Platt. As a recording engineer/Producer Tony Platt has worked with the likes of Bob Marley, Foreigner, Manowar (one of my fav bands), and more recently Soweto Kinch and The Bad Plus. As with all my Q&As I link to at least 2 sites Tony Platt's web-site and "JAMES" links are just below this Q&A.

You have been a Producer for a long time working with the likes of AC/DC and more recently Nemesea. How long have you been a producer?

First of all, I am a recording engineer and producer and some of my discography is as an engineer but importantly of course working with producers such as Mutt Lange, helped me develop myself as a producer. The point at which one becomes a producer is difficult to establish. My attitude always was (and is) that all the people involved in a session are contributing to the production, the overall producer draws all of that together and orchestrates it. So in a way I have always been a producer - but 'officially' I guess about 25 years! I do find myself a little exasperated with some though who take a course or DJ a bit then suddenly label themselves a producer -it means a lot more these days than just sitting behind a recording console.


If anyone was interested in becoming a producer what would you advise they start with?

Getting as much experience as possible, working with as many musicians, engineers and producers as possible and most of all - start with an open mind! I (Tony Platt) am involved in an initiative between MPG (UK) (Music Producer's Guild) and APRS (Association of Professional Recording Services) to promote music industry education and standards. This is called JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Services) and their website can be found at www.jamesonline.org.uk


How important is it for Artists to seek legal advise?

It is of course very important BUT there are just as many lawyers with closed minds and hidden agendas as any other profession. Common sense should always prevail first then try to support it with professional advice.


I read that you believe Sellaband.com is the future. So what are your thoughts on the future of the music industry?

When I say that Sellaband is the future, part of what I mean is that the attitude behind it is the future. I am so impressed with people who can turn something from just an idea into a reality. In the music industry everyone is an 'expert' and who inevitably 'could do it better' but few of these people actually turn that into anything concrete. There are so many opportunities for the industry at the moment as long as we stop trying to just fix it and have the courage to try something new. At the risk of repeating myself - music is like color, we take it so much for granted but if it suddenly wasn't there we would notice immediately!

www.jamesonline.org.uk
www.platinumtones.com