Remote producer

[Flight Feathers]

So in the current world of computers and internet and everything, we can now send projects to be mixed anywhere, and have musicians track from anywhere. But has anyone worked with a remote producer?

I'm starting to work on a new album and would like to work with a "producer" in the traditional sense. But I have a job and family and everything, so I'm lucky if I can squeeze in an hour or 2 of recording in the garage a night. I'm thinking I could post/email the night's work to the producer, get feedback during the next day, act on the feedback the next session.

Could work?

[kslight]

Could work, for sure. My coconspirators are hundreds of miles away...I set up an ftp server at home and have fast internet, we dump stems/mixes/sessions on the FTP and communicate via text, phone, or email. In this situation I am the producer as well as engineer, and of course performer...but I can see it working other ways too.

[Nick Sevilla]

I have worked this way since about 2006.

As long as you have good email / cellphone communication, and are
reliable in delivery deadlines, it can work very well.

Cheers

[vvv]

I've done it from my bedio for online collaborators who wanted to put together a CD of their songs.

I mean, I'm prob'ly kinda" putting on airs", but I've had them send me their raw tracks and then add to them, or suggest changes, etc., give reasons why, try and steer the project to some kind of cohesiveness ...

As I think on it, I was really kinda like the mixer with a lotta input.

They called me producer, altho' it's really just vanity releases and demo's and others' personal projects I've worked on.

No $, and none expected, and refused when offered - I'm a hobbyist and proud of it!

And then there is the projects on which I am also a full performer (as opposed to just sweetening) ... On those, I am more traditionally producing, without, of course, financial compensation.

[Etienne P]

So in the current world of computers and internet and everything, we can now send projects to be mixed anywhere, and have musicians track from anywhere. But has anyone worked with a remote producer?

I'm starting to work on a new album and would like to work with a "producer" in the traditional sense. But I have a job and family and everything, so I'm lucky if I can squeeze in an hour or 2 of recording in the garage a night. I'm thinking I could post/email the night's work to the producer, get feedback during the next day, act on the feedback the next session.

Could work?

It could work.....but you'll be best to have someone you can work with in person, because there is really more than words to say for a producer. A very good producer will make you (hopefully) play at your best in the studio, will make you push the enveloppe, will make you "feel" at the top of your game..... and not just by telling you x or y things. Communication between a producer and an artist is way more complex than that (and it's a whole different subject).
That said, when I'm doing mixing online, most of the inputs I'll suggest to a client may be the same things as I would have said as a producer in the recording sessions. But, in my opinion, it never makes me THE PRODUCER of the session.
So, yes, you can get valuable inputs or advice, from a remote producer. But the (musical) results of your sessions will never be like in a face to face relationship. Like..overdubbing all the instruments can give great results, but there is always something lacking from a band performing all together in the same room!
Hope it helps in making your decision.