6 Things Producers Should Consider Before Talking to an Artist About Changing Their Song

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Talking with an artist about their songs is an exercise that’s fraught with the potential to create distance between a producer and a songwriter. But it can also be a way to solidify that bond while making better music.

Though some songs may benefit from the tweaks a producer might suggest, it’s important to remember that the artist’s songs are often the most intimate part of what they bring to the relationship. Writing songs is not easy—technically or emotionally—and to work well with songwriters, we have to keep this in mind.

Of course, some artists may not want any feedback about their songs, while others are completely open to reworking their material to the producers specs. But I would argue that most artists fall into the middle ground: They’re open to input (at least theoretically) but it has to be handled with real tact and a delicate touch.

Though this article doesn’t propose a “one size fits all” approach, I’ve found that through my experience on both sides of the glass—as a producer as well as a committed songwriter and recording artist—that some themes come up again and again, and are often reinforced in the regular songwriting workshops that I run.

Ultimately, I think that in this area of production the art of gentle strategic persuasion tends to work better than making blunt pronouncements. Though some artists, particularly seasoned professional songwriters, may be able to ”take it straight”, the reality is that songwriting is a place where most writers, even successful professionals, feel highly exposed.

With that in mind, here are 6 things to consider before talking to an artist about changing their song:

1) Most songwriters feel vulnerable when it comes to hearing critiques of their songs.

You might not expect this based on their confident behavior as performers, musicians, singers and even as people, but it’s true. So pay special attention to establishing trust with the songwriter part of the artist, just as you do in the other areas of their talent and personality.

2) During pre-production, when you’re selecting the best material from among many songs, keep the big picture in mind.

When you don’t think a particular song is up to snuff, sometimes it’s best to say, ”That’s interesting… What else have you got?”. Once you’ve heard more than a few options, you can shift the focus to the songs you think are strongest instead of getting stuck on questions of theirs like, ”But what don’t you like about it?”

Often, the answer to that question doesn’t really matter unless you end up recording the song. And if you focus on the songs you think are best or most promising, you may be able to avoid many potential controversies altogether.

3) When commenting on a song, especially for the first time, start by talking about what’s good about the song.

Always start with the positives—even if you think the song isn’t good enough yet or has some major problems. Then go on to the parts you think need work.

There are almost always some good things in a song that you can praise if you look for them. This bit of sugar will help the medicine go down. It’s important that you provide it first, not afterwards.

4) Don’t speak in absolutes.

Try ”Could this work even better?” or ”I’m not sure, but that part may not fit here.” This will tend to be more effective than proclaiming ”This has to go” or ”I don’t like this part.”

Saying ”I think…” or “This could…” can feel much less confrontation and lead to agreement more easily than making global pronouncements, particularly harsh ones like ”This sucks”, ‘No one’s gonna like this’, or ‘This will never work”.

Another practical approach is to suggest that the song or section under discussion is just not as fantastic as one of the same artist’s other songs or sections, as in, ”This bridge is fine, but I just don’t think it’s up to the level of the bridges in your other songs”. Give an artist a good name to live up to, and they often will.

5) Pick your battles.

As the producer, the artist may consider you somewhat of an ”authority figure.” Be aware of this, and don’t abuse it. It’s easy to alienate an artist, and for them to start seeing you as ”The Man” or ”Bad Dad/Mom.” A heavy hand, if used too often, wears out its welcome pretty quickly. If we’re supposed to be the grown-up in the room, we’d better act like it.

6) Always reaffirm that you’re on the same side as the artist.

Avoid being adversarial whenever possible. Part of a producer’s job, just like a manager or coach in sports, is to not only come out with a ”win”, but to keep the team together, and keep everyone pulling in the same direction. Tension and conflict are part of the process and will always come up. But it’s important to remember and remind each other that we’re all on the same team.

A recap:

1) Remember how vulnerable the songwriter is when they play you their songs

2) Keep the big picture in mind

3) Start your comments by emphasizing the positives

4) Don’t speak in absolutes; choose your words carefully

5) Pick your battles

6) Keep everyone on the same team; avoid being adversarial

And finally… Be honest—but be kind.

Tony Conniff is a songwriter, producer, studio owner, musician and teacher, based in Manhattan. Owner of Tony Conniff Songwriting Workshops, and leader of Tony Conniff & Band, his website, tonyconniff.com, contains free song listens/downloads and over 150 blog posts on songwriting.

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