Working with a Great Vocal Contractor
(Producer/Contractor Checklist)
By Darlene Koldenhoven
We all know that getting the right singer/s
on your tracks can make all the difference in the world. I
have enjoyed many years of experience as a studio singer,
vocal contractor, record producer, and composer and learned
that using an experienced vocal contractor is one of the
most important business relationships a composer can have.
Just how can a great vocal contractor make your
recording-life easier? How do you determine if the vocal
contractor knows what they are doing and what their talent
pool is like except by word of mouth? And since all vocal
contractors are paid the same (50 100% more depending on
group size), you can't be guaranteed a better vocal
contractor by their salary.
The great vocal contractor will help you find ways to save
money and achieve your goals with the least amount of stress
including dealing with the unexpected in the studio or
finding and communicating with a payroll company. He/she
will understand your needs and be able to show you ways to
achieve that last minute brilliant idea and stay within your
budget. The experienced contractor will have a large variety
to vocalists to choose from and knows what they can do. They
listen to hundreds of vocal demos, categorize vocal sounds,
maintain a current database of singer's information,
interview the talent submitting demos, are always on the
look out for out new and unusual talent of all ages and
styles, and keep in touch with the experienced ones for
networking purposes. Studio singers and composers generally
do not work with the talent agents but the vocal contractor
functions similar to a talent agent without collecting the
15% commission and does not sign exclusive contracts with
singers. Rarely, a vocal contractor may be required to use
talent agency services. For work covered under union
contracts, the vocal contractor must be a union singer
within the group unless precluded by sex (the contractor is
female and the project requires only males). They also make
sure the singers know the correct start time, fill out the
correct paperwork, submit it in a timely manner to the
appropriate union if there is one, and follow up on the
payments and uses.
If your project has no special needs and you just want the
contractor to file the contracts for singers you've already
hired, this may be enough for you. But if you're venturing
off into unfamiliar territory you may want to rethink using
someone whom is only able or willing to do the basics. You'll
probably want someone who can and is willing to put in extra
effort (for no extra money); who understands a large variety
of musical styles, arrangements, and all union codes.
Understands the digital tracking process, is helpful with
re-voicing and blending, and can assist you with new musical
parts as well as rehearse and conduct the group so that you
can hear what you're getting into before going on mic. The true artistry of a vocal contractor is in
hiring the right singers for the job. Beyond hitting the
note, the way the singer moves from note to note can make or
break that important emotional connection. A great vocal
contractor will be able to communicate the correct vocal
technique to produce that special sound you want regardless
of the style.
To help you avoid those uncomfortable, time consuming,
costly moments, I've put together a checklist of basic
things to discuss with your vocal contractor prior to the
session regarding your style of working and pertinent
information about your project, as well as things to expect
during and after the session. The checklist is available for
free download by clicking the hyperlink below. So the next time you need to work with
singers, don't fret. That great vocal contractor will take
care of all of it . . . with a grateful smile.
CLICK HERE TO
ACCESS THE CHECKLIST
(you will be prompted for your email address first)
Created by
Darlene Koldenhoven ©2002
|
