My Thoughts on the Best Practices for Collaborating with Vocalists

My Thoughts on the Best Practices for Collaborating with Vocalists

Posted by Peter White on

 

Collaborating with vocalists can add a new dimension to your music. And if you're anything like me (and you can't sing to save your life), you will frequently collaborate with vocalists--instead of subjecting your audience to hearing your own voice. It's the wise thing to do career-wise. 🙏

 

 

Collaborations with talented vocalists can take our tracks to greater heights. However, successful collaborations require careful consideration and effective communication. In this article, we will delve into my top tips and practical advice for songwriters, DJs, and producers working with vocalists. We'll discuss how you can ensure a harmonious and mutually beneficial partnership: one that brings out the best in both of you! 

1. Establish a Shared Vision:

To kickstart a fruitful collaboration, it's essential to establish a shared vision with the vocalist you're working with. Discuss the desired style, mood, and overall direction of the song. Consider their vocal strengths and explore how they can enhance and contribute to your production. When both parties have a clear vision in mind, it becomes easier to align your efforts and create a cohesive song together. If you're working on a platform such as Soundbetter, often it is best to give singers very clear directions. Ambiguity can introduce chaos. For example, if you already have a scratch vocal (an imperfect example of what you're going for, perhaps a version with you singing) then send that over to them--and make sure they know exactly what you want to achieve. I have found that more informal collaborations where you feel things out are best left for in person sessions. The energy is so much better when you're in the room with someone and you're working on an idea that's not fully fledged. It's hard to just send off a concept and like a prayer in the wind, expect for the vocalist to deliver an incredible product. Thus, the session is a better place to write things off the cuff. On the other hand, for remote collaborations, I tend to prioritize giving clear and concise instructions.

2. Foster Effective Communication:

Open and effective communication is the cornerstone of a successful collaboration. Discuss expectations, timelines, and any other pertinent factors to ensure everyone is on the same page on the front end. Doing so on the front end is so important because It will save you from conflicts or misunderstandings later (should they arise). And throughout the process, after you've established terms, maintain regular and transparent communication with the vocalist. Share updates, ideas, and feedback. Clear communication fosters trust and ensures a smoother workflow. 

Also, it should be said, In my collaborations, I always try to respond to vocalists as quickly as possible. This tells them that I value their work and their time, and I am not going to kick the can down the road. What's more, it ensures that they will have positive things to say about my work ethic (so long as the quality is there too!). It's always good to build a reputation of being prompt and responsive. Building good will in this industry goes a lot further than you may realize! 🤝

3. Embrace the Vocalists' Expertise:

Recognize and appreciate the unique skills and talents that vocalists bring to the table. Understand that you are ceding some control to them by bringing them in on your song. Trust their instincts and allow them to contribute creatively to the track. You may not like everything they do, but always try to encourage them. This is vital. Many vocalists I've worked with can be sensitive and deep-feeling people--it's really not fair to hit them with heavy criticism or phrase things indecorously. Keeping an open dialogue and actively listening to their suggestions and ideas is important, even when you're not feeling it. 

 

Ex: Sometimes I have disliked a phrase or lyric in a song, and upon listening to it the next day, it struck me as much better. The issue wasn't the vocalist's work in that case, it was my own perspective!  Ultimately, embracing their expertise not only enhances the collaboration but also creates an environment that encourages mutual growth and inspiration.

If you really feel strongly about making a change or reach a split decision on a creative concept, try to step away for a bit and then revisit things. I have found that often taking a step back and removing your desire to be "right" can change things.

4. Collaborate on Songwriting:

To expand on what we discussed above: working collaboratively on the songwriting process can lead to remarkable results. Involve the vocalist in crafting melodies, lyrics, and vocal arrangements if you can. Let their input shape the direction of the track, ensuring it complements their vocal style and showcases their strengths. If you don't like their style, then my friend, you probably shouldn't have been working with them in the first place. 😳

I've found that this collaborative approach where you invite the other artist into your process fosters a sense of mutual ownership and investment from both parties, resulting in a more authentic and compelling final song. The more you can encourage your vocalist to pour themselves into the song, the more they'll care. Often that sense of shared passion will help you achieve a fantastic result. 👏

5. Respect Vocalists' Artistic Expression:

Respecting vocalists' artistic expression is paramount for a successful collaboration. Encourage them to explore and experiment with vocal techniques, melodies, and harmonies as they see fit. Allow them this creative freedom while providing guidance to ensure cohesion with your production. It's not great to just send them something and say "have at it!" But give them room to explore while staying engaged in the process. 

6. Provide a Supportive Recording Environment:

Creating a supportive and comfortable recording environment is crucial for vocalists to deliver their best performances. Ensure that the recording studio or space is acoustically optimized and equipped with high-quality equipment. Offer constructive feedback and encouragement during recording sessions to inspire confident and emotive performances. I often try to get some drinks for my fridge before the session so we have plenty of waters (sparkling and still), gatorades, juice, whatever! It's all about making the artist feel comfortable and making sure their voice is in the right place!

7. Collaborate on Vocal Processing:

Collaboration extends to vocal processing. Always ask them how they typically process their vocal. In all likelihood, they will know what makes their voice sound best: they will know where their voice gets thin or honky. They will know what compressors sound great. They will know what type of delay adds thickness. Taking their notes into account when you do the vocal editing can really speed up your workflow ultimately. Together, you can also experiment with different effects, such as EQ, compression, and reverb, in order to enhance the vocals and make them fit seamlessly within your production. Engage with them openly about the vocal processing so you achieve an outcome that satisfies you both. 🤝

8. Embrace Constructive Feedback:

Constructive feedback is essential for growth and improvement. Offer feedback to the vocalist in a respectful and supportive manner. Similarly, be open to receiving feedback on your production and arrangements. Embrace the opportunity for growth, and let the collaboration evolve as both parties contribute their insights and knowledge. You may have to tweak your instrumental, just as they may have to tweak their lyrics or melodies. This is all part of the process: trust the process.

9. Share Recognition and Promote the Collaboration:

Recognize and credit the vocalist's contribution to the collaboration. Ensure proper acknowledgment on the track's release and in promotional materials (if it's a credited release). Additionally, you can collaborate on social media posts and actively promote the collaborative project together.  By sharing recognition and promoting the collaboration, you strengthen the partnership and increase exposure for both parties involved!

 

Conclusion:

Working with vocalists presents songwriters and producers with an incredible opportunity to infuse their music with new energy and emotion. It also offers an opportunity to add a new perspective or a new dimension to the music. By following these tips and strategies, you can ensure a strong partnerships that result in exceptional outcomes. To summarize: 

  1. establish strong communication from the onset.
  2. respect the vocalist's ability to bring something to the table.
  3. make the vocalist feel comfortable.
  4. foster a creative environment that encourages dialogue and growth. 

With these pointers in mind, you will create music that truly resonates with your audience--and your vocalists will hit you up for a collab again and again!

 

 

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