The Music Producer as Artistic Co-creator by Morten Büchert

In my artistic research project, I embarked on an exploration of the continuum between the roles of a music producer as both facilitator and initiator. Through in-depth engagement with real-world scenarios in professional music production, I examined the dynamics and nuances of how these roles negotiate, intersect, and shape the final artistic outcomes. This investigation not only unveils the intricate processes that underpin music creation but also highlights the implications these negotiations have on the resulting works of art. The findings shed light on the subtle artistry embedded in production decisions and offer a fresh perspective on the evolving landscape of music production.

A few words on context, diversity & cultural appropriation

Contextualization

My project delves into the evolving scope of the music producer's role, intertwining technical know-how with profound artistic co-contribution. My research's lens captures the essence of artistic co-ownership negotiation between the producer and collaborating artists - inspired by leading figures in the domain. This trajectory resonates with international Artistic Research, notably spotlighting the overlap with music technology and broadening discussions on artistic collaboration and digital authorship.

My project is world-oriented, demonstrated through recordings with musicians from around the wolrd. This global approach accentuates music production as a universal dialogue, fostered even more in today's tech-driven age.

An ethical undertone sifts through my work, focusing on the equilibrium between creative input and recognition. This positions ’the music producer’ as not just a sonic curator, but as a responsible participant in artistic collaborations.

The two subprojects encapsulates my role at the crossroads of artistry, tech innovation, global collaboration, ethics and learning. My research underlines the music producer's essence as a multifaceted artistic collaborator, intricately interacting with artists and others.

Diversity

Gender diversity is essential in modern projects. The first subproject showcased notable gender diversity, while the second struggled to achieve the same balance. My international collaborations in Brazil and the US also leaned heavily male, not out of intention, but due to relying on established networks. This experience has highlighted the challenges of ensuring gender diversity in the music world, and as I progress, I am committed to addressing these imbalances while valuing the talent each artist brings.

Cultural appropriation

The blending of musical cultures has always been complex, with histories of both beautiful collaborations and contentious oversteps. Popular music, ever-evolving and without a clear cultural origin, often blends different genres, instruments and expressions freely.

In my musical endeavors, I wear many hats – from composing to mixing. My work with music in this project carries a unique touch, heavily influenced by collaborations with various artists. They contribute their unique expertise, while I put these elements together, aiming for a harmonious outcome. This blending of genres and cultures in music has been championed by some for its universal appeal, even when stemming from different roots.

The topic of cultural appropriation becomes vital when there's potential exploitation of specific cultural aspects. The method I used here emphasized fairness, from contractual agreements to equitable pay and respect for every contribution.

In our globally connected age, it's essential to understand the fine line between celebrating cultural exchange and unintentionally appropriating it. Such interactions can lead to groundbreaking innovations, reflecting the rich tapestry of our shared musical history.

Tip

Tip

Morten Büchert - The Music Producer as Artistic Co-creator - 2024