Producers Assignment

Do this work on your own and submit it to your instructor directly, either in hard copy or via e-mail.

Producers we (will have) studied this semester)

• Jerry Leiber/Mike Stoller
• Phil Spector
• Brian Wilson
• Berry Gordy
• George Martin
• Frank Zappa
• Pink Floyd
• Tony Visconti
• Brian Eno
• Bill Laswell
• Trent Reznor
• Pete Bellote/Giorgio Moroder
• Quincy Jones
• Hip Hop
• Conny Plank/Kraftwerk
• Kraftwerk
• Chemical Brothers
• King Tubby and Danger Mouse

1. Individuals: For each producer, write a line about what was important to them and how they pursued it through producerly decisions.
2. Similarities: Make a mind map or chart showing similarities in the goals or approaches of the producers. Include each producer in at least one connection or grouping. Afterward, think about what makes each producer distinct among each grouping—you may want to use your revelations to adjust your statements in #1.
3. What ifs (3): Choose a producer and imagine him using his signature techniques to achieve the goal of another producer (e.g., How would King Tubby do what King Tubby does to achieve what Berry Gordy was trying to do for himself?). Do this for three pairs of producers, describing each with a brief statement.