Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dana Baker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Dana, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
There’s value in uniqueness. Being the only vocal producer I know, I’m able to offer a skillset that few have. When it comes to many producers I’ve met and worked with, they know maybe one or two encouraging tips to tell vocalists when they’re recording. I even worked with one producer who informed me that he tells the artist to “sing it over and over again until they get it right.” That’s where my value comes in. I know how to pinpoint the exact obstacle that the artist needs to overcome in order to get their best possible performance, as well as how to approach overcoming that obstacle.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a vocal producer! (What in the heck does that mean?) That means that I hold a director-type role in the context of a vocal recording session. I guide singers in delivering their vocal performance in the best, most impactful way possible. In doing so, I utilize my classical voice background to educate them on making healthy choices in their singing as well. This process involves adjusting their posture, inflection on certain words/syllables, vocal placement, breath support, etc. I also implement a lot of psychology in order to provide a safe, encouraging space while the recording process is happening. Singing is an art form, and a very personal one at that!
I love vocal producing because it allows me to combine my love of singing and knowledge of healthy vocal technique in order to empower artists to sing in ways they never thought possible. Being a part of an artist’s journey and working alongside them in the creative process is so incredibly rewarding. Getting to see an artist have that light bulb moment when everything just clicks… it’s one of the best feelings ever!
Outside of vocal producing sessions, I do co-writes with other songwriters along with some vocal coaching sessions here and there. In addition, I also help to cultivate music industry events and songwriting camps local to the Nashville area in order to uplift artists and meet new collaborators. Currently, I’m collaborating with Chris Martignago (A&R, Prescription Songs) to put on a songwriting camp for Nashville-based pop artists that will be held in October of this year!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
In no particular order, those areas of knowledge are: 1) Vocal pedagogy 2) Psychology 3) Empathy
That third one is an absolute must in order to be successful at vocal producing. If an artist isn’t in a state of mind to receive feedback, you cannot force it on them. Meet them where they’re at and work with them in order to receive the desired end product. And if you have to make adjustments to timelines in order to make it work, do it. It’s a people-centric business; robots can’t do music as well as humans can. haha
Other than truly learning and honing your craft, I’d say to always make sure to make others in the room feel heard. Nothing kills the vibe of a session quicker than negativity.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Many artists don’t see the need to have a vocal producer. It is an added expense and as an independent artist, paying people out-of-pocket can get very pricey very quickly. However, if you’re putting your music out into the world, wouldn’t you want to give it its best possible chance of being the highest quality it can be in order to attract potential sync placements, pub deals, etc.?
It’s worth it to find a producer who has a working knowledge of the human voice. If your producer is a great track guy but doesn’t have the know-how in order to guide the artist vocally, it’s worth it to have a specialist come in to fill in the gaps. I champion this cause by co-writing and networking with other creatives music industry to show them first hand the value of having a dedicated vocal producer.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danabakermusic_/
