Production perspectives of heavy metal record producers

Thomas, Niall; King, Andrew

Abstract

The study of the recorded artefact from a musicological perspective continues to unfold through contemporary research. Whilst an understanding of the scientific elements of recorded sound is well documented, the exploration of the production and the artistic nature of this endeavour is still developing. This article explores phenomenological aspects of producing heavy metal music from the perspective of seven renowned producers working within the genre. Through a series of interviews and subsequent in-depth analysis, particular sonic qualities are identified as key within the production of this work: Impact; energy; precision; and extremity. A conceptual framework is then put forward for understanding the production methodology of recorded heavy metal music, and how developing technology has influenced the production of the genre.

Citation

Thomas, N., & King, A. (2019). Production perspectives of heavy metal record producers. Popular music, 38(3), 498-517. https://doi.org/10.1017/S026114301900031X

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 9, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Oct 11, 2019
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Deposit Date: Jul 10, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 11, 2018
• Journal: Popular Music
• Print ISSN: 0261-1430
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 38
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 498-517
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S026114301900031X
• Keywords: Recording; Heavy Metal; Production; Producers; Phenomenology; Music
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/919976