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THE PERFECTIONIST
Affer working with a talented singer/songwriter/producer for several years now, I've defined a pattern in my dealings with him. We'll lay down a couple takes, get a positive vibe going, and after the third or fourth take I feel as though I've produced at least one or two solid drum tracks. But here's where the problem begins. He wants to keep going, all the while giving me very specific and minute criticisms, plus suggestions. After the eighth or ninth take, I'm confused, frustrated, angry, and more than a little insecure about my drumming. Is there a way I can keep the vibe flowing while still addressing this artist's suggestions?
I hope you're charging a decent studio rate for this headache. In all likelihood, it isn't your drumming that's not meeting his specs, but his perception of the entire composition and/or his playing. But because you're the hired gun-the employee-it's easier to blame you for what his ears don't like. Starting to question his own abilities might be much too frightening for him. You're an easy target he can deflect his true feelings of inadequacy on you. Of course, understanding this probably helps you feel only a little better about the situation. Besides, insight alone isn't usually a strong agent of change.
So let's move into an action plan that could remedy your situation. I want to Illuminate two choices for you.
Plan A: Negotiate. Take this artist out for coffee or lunch before your next scheduled session. Getting him out of the studio levels the playing field. In the studio, you work for him in an employer/employee relationship. Changing the physical context helps to alter or disrupt the power structure. At a diner or restaurant, it's just two musicians discussing a project.
After a bit of chitchat ease your way into why...
