This past week, I was neck-deep in the studio, finishing up an album for a really talented band. The pressure was on, the songs were really special, although the the challenges were plentiful. Let's just say, there were moments where I questioned the whole experience. Was the frustration worth the final product?
The answer is YES! However, getting to that “yes” and getting to the finish line came down to one thing: aligning visions with the team. And more often than not, there's always that one guy– the one who, for whatever reason, makes things a little (or a lot) more difficult. You know the type. On this particular project, it was the drummer (those darn drummers)!
Here's the thing: collaborating in creative spaces is basically a masterclass in human psychology. We're all vulnerable artists here, and egos can run wild. So, how do we navigate these situations and find a way to collaborate, even with the trickier personalities?
My dad always had a great philosophy: when dealing with a so-called "enemy," turn it into a game. A win-win game, that is. The game is called “Disarm your enemy, and win them over!”
Here's a real-life example. Years ago, during the birth of my first child, there was this nurse – let's just say she wasn't exactly a ray of sunshine. Fast forward a few years, same hospital, second kid is on the way. And guess who walks in for her shift? Yep, you guessed it.
Now, I could have let negativity take over. But instead, I decided to play the game. Through genuine conversation and some solid human connection, we unlocked a completely different side to her.
The Key: Disarming with Dialogue, Not Flattery
Forget cheesy compliments and fake charm. The key here is thoughtful dialogue and building genuine trust. This applies in the studio, at home, with your spouse – you name it.
This week, with the "difficult" drummer, I swallowed my pride and went the extra mile to foster a truly collaborative environment. Every word from the producer was met with eye contact and respect. No suggestion was dismissed; all were explored with enthusiasm and open-mindedness. Critiques became a springboard for creativity, never a source of negativity. This wasn't just about politeness – it was about building trust; I had to prove to them that I’m equally as invested in making a masterpiece as he was. And here was the magic trick: we discovered a shared sense of humor early on. Jokes became a kind of creative language, making the process not just productive, but fun.
Remember, They're Passionate Too
Here's the thing: that "difficult" person likely shares your passion for the project. They have a vision for the sound, a desire for tangible results. Our job is to bridge that gap, to translate their vision into a reality they can hear and feel.
The Importance of Every Note
Let's not downplay the importance of the job we (get to) do. For the artist, this is their life's work, their ultimate calling. It's a privilege for us to be a part of bringing that vision to life.
Music is powerful, and the work we do, whether you're a seasoned engineer or a recording student just starting out, is valuable at every single step. We have the potential to change lives through the music we help create.
So let's get down in the trenches together. We are NEVER too big to get our hands dirty and dig in on the hard work. Because sometimes, the most beautiful music comes from the most challenging collaborations.
-Jesse Ray