"The Producer's Corner":

Interview

Facts & Interview With Producer/Engineer/Composer Alan Scott Plotkin

Interview by Voytek Spokek of TalentBox.com
Elements by Dvora Golden with Alan Scott Plotkin

He was born the son of Post-Production Engineer/Studio Manager - Mitchell Plotkin, on his father's first day in the music industry. At 7 years old, Alan was razor blade editing audio-tape on his father's Wollensak Mono tape machine in a makeshift basement studio.

In 1981, at the age of 16 and fresh out of High School, he started at New York's MEDIASOUND Recording Studios. There he worked with legendary artists such as: Luther Vandross, Peter Frampton, The Romantics, Bob Weir & The Midnights, Soft Cell, The Bee Gees, Irene Cara, Earl Klugh, etc.

He then went on to work at Dimensional Sound in New York - mastering and editing re-mixes of Jimi Hendrix, The Yardbirds, etc. From there he worked at NYC's legendary Record Plant Studios where he assisted on many great projects including: Aerosmith, ACDC, Scandal, Hanoi Rocks, Twisted Sister, The Smithereens, and many others.

His engineering credits include Public Enemy's "Fear of a Black Planet", Vanessa Williams' debut: "The Right Stuff" and many other great albums. Currently, Alan is Owner/Chief Engineer of Virgo Digital Recording Studios on Long Island.

We spoke with Alan and asked him to define the various hats he wears in the music industry.

Producer's Role:

A Producer is in "creative partnership" with the Artist - involved in various aspects of creating the music, while maintaining objectivity.

"A producer's role is to get to the very heart and message of what the artist is trying to convey. I find that most producers today are looking to put their "Sound" on an artist". I let the artist's music, vibe and feel dictate the "Sonic Picture" - then I go from there. As Joe Perry sang: "Let The Music Do The Talkin'!. I also find that it helps if you can speak the same language as the musicians you record. There are times when you need to show the artist what you mean, instead of describing it. I play drums, bass, guitar and keyboards and it really helps me relate to the musicians I produce."

Engineer's Role:

An engineer has the technical knowledge and the ability to apply it. It always helps if the engineer you're working with has some serious musical background.

"It's not just about turning the knobs! An engineer needs to have a thorough understanding of how the instruments he records functions so he can properly get them on tape (or Hard Disk!)."

Types of Producers:

Producer-Engineer-Musician-Composer-Artist
Producer-Engineer-Musician-Composer
Producer-Engineer-Musician
Producer-Engineer
Producer

Elements of a Good Engineer:

Understanding of sonic clarity.
Understanding of sonic treatment with a solid technical background
(spatial placement, effects placement, EQ, compression, etc.).
Musical knowledge is a plus! - If not a musician, then knowing how to communicate ideas to the engineer/musician/artist is essential.

"There's so much more to recording and mixing than just putting it down and adding effects. You always have to try to print your music as clean and clear as possible. This enables you the flexibility when mixing, to place it wherever and however you want. I almost never print with effects or EQ - it just limits the possibilities."

Elements of a Good Producer:

Visionary-has a clear image of what the final product should sound like, keeping in mind the artist's "Vision" during the recording process…listening with a view.
Elicits the very best from the artist. Coaching the artist and sometimes playing "therapist".
Arranger / Composer / Songwriter / Musician / Engineer.
Aware of trends in the music
Knowledge of the music
Crucial contacts within the industry.
Relationships with Management and Record Label.
List of clients and references.
Experience / history in the industry.
Effective communication skills.
Maintains integrity - with the music and the client.

"Alan is quite simply a World-Class talent. He's an outstanding producer and creator of music with an incredible ear and a knack for getting the absolute best out of whomever he produces."

- Gregg Rose - Singer/Songwriter

"Alan is a visionary. He's what every producer strives to be."

- Matina Parisi-Singer/Songwriter

When looking for a Producer:

Listen to past projects.
Look at client list, experience and history.
Feel-is the personality blend right for you and your musical style?