Not feeling bypassed by more experienced collaborators
With
Katie MeluaImogen talks about how to ensure you get your artistic vision across, even when working with more technically experienced collaborators such as producers or engineers.
What's in the course
40 lessons (2h 33m) · 1 free
01. Getting started, open mics and unpaid gigs
2:52
02. Becoming local heroes and booking tours
6:12
03. Getting creative about gigs
3:44
04. Stagecraft – Jeremy from Everything Everything
2:21
05. Capitalising on your audience
4:50
06. Engaging Direct to Fan
7:41
07. Knowing your online audience and using data effectively
7:25
Lesson transcript
Navigating Studio Dynamics: Communicating Your Vision
It is often difficult when stepping into a studio, especially if you feel intimidated by the engineer or producer, who has been in the game countless times. This feeling can lead to a perception that your creative input is being imposed upon, and you may feel that they aren't executing your vision.
Addressing Intimidation
In such cases, consider the following steps:
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Evaluate Your Team:
- Ask yourself if you have the right team in place.
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Open Communication:
- Speak with your manager and collaborators about your feelings.
- It's important to express that you might be feeling intimidated, even if you deeply appreciate their expertise.
Expressing Your Creative Vision
Communicate your ideas by saying something like:
"I know you're really knowledgeable and I really appreciate you doing this record with me, but sometimes I just feel like I want something and I don't know how to express it. Would you be able to help me find those things and help me gain the confidence to articulate my vision?"
For example, you might explain your desired sound in a unique way:
"I want it to sound like a fluffy ball that's kind of pointed on a spike with a dog in the background that's in a big cave."
Having this discussion can help foster collaboration, ensuring that your voice is heard.
Conclusion
If you sense friction in the studio, it's crucial to address it early on. Remember, this is your opportunity to get your project right. Don't hesitate to sit down and talk things through to align everyone's vision.
40 lessons
2h 33m of structured video lessons
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Meet your guru
Meet your guru
Katie Melua is one of the UK's most successful recording artists, with more than 11 million albums sold worldwide and a string of multi-platinum releases. Born Ketevan Melua in Kutaisi, Georgia, in 1984, she moved with her family to Belfast as a child and later studied at the BRIT School in London, where she was discovered by songwriter and producer Mike Batt.
Her debut album 'Call Off the Search' (2003), released when she was 19, spent six weeks at No. 1 in the UK and went six-times platinum, driven by the hit single 'The Closest Thing to Crazy'. Its follow-up 'Piece by Piece' (2005) topped charts across Europe and featured her signature song 'Nine Million Bicycles'. In 2006 she earned a place in the Guinness World Records book by playing the deepest underwater concert ever staged, 303 metres below sea level on a North Sea gas platform.
A remarkable run of top-ten albums followed — 'Pictures' (2007), the William Orbit-produced 'The House' (2010), 'Secret Symphony' (2012) and 'Ketevan' (2013) — as Melua refined a sound that moves effortlessly between jazz, folk and classic pop songwriting. 'In Winter' (2016), recorded in Georgia with the Gori Women's Choir and produced by Melua herself, revealed a new depth to her artistry.
Her recent work is her most personal: 'Album No. 8' (2020) and 'Love & Money' (2023) drew some of the strongest reviews of her career, and 'Live at the Royal Albert Hall' (2024) celebrated two decades at the top of British music. She remains a captivating live performer, touring extensively across Europe and beyond.
