Etiquette: Pitching paying jobs to established producers / mixers?

[astorian]

Assuming that you have the dough, what is the best way to approaching someone with decent credits to mix / produce your record?

I'm not talking about trying to pull off a marketing coup, and tack on names to your record for pure hype. I'm talking about shooting for a sonic vision, and hearing that in someone who happens to have put out a couple known records.

Do you guys read unsolicited email or open CDs in the mail? How important is it that the artist in on a label (obviously, it adds a potential upside)? Would you prefer that things go through your agent? At a certain point is it simply not worth taking on these kinds of projects, even if the money is decent?

Any input would be very helpful, and might inform others (and might make your life easier).

John

[Jules]

If you know the producer / engineer has an agent don't be 'weird" and insist on trying to jump over them to make direct contact.

But if you already have some direct contact, well... Just contact them and ask them what the procedure is.

[RCM - Ronan]

If you are looking for one of the house hold name A listers, you should go through their management, unless you have a direct contact with them. Any one else, go ahead and try to contact them directly if you have the contact info already. There is a good chance you might get referred to management, but you never know.

Most guys will be looking at the same two things: Is is going to be an enjoyable record to be a part of, and does it make good business sense.

[astorian]

Thanks guys.

Why don't some guys make their agent contact info more available? I figure they're not hurting for work, so the last thing they want is for the agent to get bombarded. That makes sense.

[paterno]

Originally Posted by rcm

If you are looking for one of the house hold name A listers, you should go through their management, unless you have a direct contact with them. Any one else, go ahead and try to contact them directly if you have the contact info already. There is a good chance you might get referred to management, but you never know.

Most guys will be looking at the same two things: Is is going to be an enjoyable record to be a part of, and does it make good business sense.

Good points, Chris [or do you go by Ronan first -- sorry I can't remember!]. Right on point...

Cheers,
John

[paterno]

Originally Posted by astorian

Thanks guys.

Why don't some guys make their agent contact info more available? I figure they're not hurting for work, so the last thing they want is for the agent to get bombarded. That makes sense.

It is a layer of insulation from a lot of tire kickers, for lack of a better way to put it. Doing a Google search can very easily yield the correct contact person, or a direct link to a website. You may be re-directed to a management company, or you nay be answered directly.

Send an email, take it from there. Be prepared to send some music when requested.

Good luck,

John