Hidden Hands EP 6 (Laney Stewart) | Discovering The-Dream, Being Self Made, Industry Talk
Aug 8, 2023
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Laney Stewart, A&R executive, discusses discovering The-Dream, being self-made, and music production tips. The podcast also explores the guest's career as a producer, entering the publishing industry, changes in the music scene, the pros and cons of AI technology in music, the role of lawyers, shared experiences and wisdom, and the concept of a hit.
Understanding contracts and negotiating deals is crucial for artists' success in the music industry.
Hits are determined by the emotional connection they create with the masses, not limited to a specific genre or personal preferences.
Having experts at each stage of the music career ensures success and protects artists' interests in the ever-changing music business.
Deep dives
The Journey to Becoming a Successful Producer
Laney Stewart, a songwriter, producer, and mogul, shares his journey and the lessons he learned in the music industry. Starting at a young age, Laney got his first production credit on a movie soundtrack in the 80s. He then delved into the jingle scene and gained recognition for creating jingles that sounded like records. Laney's talent caught the attention of a publisher, who signed him and opened doors to collaborations with industry legends like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Laney emphasizes the importance of learning the business side of the music industry and shares insights on coaching and developing talented artists.
The Power of Understanding Contracts and Negotiating
Laney Stewart discusses the importance of understanding contracts and negotiating deals in the music industry. He reveals that in the early days of his career, he made mistakes by not focusing on the contractual aspects, which made it difficult to get paid properly. However, he emphasizes the need to know the numbers and how they translate into compensation. Laney highlights the role of attorneys and the significance of defining terms and clauses in contracts. He stresses that having a clear understanding of contractual language can have a significant impact on artists' earnings and success.
Defining Hits and the Role of the Masses
Laney Stewart shares his perspective on what defines a hit song. He believes that hits are determined by the emotional connection they create with the masses. According to Laney, hits are not limited to a specific genre or personal preferences, but rather the songs that touch a large audience on an emotional level. He emphasizes that hits are determined by the masses and the decisions made by program directors who play the songs on radio stations. Laney highlights the importance of a hit's longevity and its ability to resonate with listeners beyond initial promotional efforts.
The importance of understanding music business and the role of experts
The podcast episode emphasizes the importance of understanding the music business and the role of experts in the industry. The speaker highlights that technology may not replace good lawyers and that having experts at each stage of the music career can ensure success and protect artists' interests. The discussion revolves around the need for artists to have a basic understanding of the business and how the younger generation is showing more interest in learning about the industry. The speaker stresses the importance of knowing the science behind creating hits and the significance of professionalism and expertise.
The challenges and laziness of some young producers
The podcast also addresses the challenges and mentality of some young producers who lack a scientific approach to creating hits. The speaker expresses concern over their tendency to rely on happy accidents and not putting in the necessary effort to understand the science of making successful records. The laziness and lack of discipline of some young producers are highlighted, as they often prioritize immediate results over the professional approach. The speaker stresses the importance of coaching and guiding young writers and the need for dedication and focus to create hit songs.
We're diving into the world of A&R with Laney Stewart as he talks discovering The Dream, being self-made , and uncovering the secrets behind the hits of so many of your favorites. Get exclusive insights into music production tips and tricks, and learn what goes on behind the scenes in the music industry!
