Today, we will interview one of Tate Music Group's producers, Travis Loafman, by giving him our "Producer Survey." Let's get to know the man behind the music!
When did you start as a producer with Tate Music Group?: I started in August 2010.
What were you doing before? CIA....er.....I mean, I was working for a payroll company.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Hopefully still young (at heart), single, and employed :) . I would, of course, love to still be helping artists pursue their vision in creating inspiring music.
Primary Instrument: Guitar
Bands you've played with: AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, Thin Lizzy, etc... ;)
Favorite Food: Mexican - Chips and Salsa always sound good - and Braums' chocolate milkshakes
Favorite Soft Drink: I'm not much of a soda drinker, but I had a coke the other day and really enjoyed it.
Favorite Movie of All Time: Toss up: "Almost Famous" and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"
Favorite Sport: Thunder Basketball - THUNDER UP
Do you prefer Twitter or Facebook? I may be the only person I know without a Twitter... so Facebook
If you were stranded on a desert island with only one album and a solar powered iPod, what album would you choose? Beach Boys - Pet Sounds
What is your opinion of today's music industry? I have mixed feelings. I love how accessible music is today. I don't have to leave my house to discover and purchase music I really like. As an artist, I also think its good that you don't have to have a few extra hundred thousand dollars around to record and promote your music. There are money-making opportunities open to songwriters now that weren't available in the past. Hopefully for the artists, that can make up for concert sells being down. One of the controversies of the industry is how big of a role image plays in today's market. I think image has over-stepped its boundaries, but I see the appeal from an entertainment standpoint.
For individual musicians, this industry can be tough financially; but if you are exceptional at what you do and put yourself in the right paths, you will get work.
What aspects of writing, recording, mixing and mastering do you think make a well-produced song? Album? I think Its important to be appropriate to the genre. For example, a well produced/mixed Lady Gaga song probably looks something like: Loud and heavy lows and highs, thick electronic sounds, layers of effects, throwing vocals into unnatural intervals, and constant kick drum; whereas a well produced Vampire Weekend album sounds like it was recorded in 8 hours. This year, Lady Antebellum won several awards with their album "need you now" (including a Grammy) and It's a very natural sounding record. Every song on that record has a great hook, and the producer, musicians, and all those involved on the album did a great job of letting those hooks carry the songs.
If you had a day spend with one artist (not associated with Tate), who would it be? Katy Perry
And, finally,
Red pill or blue pill? Just say "NO", kids.
