Producing Singer Songwriters – David Kershenbaum’s work with Tracy Chapman

Producing singer/songwriters can be a double edged sword for the producer. A singer songwriter will have very firm ideas as to the sound of a song, when it comes to laying down the tracks and developing that final mix. In Tracy Chapman’s case, David Kershenbaum was the magic ingredients needed. David’s early experience with producing the legendary album “Diamonds & Rust” (1975) for 60’s/70’s singer songwriter Joan Baez, gave David the edge in producing what would be grammy winning and mulitplatinum songs & albums. “Building the music around Tracy’s vocals” was key. I spoke with David recently and explored his craft with him.

Types of Music Producers and their Functions – MPF Talks to David Kershenbaum

With technology having such a profound impact on the music industry, we asked David Kershenbaum how he saw the role of the Music Producer has been impacted. And it seems that the core functions are like the golden rules that have not changed.

David identifies two different kinds of producers that he’s seen over his career.

David Kershenbaum, Producer Profile

David Kershenbaum has an impressive history in the music industry both as an A&R and a music producer. He has produced over 75 international gold and platinum albums and is credited for signing artists such as Janet Jackson, Joe Jackson and Brian Adams. He has also produced artists such as Tracy Chapman, Duran Duran and Cat Stevens. David earnt 3 Grammy awards with Tracy Chapman’s album which included “Best Producer of the Year”.

Producer David Kershenbaum Immortalized with a Hollywood Star

David Kershenbaum, multi Grammy winning producer and fellow member of the Music Producers Forum has received industry accolades as per below announcement.

November 24, 2008 (Hollywood) Legendary Record Producer David Kershenbaum was recently awarded a STAR and “The 2008 Hollywood FAME Award Lifetime Achievement Award for Music Production” at the 18th annual Los Angeles Music Awards, which took place at the famous Music Box in Hollywood. The event also  included celebrity awards in film, acting, choreography and cinematography.

“I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to work with some of the world’s finest talent in the business,” said Kershenbaum. “and this award is a culmination of all that I have done through the years.  I’m so thrilled to be honored this way.”

For more information on David, you can visit his website;

http://davidkershenbaumproductions.com