Wait, so is Andy really producing the heavy Opeth record?

[Brooks]

On the official Opeth site when announcing the names of the two new records, they say:

The band has spent the last 2 months recording their 2 album project down in Gothenbourg with producer Steven Wilson. 5 songs + a short instrumental has been cut for the heavy album + another 10 done for the more mellow record.

No mention of Andy! Does that mean Steve is producing both records?

 

[Andy Sneap]

We start mixing on Sunday, I'm only mixing not producing...and only the heavy album

 

[Hondo]

How long does it usually take to mix and master an album?

 

[Andy Sneap]

we have 10 days on this one

 

[Brooks]

Now, can you explain what exactly entails both jobs? When you're producing an album, you make comments on arrangements, sounds, general production techniques. However, doesn't the mixing part of the job directly corrolate with the producing? Meaning, wouldn't the producer have to have a hand in both jobs, to ensure that the production is up to the standard that he or she wants?

Are you going to be with Steve and perhaps Mikael while you mix that record?

 

[Andy Sneap]

To be honest, they've done most of the recording themselves, Steves got involved with the cleaner, wierder stuff. I like mixing projects (that have been well recorded), most people know of my work, which is why they'll hire me so it usually works pretty well. I've only had one or two projects mixed by someone else, and that's pretty interesting , hearing another persons slant on things. Can be a good thing, after a couple of months on a project your pretty burnt on it, so it's the worst time to try and mix it.
As far as description of Job titles go, I'd say producer is someone who gets the tones, performances etc and also helps with song arrangements/ writing if needs be. Engineer is someone who knows the studio/Equipment and is helping with the recording process. Mixer....kind of self explainitory. Mastering is the final EQ/ comp / compiling of the tracks and producing master for production and executive producer is usually someone at the label, with too much money who wants to look important and get a mention....I still have to figure that one out. I guess thats who is funding the record.;o)

 

[Hondo]

Yeah, I think just like the movie business, the (executive) producer is the guy who writes the checks. But about Brooks' one question, does someone ever tell you how the general sound and levels of the instruments should be, or do they just let you do whatever and assume it'll turn out well?

 

[Andy Sneap]

They employ me because they like past work, and want me to do my thing. Never had anyone specify instrument levels etc

 

[IanDork107]

Just out of curiosity, and I don't by any means want to ask for info the band wouldn't want out, about how long can we expect the album to be. It's only 5 songs I've read and I'm curious, are they ultra long?

 

[Andy Sneap]

yes they are, its about 55 min in total

 

[Bleakest Harvest]

Woohoo!

 

[Fyhed]

I am really interested to hear what this release will sound like production wise........