The Song
Production begins with the right song. Before recording your songs it's essential to make sure these things are sorted out to save time and money. If the song isn't good enough then all the cool production tricks in the world won't be able to save it.
Some things Ashton looks for in Songwriting:
-Does the verse catch your interest?
-Is the chorus memorable enough?
-Are all the parts of the songs in the right place?
The Song Arrangement
After we have the right song then it's important that the arrangement of the song is perfect. Instruments all have to be playing to complement each other and not stepping over the vocalist. It's important to realize that the “sound” of a recording has a lot to do with how locked the musicians are and how well their parts fit the song.
Some things Ashton looks for in Arrangements:
-Are the Drums and Bass playing together in a way that makes an appropriate groove for the song.
-Are the Guitars, and Keys complementing the vocals.
-Are leads hooky enough and in the right place?
