The gospel of music production according to Favi
Dumisani Ncube | Thursday June 11, 2015 12:41
Veteran music producer, Charles ‘Favi’ Motseme lays it out on how aspirant artistes could create quality productions, which would catapult them to stardom.
Although he’s not as popular as his hit productions, Favi has over the years earned the respect of industry players both locally and abroad. He has architected chart toppers like Samantha Mogwe’s Transitions, Zeus’ Imagination, T. H. A. B. O and Scar’ Biri hit.
He has also worked with high profile artistes such as TKZee, HHP, The Soil, Zubz and Kabomo.
“The first foundation that a producer should lay is to make a connection with the artistes they are recording thus they should understand the intention of the artistes,” he explained.
Favi gave an example of the good relationship and understanding he has with one of his artistes, Mpho Sebina.
He also emphasised the importance of being authentic when producing a particular sound. “Content must be a representative of the original sound and it is easier to sell, it is hard to sell and get recognition if you export an international sound to an international community,” he said.
He also observed that most young and upcoming producers often to find themselves covered in their idol’s shadows trying to create a sound similar to the producer they idolise.
This, he noted, often leads to a person producing ‘carbon music’, where all the songs sound the same.
Favi ascertains the adage that ‘simple is best’. The veteran producer insists that both the producer and musician should keep the song recording simple.
“One should merge the beat with the artistes’ rhythm and alter the voice quality,” he said. The Golden Child Productions boss noted that postproduction is the most important part, because that is where the final product is polished. “Attention should be given to mixing, mastering, engineering and balancing process of the music,” he said.
Favi has also worked as a producer and sound engineer at events such as MTN Exploded, Levi’s Live and the television show, The making Of.