By Robert W. Mitchell
In the ever-evolving landscape of music production, advanced technology has taken center stage with AI-infused tools automating various aspects of the creative process. However, according to Stephen Dent, an esteemed music producer and audio engineer from the Bad Boy Entertainment family, maintaining the human experience in songwriting remains crucial for creating exceptional work that resonates with audiences.
Dent, a former managing director at the now defunct Daddy’s House Recording Studio, New York City, and known for his work with legendary artists such as The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, Nas, Lil’ Kim, SWV, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent and of course Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, has witnessed firsthand the proliferation of technology in the music industry. And while he acknowledges the benefits that technology brings to his profession, Dent maintains that human creativity is irreplaceable and essential for establishing genuine connections through creative endeavors.
“Technology is creative and advantageous, but nothing will replace human creativity,” Dent asserts. He emphasizes the need for the human touch, humanity, and the human experience to connect with people through creative work. Despite the clever use of technology, Dent believes that emotional content and the ability to evoke powerful imagery are the cornerstones of compelling music.
Drawing from his years of experience blending tracks and shaping sounds behind some of the most influential hip-hop and urban tracks of the 1990s and early 2000s, Dent highlights the significance of crafting music that intimately connects with the human heart. He dismisses the notion that relying solely on fancy technological wizardry and sound manipulation can guarantee success, asserting that a good story and emotional content are what truly captivate listeners.
“If you have a good story, people are going to buy into it,” he explained. “If they know your history, or think they know your personal, they will buy into it.[Conversely], if you don’t have good emotional content, if you cannot paint pictures for people to see with your words or with your phrasing or with your melody or with your beats, or anything like that, if you cannot possess people to move, it doesn’t matter how much technology you use, your finished project is going to suck.”
While technology has undoubtedly enhanced the capabilities and imagination of creatives, Dent argues that it has merely lowered the hurdles for aspiring musicians. Emerging technologies such as drum machines and music software offer opportunities for individuals who may lack traditional instrumental skills to excel in music production. Dent believes that technology acts as a catalyst for creativity, providing access to a vast range of sounds and instruments that were previously inaccessible.
Contrary to the notion that technology diminishes human creativity, Dent asserts that modern songwriters and listeners have developed an appetite for tech-infused music. When applied cleverly, the integration of technology can offer a unique appeal to the audience.
People have become accustomed to hearing technology in music, and Dent believes it does not detract from the appreciation of the art form. Instead, technology has become a tool of the trade, enhancing the talents of musicians, and enriching the industry.
“People are now so used to hearing technology in the music – so it doesn’t necessarily take away from the appreciation of the artform,” he said. “It is a tool of the trade, and now we are used to those things. Without that we wouldn’t have some of the talent that we have today.”
As technology significantly impacts the creation, production, and performance of modern music, recording studios face the challenge of staying relevant in a digital era. Dent suggests that studios diversify their offerings by providing additional services beyond traditional recording sessions. This may include video recording, podcasting, streaming services, and content management, allowing artists to showcase their talent in various ways.
Dent emphasizes the importance of managing these additional services effectively and applying a service charge or fee. Additionally, studios can consider hiring producers to create music that can be offered to clients via their website or online platforms. He recommends charging clients a modest fee upfront and collecting a more substantial fee over subsequent months to align with the fast-paced nature of the music industry.
By adapting to the changing landscape and embracing technology while preserving the human touch, studios can capitalize on ancillary services and provide a comprehensive and appealing experience to their clientele.
While smart technology enhances the music made by human creatives, it is ultimately the human touch, emotional content, and ability to connect that truly elevate the art form. By leveraging technology effectively and diversifying their offerings, recording studios can thrive in an ever-evolving industry and continue to provide valuable services to musicians and artists.
Dent is currently a corporate audiovisual specialist at Studio to Stage, a music academy and studio in Marlboro, New Jersey where he specializes in all things audio. His projects include audiobooks, podcasts, audio for video, film and TV, children’s songs, karaoke sets, and working with a “barber shop” quartet of senior citizens. He continues to work on hip hop/rap, country, rock, pop and other projects for his extensive list of clients.
