Worst. Studio Session. Ever.

This can’t be real. Can it? We can hope. (Via Tom)

Which brings me to this–sort of. It’s an article entitled “18 Reasons Every Artist Needs a Producer.”

Many indie artists who have done some writing and recording are sometimes fuzzy on the role of what a music producer does and can bring to a project. It’s an elusive role because it varies so widely from situation to situation, depending on the experience and specialty of the artist, the genre of music, and the budget level. But a good producer can take a project that would have been accomplished at a certain level and magnify it significantly.

I’ve always found that musical collaborations in general often bring about a better result than going it alone. Lennon and McCartney needed each other to bring out the best ideas and veto the worst. The solo musician in his bedroom may have everything he needs to make an album in his laptop, but without cross-pollination from other musicians, writers, producers, and engineers, the project remains the work of one person instead of featuring the best of what a team can bring.

Every project and every artist is entirely unique, so while this list won’t suit every situation perfectly, here’s eighteen strengths that a producer can bring to a project.

What are those items? Read on.