A Producer's Viewpoint on a Recording Artist's Image

Kent Wells in the studio with Dolly Parton (photo by Anthony Scarlati)

A couple of weeks ago I got the chance to catch up over lunch with Christine Winslow of Kent Wells Productions as we discussed my upcoming work with one of their artists. Christine and Kent have worked with some phenomenal artists, producing their chart-topping songs and albums and now branching out to offer other services in addition to studio production. Christine was so nice to take the time to answer the same questions I recently asked from one of my publicist friends (see "A Publicist's Viewpoint on a Recording Artist's Image") about the importance of image in an artist's career. Take a look at what she had to say from the music production perspective:
 
pS:  Briefly tell the reader about what kind of services/work you do with your clients.

CW:  Our clients range from multi-platinum chart-toppers to talented newcomers with ambition and drive who are looking for a producer and production team to help them develop a successful career as a recording artist addressing all issues from the ground up, including songwriting, vocal performance, radio-caliber music production, PR, radio promotion, song pitching, and live performance.

pS:  What role does image play in an artist’s project?

CW:  Successful development of an artist’s image from their “music” to their “look” is key to any artist’s success, and both elements weigh equally on the outcome of the artist’s pursuit.

pS:  From a producer’s perspective, briefly tell why image so important.

CW:  A great photo, with a great look, oftentimes becomes the deciding factor in getting press and promotion in radio, video, and the key industry media outlets.  It starts with a song.  It keeps going with a look!

pS:  I love the way you put that!

pS:  From your experience, what do you see is the most common mistake recording artists make in regards to their image?  

CW:  Lack of willingness to consider the advice of professionals.

pS:  What one piece of advice would you give a new or established artist pertaining to their image/image development?  

CW:  Invest in your image with the same level of dedication and professionalism that you do your music.

pS:  Is there anything else you would like to include? 

CW:  Yes.  As an artist develops his or her team, follow the “gut-test” as to whether or not you feel good about the fit.  If there’s any doubt, walk away.  When it’s right, you’ll know it.

pS: That is great advice because your gut is usually right 99% of the time. Artists should also know that good team members will also take the same approach in deciding which artists to work with or take on as clients.

pS:  Please provide us the information (if any) you would like to include about your company (i.e. web site, client list/artist roster, etc.). 

CW:  We have worked with Dolly Parton, Keith Urban, Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Lee Ann Womack, Ronnie Milsaps, Merle Haggard, Joe Nichols, Lorrie Morgan, Emmylou Harris, Rhonda Vincent, Lynn Anderson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Neil Sedaka, Kenny Rogers, Eric Beddingfield, Corey Wagar, Jordan Anderson, Carrie Zaruba, Chantal Keugle, The Sins Country, and more. Feel free to visit us at www.kentwellsproductions.com.

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