Production & arrangement
You have a song, a melody, a guitar-and-voice demo: together we build the arrangement and production of the finished track.
Overview
Music production and arrangement
Production is the set of choices that give a song its final form: tempo, key, structure, instrumentation, sounds, vocal arrangement. The same lyrics can become an acoustic ballad or a danceable electronic track; production decides what the song will be.
We work from what you bring, without imposing a "house" sound. Our first sessions are about understanding your references, your audience and what makes your project yours. Then we propose a direction, which we adjust with you at each step.
Depending on the needs, we program parts (drums, bass, synths), record instruments at the studio or bring in session musicians from the Lyon area, whose cost is always stated in the quote.
How it works
Step by step
Meeting
Listening to your demos and references, discussing the goal of the track and the schedule.
Pre-production
Choosing tempo, key and structure; an arrangement sketch to confirm the direction.
Production
Programming, recording, vocal arrangement. Regular check-ins with you.
Finishing
Mixing and mastering, at the studio or by someone of your choice.
A written quote before we start
Production varies a lot from one project to another. That is why we always issue a detailed written quote: number of planned sessions, any musicians, included stages, number of revision rounds. The starting price on the Rates page corresponds to a pop or singer-songwriter track with a programmed arrangement and two working sessions.
If the project changes along the way (adding a string quartet, a new verse), we issue an amendment that you accept before any extra work.
Artistic direction
Our role is to help the artist take their idea all the way, not to replace it with ours. We make reasoned suggestions ("this chorus would gain from starting lower", "the guitar and piano are fighting for the same space") and you decide. When we disagree, we say so, then follow your choice.
We can also help you prepare a vocal or band session: rehearsing the structure, working on harmonies, choosing the key that shows off your voice.
Rights and credits
Production raises rights questions that are best settled from the start. Compositions and lyrics remain with their authors; if an arranger or producer makes an original creative contribution, this may create shared author's rights, which must be agreed in writing. Phonogram producer rights in the recording are assigned to you in writing after full payment, as for all our services.
We cover these points with you before the first session. Our article Producer rights in the master explains the main concepts.
Sounds and samples
We only use sounds and samples whose licence allows commercial use. If you bring your own samples, you warrant that their use is authorised; our terms cover this point. A sample from an existing recording always requires permission from the rights holders: we alert you if we spot one.
Who this service is for
Production and arrangement are designed for songwriters who have songs but no arrangement yet, solo artists who want a band sound without assembling a band, and projects that need an outside ear to choose between several directions. We work on pop, French chanson and soft electronic music as well as acoustic formats. If your style is outside our skills, we will tell you in the first conversation and, where possible, point you to someone better suited.
An example workflow for one song
First session: we listen to your demo, discuss references and choose tempo and key. We lay out a structure (verses, choruses, bridge) and a first rhythmic skeleton. Second session: harmony, bass and main instruments, then a guide vocal to check everything serves the melody. Third session: details, textures, transitions and recording parts played by session musicians if the quote includes them.
Between sessions, we send you work-in-progress versions so you can listen with fresh ears. The package covers production of one song up to a ready-to-mix version; mixing and mastering are charged separately or in an overall package specified in the quote.
Who owns what?
Rights are settled before we start. Copyright in the composition and lyrics stays with their authors; if our producer contributes to the composition, the split is agreed in writing. Rights in the recording (phonogram producer's rights) belong to the person who finances and initiates the recording, normally you, as set out in our terms of service. To learn more, read our article on master rights.
What is included
- Meeting and demo listening
- Arrangement sketch for approval
- Programming and recordings listed in the quote
- Regular check-ins
- Sounds under commercial licence
- Written assignment of producer rights after payment
Rates
| Option | Included | Excl. VAT | Incl. VAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Production & arrangement — per track | from, on written quote | €650 | €780 |
All rates: Rates page. Booking, cancellation and withdrawal terms: Terms of service.
Frequently asked questions
Production & arrangement
Do I need to play an instrument?
No. A melody sung into your phone is enough to start. We build the accompaniment with you.
Can you produce a whole album?
Yes, on a suitable schedule. We then work in blocks of two or three tracks, with a quote per block.
Who is credited as producer?
Credits are agreed in writing at the start of the project. By default, the studio is credited for recording and production, and the artist for their works and performances.
Do you work with beatmakers?
Yes: recording vocals on their productions, mixing or finishing. Everyone keeps their rights in their own contribution.
A project to record in Lyon?
Tell us about your project: we get back to you with a proposed slot and a written quote, with no obligation, within one business day.