OK, Derek, people want to know: what the hell do you do?

Ha – I was hoping no one would ask! I basically help artists create the palette they were meant to write on. They come in with an idea, but together we create real songs, and that's different than having a bunch of melodies and tunes.

How so?

Songs are specific things, made up of different parts: melodies, lyrics, choruses, verses, breakdowns, and climaxes. No great song happens by accident. It’s crafted to create a feeling, to move you either emotionally or physically. I help songwriters and bands refine their ideas to create great songs.

Sounds like fun, and a bit challenging. How does it work?

I like to start with the roughest recording possible: a quick take on an iPhone. I just want to hear the ideas. Where is the writer coming from? What are they trying to say? What influences can I hear?

After I spend time with the music and make some notes, I’ll sit down with the writer or band and we’ll just talk. Sometimes for hours. We talk about music we love or hate, share ideas on the direction we’d like to take, and generally hang out and get acquainted. This is the beginning of pre-production.

Pre-production?

Yep. Pre-pro is where I spend most of my time. Mostly what I’m trying to figure out is how to place these songs and this artist. What is this music summing up to be? What’s the vibe? What feels right for the band, the players, and for the piece as a whole? 

The process takes time because I really have to live with the music and its possibilities. But that’s all on me – the artists don’t pay for the time I invest in pre-pro.

That’s generous. How does it usually shake out?

There’s no one answer. We work a lot on song structure and the overall vibe we want to achieve with the project. I’ll often challenge artists and bands about their self-perception. Are they truly what they think they are or are they something else? Sometimes just bringing a new idea or sound into a song will galvanize the whole project.

It’s what happens when you're in a room with people who love music and are open to new ideas. Magic really does happen. Bands find they're capable of so much more, and they're kind of astounded.

Does that surprise them?

Yes! Creative people need to hear from a trusted voice, and they seldom find one. That’s really what we build during pre-pro: trust. We're working together to create that unique thing that defines them. And when we find it, it's sometimes worlds away from where they thought they were.

Is there a Derek Chafin “sound?”

Yes and no. It's not like Daniel Lanois or Phil Spector where I have an approach that I apply to everyone. But where I do have a sound or approach is in the chorus. You will never miss the choruses in the songs I produce. Everything we do is leading up to that unforgettable moment.

Where does recording fit in?

Once we’ve gone through pre-pro and we know where we’re headed, true production begins. We work on individual parts, refine lyrics, fine-tune arrangements, and prepare to record. Sometimes we bring in session musicians to add a certain color or feel. Whatever the song needs, we'll do.

Recording generally goes smoothly. Both studios A and B are amazing to work in because they’re so acoustically warm and vibey. And we have a ton of mics and gear to get just the right tone. Most people find it a great place to work.

Any other thoughts?

Yeah – I obviously love my job. It's an unbelievable privilege to do what I do.