Bringing the Artist’s Vision to Life: A Chat with Nick Ribbens

The role of a music producer is often misunderstood. Producing music doesn’t necessarily make you a music producer; it makes you a music maker. A true music producer wears multiple hats, and making music is just one of them. At Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam, we are fortunate to have Nick Ribbens, a prime example of what it means to be a music producer, as part of our lecturing team since our inception in 2016. Nick is a master of Logic Pro and has a unique ability to elevate artists’ work to new heights.

Many of the artists, producers, and engineers who walk through our doors have been passionate about music their entire lives. However, Nick Ribbens’ journey into music was anything but conventional. Despite showing no interest in music during his upbringing, a spontaneous promise with a friend during his teenage years set him on a path to becoming an exceptional music producer and an inspiring teacher at our institute.

Nick primarily produces pop music in its various forms, from indie to dance pop. We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with him to discuss his unconventional entry into the music industry, his daily routine as a producer, and his insights into the evolving landscape of music production.

Here is the (edited) interview:

How did it all start for you?

“Very randomly! My interest in music was limited to just listening to it. One day, while playing video games with a friend, he asked, ‘If you were to play a musical instrument, which would it be?’ I thought drums were cool, and he liked guitars. We made a pact: if he bought a guitar, I’d buy drums. Two weeks later, he bought a guitar, and my parents, though surprised, supported my newfound interest in drums. From that moment, my life revolved around school and music. I joined high school bands, played at student parties, and eventually studied drums at the Herman Brood Academie. Initially, I aimed to be a session musician, but my time at Herman Brood opened the door to music production, marking the start of my career.”

What does a typical workday look like for a music producer like yourself?

“It depends on whether there’s a session scheduled. If there is, I dedicate the entire day to collaborating with the artists. If not, I start my day with a coffee, catch up on emails and messages, and make a to-do list. My tasks usually involve editing ongoing tracks or working on new compositions. The choice of what to work on depends on my creative energy for the day. If I’m feeling inspired, I’ll dive into composing. On slower days, I focus more on editing.”

Could you share a pivotal moment in your journey as a music producer that made you realise you’re on the right track?

“For a long time, I concentrated on honing my technical skills, which was crucial but also felt limiting. I feared stagnation while others around me seemed to be progressing. A pivotal moment came when I decided to become more dynamic as a producer. Moving to Berlin was a game-changer. The city’s vibrant music scene offered endless opportunities and inspiration. Travelling to cities like Berlin, London, and LA and building my professional network was a game-changer. The endless opportunities and inspiration from these vibrant cities’ music scenes brought about a wave of positivity and success that I might not have experienced otherwise. It was a crucial factor in my career.”

With the ever-evolving landscape of music production, how do you stay current with trends?

“I listen to all types of music because I find it fascinating. However, the most interesting insights come from the people I collaborate with. It’s a self-feeding cycle: I show interest in certain styles, create something in that direction, and attract collaborations with artists who introduce me to new music and artists. This continuous exchange keeps me inspired and current. The dynamic nature of my collaborations is the biggest factor in staying up-to-date.”

What do you believe is the ultimate role of a music producer in today’s music industry?

“The main role of a producer is to help translate an artist’s vision for their projects in the best way possible. An artist or songwriter brings an idea, and it’s our job to elevate that idea to a higher level. This ‘higher level’ is defined by the vision of the artist you’re collaborating with. Essentially, music production is about translating a vision into a polished result. Often, this means making the artist’s idea work within a specific niche. As a producer, you act as a bridge between the artist and the wider world, ensuring their vision resonates with the audience.”

What would you say makes a great producer?

“As a music producer, you collaborate a lot, and you are in service of an artist. So, the most important part of that collaboration becomes the interpersonal dynamic and personal relationships.

Technical skills are essential. Great technical aptitude will feed into how quickly you can translate your ideas or someone else’s into great sound. But at some point, you will have the same technical aptitude as your peers. So, the decision to work with you over someone else will not be made based on technical skill. Rather, it’ll be based on your personal attributes, professionalism, and character.
How well you can build trust with your collaborators and show that you’ve got their back also determines whether artists will want to work with you. Artists want to know that their vision is safe with you, so the social side is the most crucial factor.”

What are you currently working on?

“I recently released a remix of Steve Aoki and Danna Paola’s ‘Paranoia’ under my side project ‘Fixed withGlue.’ I’m finishing EPs with Luna Morgenstern and Em Glasser, I’m working with Belgian artist RORI on her upcoming releases, and I have a lot of exciting new music in the works for K-pop and dance artists. It’s a thrilling time, and I look forward to sharing more of my work with the world.”

Where can people find you?

Instagram: nickribbens
Spotify Nick Ribbens
Website Nick Ribbens

The Qualities of a Music Producer

Nick Ribbens’ journey highlights the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the power of collaboration. At Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam, we are proud to have Nick on our team, inspiring the next generation of music producers and sound engineers.

A great producer is someone who can effectively wear multiple hats. They need to be good listeners, problem solvers, and sometimes even mediators. It’s about understanding the artist’s vision and helping them achieve it while bringing your expertise to the table. You must be adaptable and willing to step into different roles as needed, whether as a mentor, a technical expert, or a creative collaborator.

Moreover, a great producer is constantly learning and evolving. The music industry is always changing, and staying current with new technologies, trends, and techniques is crucial. This means being open to new ideas and continuously seeking out opportunities for growth and improvement.

Lastly, passion and dedication are fundamental. Producing music can be a demanding job that requires a lot of time and effort. A great producer is someone who is genuinely passionate about music and committed to helping artists create the best possible work. This passion drives you to go the extra mile and make a lasting impact on the music you produce.

Join the next generation of music producers and sound engineers

If you’re passionate about music and eager to explore the multifaceted world of music production, consider joining us at Abbey Road Institute. Our programs are designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and network needed to succeed in this dynamic field. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your craft, we offer a supportive and inspiring environment to help you achieve your goals.

Read more: Haydn Bendall: Five Decades of Musical Brilliance