Abstract
Through the history of recorded rock and popular music, some songwriters and producers have stood out with a "sound" that is instantly recognizable. This thesis will deal with the music and productions of Nile Rodgers in search of his "signature sound".
Starting his career as a guitarist in the early 1970s, Nile Rodgers went on to write and produce some of the most successful records of the disco era with his band Chic. Following his success with Chic, Rodgers went on to produce artists like David Bowie, Madonna and Duran Duran.
This thesis will raise general discussions concerning Rodgers approach, followed by more detailed analytic section. Starting out, I will focus especially on how the recording techniques influence the creative output.
The next section consists of in depth analysis of three hits that each on their were pivotal points in Rodgers' career. Looking at a broad spectrum of parameters, I will wish to highlight the interplay between traditional skills of musicianship and the use of studio techniques and sound processing. Also included in this section is a discussion on the role of the producer from a more general perspective.