The producer identifies a location for recording and coordinates studio sessions with his artists. Often, it isn't until the producer is satisfied with the outcome of the track that the track is considered complete. The artist, songwriter and engineers also take direction from the producer on how the melody is composed. Leadership skills and having a vision for a song are very important for the producer in keeping everyone else in the studio session on track both creatively and logistically.
Music producers, since they hold the creative vision for the song, usually contribute to the writing of the song. An artist or songwriter may approach the music producer with lyrics already created, but the producer may add or subtract lyrics to ensure the song is headed in the right direction.
Music producers generally have an in-depth knowledge of genres. Depending on the artist she is working with, the producer will create a new track using audio software or live instruments to represent the style of the genre. The producer will make the decision to "sample," or use audio clips from, another song from the same or a different genre in order to build a new sound.