Before I would have been happy playing bass all the time, but I guess I've changed a lot. After 20 years I'm no longer prepared to sit back and let people make decisions for me, instead, I get great pleasure drawing on my own experience and mincing about like a work shy fop.. 

In producing a band or artist I see one thing as overidingly important... PRE-PRODUCTION!!! 

That can incorporate a huge amount, but in general, providing the songs are good enough to record, pre production means: 

1 Arranging 

Making sure the song is the right length for radio; making sure the chorus comes in soon enough; sorting out the different parts for each musician.

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2 Programming 

If you've got keyboards and sequencers to run, spend enough time on the sounds, the tempo and the key. It's amazing how many singers don't know their best register. 

Making your own samples can be a lengthy process but if you've got someone who knows what they're doing, you can find yourself setting mile stones. 

3 Team Building 

This will set the tone for the entire project. Pick the wrong guys and your sunk. As a producer you've got to get on with every one. But, if you pick a programmer or engineer that pisses every one off, Doctor Kisinger ain't gonna be able to save your ass!!! You need a team that makes the Artist feel like they're flying with the best pilots in the world. 

4 Budgets 

Do your sums properly! I've never gone over budget or over time. Is that Rock n Roll? 

5 Studio Hire 

I like to record and mix all in the same room, that way you get used to the sound of the space and don't disorientate yourself or the Artist by having to move . 

Make sure you have an engineer who knows the studio from experience and check the acoustic accuracy of the control room before hand. 

6 Make sure 

The Artist hears all your ideas up front. When I was producing "Cozi" I was sent demos from Japan to arrange and program. Each song was then sent back to Tokyo to reach the approval of the record company, the Artist and the management. Make sure there is a unanimous and resounding "GREAT" from all of them before you finish your pre production or you may end up making the same record three ways.