"The only thing they really get to pick is the single. But I get to pick the producer, the songs on the record, the final masters, the artwork. Basically, I hand them a record"

Regina Spektor's observation highlights an unusual balance of control within her relationship with her record label. Rather than following the traditional structure where labels dictate the creative direction, Spektor asserts considerable autonomy over her artistic output. She outlines the narrowness of the label's influence, they are allowed to select the single, the one track to represent and market the album, but emphasizes her own involvement in far more substantial facets of the album’s creation.

Selecting the producer is a significant act of agency. The producer plays a pivotal role in determining the sonic feel and direction of the music, influencing everything from arrangements to overall ambiance. By choosing her own producer, Spektor ensures her vision remains intact and that her creative personality isn't compromised by external commercial considerations.

Additionally, curating the songs on the record demonstrates a commitment to authenticity. Rather than filling an album based on commercial potential or trends, she crafts the body of work as an interconnected, cohesive artistic statement. Her insistence on handpicking the tracks means the album becomes a true reflection of her thoughts, feelings, and intentions at the time of recording.

Overseeing the final masters and the artwork further cements her role as the primary creative force behind the album. Mastering is the last artistic stage before music is released and directly affects how the album sounds to listeners. The visual presentation, encompassing artwork and packaging, is equally important, it's the first thing audiences see and can impact how they interpret and feel about the music inside.

Handing the label a finished record represents a reversal of a longstanding power dynamic in the music industry. For Spektor, it’s not about relinquishing responsibility, but rather delivering a complete vision, allowing the label limited say in which song receives promotional focus. This approach asserts the importance of artistic control in an environment often driven by commercial interests, reinforcing that an artist’s authenticity and vision can persist even within mainstream infrastructure.