My other advice is to start writing songs and singing right away.
Some artists want a producer to be a kind of svengali - someone who actually creates a sound for them.
For a young band about to make a record, make sure you get the vocals right.
But when you're beginning, you should try to focus on something you love and your own way of doing things.
I think being eclectic is bad when you're just starting out.
The vocals are what immediately draw people in and sell the song.