Recording is a time-intensive experience, and problems that arise usually seem magnified. No one wants to wait for an hour whilst the guitar player runs to Guitar Center for new strings. Therefore, to keep things going smoothly and efficiently, here are a few things to do in preparation:
1. Practice! You would be surprised how many bands come into the studio clearly unprepared. If you cannot play through the song without making mistakes, then you're not ready to record yet. Take the time to practice the songs you would like to track completely. This is not to say that you cannot be creative in the studio, but it's a lot cheaper to be creative on your own time.
2. Make sure your songs are completed. Entering the studio hoping to finish lyrics or parts on the spot is a recipe for dissatisfaction. You might be inspired by the pressure, but you'll unavoidably listen back to it later on and think that you could have sang it better, or that you simply do not especially like this line or that phrase.
3. Record yourselves. It's very useful to record your practice using a simple tape recorder. The finished product will not sound excellent, but you will manage to hear if you're off time, or off key. It may also make you conscious that some parts of your song are dragging, or that other parts could be prolonged or more developed.
4. Get your gear in shape. Don't arrive for a session that you're paying for with gear that does not work, cables that cut out, batteries that are going dead, or blown speakers.
5. Tune your instrument. Drummers ought to put on new heads about 1 week before the session. The snare head should be replaced right away prior to the session, and if you're doing more than one or two songs, consider bringing additional snare heads.
6. Allow individuals know you're busy! You don't wish to be called in to work half-way through your session. Everybody concerned needs to clear their schedules. Nothing creates more tension in a session than someone wanting to blow out early so that they can hit some party.
7. Have a plan. It's always better to have fewer songs to finish, and to know precisely which songs you're trying to get done. Frequently, once a session gets rolling, it's easy to just go ahead and track some of the other songs you have. Although this isn't awful, in my experience, these tracks are generally discarded, since they have not been thoroughly practiced, and may not even be complete.
9. Develop a vision. I love to come see a band before I record them, only to get a feel for their sound, and create my vision for the session. If you imagine your record sounding just like the latest MTV hit, you may be discouraged and disappointed. Your band is unique, and my goal as an engineer is to discover what is best regarding your band and accent that.
8. Relax! Recording is enjoyable, and there is truly no pressure. Just be ready, and you will have a smooth, enjoyable session with a great product at the end!
- 42265
1. Practice! You would be surprised how many bands come into the studio clearly unprepared. If you cannot play through the song without making mistakes, then you're not ready to record yet. Take the time to practice the songs you would like to track completely. This is not to say that you cannot be creative in the studio, but it's a lot cheaper to be creative on your own time.
2. Make sure your songs are completed. Entering the studio hoping to finish lyrics or parts on the spot is a recipe for dissatisfaction. You might be inspired by the pressure, but you'll unavoidably listen back to it later on and think that you could have sang it better, or that you simply do not especially like this line or that phrase.
3. Record yourselves. It's very useful to record your practice using a simple tape recorder. The finished product will not sound excellent, but you will manage to hear if you're off time, or off key. It may also make you conscious that some parts of your song are dragging, or that other parts could be prolonged or more developed.
4. Get your gear in shape. Don't arrive for a session that you're paying for with gear that does not work, cables that cut out, batteries that are going dead, or blown speakers.
5. Tune your instrument. Drummers ought to put on new heads about 1 week before the session. The snare head should be replaced right away prior to the session, and if you're doing more than one or two songs, consider bringing additional snare heads.
6. Allow individuals know you're busy! You don't wish to be called in to work half-way through your session. Everybody concerned needs to clear their schedules. Nothing creates more tension in a session than someone wanting to blow out early so that they can hit some party.
7. Have a plan. It's always better to have fewer songs to finish, and to know precisely which songs you're trying to get done. Frequently, once a session gets rolling, it's easy to just go ahead and track some of the other songs you have. Although this isn't awful, in my experience, these tracks are generally discarded, since they have not been thoroughly practiced, and may not even be complete.
9. Develop a vision. I love to come see a band before I record them, only to get a feel for their sound, and create my vision for the session. If you imagine your record sounding just like the latest MTV hit, you may be discouraged and disappointed. Your band is unique, and my goal as an engineer is to discover what is best regarding your band and accent that.
8. Relax! Recording is enjoyable, and there is truly no pressure. Just be ready, and you will have a smooth, enjoyable session with a great product at the end!
- 42265
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