PREPARE YOURSELF PRIOR TO ENTERING THE STUDIO
(MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME AND YOUR MONEY!)
1. REHEARSE WITH A CLICK TRACK Come in with a well-rehearsed version of the songs you wish to record. Rehearsing with a click track prior to entering the studio is an essential part of capturing a good recording and ensuring a smooth recording process. It will save you money and give you and idea of tempo so you’re not deciding in the studio. Tempo is important. It will greatly affect the overall feel of the piece.
2. AGREE ON ARRANGEMENTS Work out song arrangements prior to recording, ensuring that everyone in the band is comfortable with them. If you’re going to be working with a producer, leave some space and stay open minded. Having someone outside the band working on the project with a new perspective can help guide the arrangement in areas that may not have been considered. Why bring a producer on board? “When people censor themselves they’re just as likely to get rid of the good bits as the bad bits.” – Brian Eno
3. PRINT OUT YOUR LYRICS Bring a typed out version of lyrics to the studio. Though lyrics should be memorized before your session, a lyric sheet may prove to be a good reference.
4. ENSURE YOUR INSTRUMENTS ARE PROPERLY SETUP Replacing strings and drumheads is recommended. Bring an extra package in case a string breaks. Having new strings on your instruments will ensure that your instruments sound their best on your recordings. Guitar and bass players should note that bad intonation will cause your instrument to play out of tune.
5. COME IN WITH DEMO RECORDINGS, IF POSSIBLE It does not matter what the quality; it is simply a useful reference piece for the producer or engineer.
6. BRING EXAMPLES OF WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR RECORDING TO SOUND LIKE Everyone has music in their library with ‘that perfect drum or guitar sound’. This will make it easier for the producer or engineer to shape your instrument sounds rather than you trying to explain what it sounds like.
7. ORGANIZE YOUR MIDI FILES If your project involves using midi instruments, come in with your midi tracks playing exactly as you want them too. Naming your midi tracks properly before makes it quicker and simpler to complete the sound selection process.
8. HAVE A BACKUP OPTION FOR COMPUTER FILES Bringing in your own external hard drive will ensure that there is no loss of information once your sessions have been mixed. Though we do backup your files in two separate locations throughout the recording process, this will certainly provide you with additional piece of mind.
9. COME IN WITH YOUR SESSION GOALS WRITTEN OUT If something you had planned for a particular session is not working out, try something else on your list. It is easy enough to return to that track during your next session.
