|
GENERAL STUDIO ADVICE The most important thing to do before booking any studio time is decide exactly what it is you want to achieve with your recording. Do you want a demo to get gigs? Are you looking for a record deal? Are you recording tracks to be released either independently or through a record company? Whatever your intentions, if you don't get a good recording you will not be happy at having wasted your hard earned cash! If you have your agenda and your budget firmly fixed before going in to the studio, it will be easier to keep things in perspective, and make sure that the end result is what you were looking for in the first place. It is likely that many of you will have been in the studio before, but its still worth going over a few of the basics. 1. Have all your tracks well rehearsed before turning up for your session. Make sure your arrangements work and that the whole band knows them well. If you are in the enviable position of being able to afford studio time as part of the writing process, that's all good and well, but even then a band needs to be tight. 2. Make sure all of your instruments are in good order, and don't have any nasty rattles and buzzes when you play - recording tends to highlight any imperfections that may go unnoticed in a live situation. 3. Allow enough time for setting up and mixdown/mastering as well as actually performing. 4. Guitarists, bassists (and all stringed instrument players) - change your strings a couple of days before coming in to the studio, and play them in a little - and don't forget to bring spares! Some studios will have spare strings etc., but even if they do, they may not be the right type or gauge. 5. If you are going to use any of the studio's equipment (e.g. amps, drums etc), make sure its right for your sound. If you're unsure, bring your own just in case - no studio will have all the right gear for every musician. 6. Be open to suggestions from the engineer, especially about sound and tone - most likely they know when something is going to work as part of a mix - and they may hear things that you or your friends (or your fans) maybe don't notice! Another pair of ears can always help lend fresh perspective 7. Most importantly SPEAK TO THE ENGINEER before your session. Let them know exactly what you are looking for, and ask any questions you feel are important. Most studios will be happy to discuss your project, to make sure you are getting what you want. Remember - engineers take pride in the recordings they are involved in, and no one likes to have dissatisfied customers! 8. If you have made any previous recordings (at a gig, in the house, or at another studio), bring them with you to let the engineer hear. Even if you are unhappy with the recording, its just as valuable to hear what you DON'T want to sound like as what you do want to sound like. Also, if you have recordings of other bands that you like, it can be worthwhile bringing them along, to point out any part of their sound that you want to achieve in your recording. |