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10 Tips for the Studio-Bound Musician
by Derek Dawson
So you've written the songs, gathered the band and are finally ready to head into the studio. While you may think you've done everything necessary to turn all your hard work into awesome recordings, here is a list of ten important things musicians can prepare for and keep in mind before heading in for the real deal. Many mistakes can be avoided before musicians even step foot into the studio, and heeding these tips will lead to a smoother recording session with a much better sounding result.
1. Plan it Out
Often times bands come into a recording session thinking their songs are ready to track, only to find that things don't sound as planned once in the studio. There may be some pieces to the song missing, or parts that might not sound so good together. Sometimes it's a little bass riff that was never completed, or background vocal harmonies that weren't ever really figured out, or even an extra guitar part that was overlooked during practice. With so much layering taking place in modern productions, it can be easy to focus on the main parts of the song, and overlook the smaller elements during practice.
That's why sitting down for a few hours (or more) before recording for a pre-production meeting can save a lot of time that would otherwise be wasted in the studio. During these meetings musicians can go through each instrument, part, line, double, harmony, etc., and make sure each person knows exactly what they will be playing once in the studio. This will also serve as a time to make sure all the parts sound good together. If the project has a designated producer, it is beneficial to have the them on hand for these pre-production meetings to make suggestions on the arrangement and instrumentation of the song, and to make sure everyone is prepared to make the most out of their time in the studio.
2. Practice Makes Music
Raise your hand if you’ve ever had to perform when you know you still needed more practice. I know I have. I also know that while sometimes you may be able to cheat your way through a performance, that simply won’t work while recording in the studio. Recording in a professional studio makes your instrument sound so clear and isolated that if you need more practice it’s going to stick out sorely. Even if you know what you are supposed to play, any mistakes you make in the studio are going to be magnified. While the luxury of the studio allows you to have several takes to get a part right, chances are that if you are in need of more practice, you’re not going to nail your take while the spotlight is on in the studio. And unlike a live show, these mistakes are recorded and set in stone for your audience to hear over and over. So take the time at home and make sure you can play or sing your part without any mistakes. If you’re having trouble playing error free, try slowing it down and practicing at different speeds until you can get it spot on. The time you save in the studio will be well worth the practice, and the final result will sound much better.
3. Let Your Instrument Sing
If you are going to be using your own instrument during the recording process, it is vital that it is sounding its best. For guitar and bass players, this means putting new strings on a day or so before recording. Strings that are several months old can sound dull and lifeless, and you can bet this will translate into a less than stellar recording. Along with new strings, it is also important that your guitar is technically set up correctly. Intonation and pick-up height are important settings that make sure your instrument stays in tune and doesn't put out a tone that is too muddy or too thin. Any guitar shop can help you out with these adjustments if you don't feel like getting technical, but it is something you can definitely do yourself with a little help.
If you are a drummer, putting new heads on your kit can do wonders in bringing energy to its sound. If you are not exactly sure which drum heads would sound best for studio recording, just ask your engineer and he or she can steer you in the right direction. While fresh drum heads can liven up your sound, the most important step is making sure that they are properly tuned before recording. A well tuned drum set will really open up the sound of your kit, and let it resonate with the attack and sustain it was designed to have. Even the most inexpensive drum kit can sound great when properly tuned, while the most pricey drum set will sound awful when tuned poorly. A drum tech can handle the tuning for you, but you may want to become a pro at it yourself. All that’s required is a little practice and a little patience.
4. Don't Leave Home Without It
Some of the most unique and magical sounds can often times come from the most unexpected places. Recording is not a science, and it is good practice to try out many combinations of instruments/effects/sounds to get the timbre that will help your music really stand out in the studio. That’s why it is a good idea to bring all of your gear to the recording session no matter how small or insignificant. Good equipment is important to use for the recording, but carving out that expressive edge in your songs may require something a little more off the wall. It may be that rarely used delay pedal, those chimes with the crazy overtones, or that relic acoustic amp you picked up at a garage sale that adds a creative finish to an otherwise ordinary arrangement.
5. Warm it Up
In order to hit notes as smoothly, accurately and powerfully as possible, warming up is definitely a must before recording. Whether it's your vocal cords, or your finger tips, coming into the studio cold isn’t the best idea. Take some time in the lounge or practice room to warm up before it's your turn to record, as this will allow you to begin making relevant takes as soon as the mic is on. Start with some scales, and really focus on working to achieve a good tone. This will save time by making sure the first ten takes aren't wasted because you’re not loose and ready to go.
While warming up can definitely help, you want to make sure you don't over-do it. Wearing yourself out at home before the session begins can lead to tired sounding vocals or sloppy playing once the session starts. While every voice and every instrument is different, twenty minutes is a good starting point for making sure you are feeling fluid without tiring yourself out.
6. These Things Take Time
More often than not, the process of recording takes much longer than most musicians anticipate. When planning out how much time you think you need to spend in the studio, it is a good idea to allow for much more time per song than you initially consider. "We want to record a few songs, it should just take us an hour or two" is a phrase heard all too often from artists wanting to book studio time. These bands are not taking into account the setup process, sound checks, any production time, recording multiple takes, editing, overdubbing, mixing, mastering, etc. This time frame may work for a solo classical violin piece, but definitely not for a polished modern rock song. For the first time studio-goer, they can usually take the amount of time they think it will take to complete their project, double it, and probably still run out of time!
The best thing to do is to really sit down with the engineer, let them know the type of sound you are trying to achieve, and they can talk to you about how long it will realistically take to complete your project from start to finish. Just because the song is three minutes long doesn't mean it will only take an hour to complete. And it is always better to plan on recording 3 songs and get them completed, then planning on doing 6 songs and not finishing any because you ran out of time and money.
7. Decisions, Decisions
Once a band is in the studio and the recording has begun, there are many decisions that need to be made; often not anticipated by the band. These decisions can include which takes to keep, what sections sound best, how much time to spend on each task, which tones are acceptable, how to play certain sections, who is going to play overdubs, the final arrangements, and the list can go on and on. Determining who will be making these in-session decisions before the recording actually starts will lead to a much smoother experience with less tension and pressure on everyone. By determining the rolls that every member will have ahead of time, resolving issues and making important decisions will fall into place easier with less obscurity.
If a producer is involved in the project, it will often be up to them to make calls on the direction the project will take and how to best get there. The benefit in having a producer fill this roll, is that they have been in this position many times before, and most likely have a better vision of how to guide the project than the musicians themselves. Whether it's a producer, a lead band member, the engineer, a voting system, or a combination of the above, think about who will handle the decision making that will guide the recording process before the recording begins.
8. I'm With the Band
Recording your first album, demo or song can be a very exciting experience, and one you'll want to share with everyone. After all, it's not every day you get to head into a real studio and have your songs professionally recorded! But while it may be tempting to tell everyone you know about your upcoming adventure and have them stop by to check it out, you may want to think twice about who is tagging along during your very important studio time.
Often times having people show up and hang out while you record can be more of a distraction than you originally thought. Your guests may feel like chatting, or checking out all the cool equipment, which can eat away at your valuable studio time. Some people think 'party' when they think of a recording studio, and don’t really understand or value all the hard work you are putting in and what you are trying to accomplish while there. Other times guests can be a distraction without even saying a word. Girlfriends and boyfriends sometimes make musicians nervous for performing their part as they may feel more pressure to get it right, which can boil over to frustration in the studio.
Now, all of this isn't to say that you shouldn’t head to the studio without any moral support at all. If there is a person or two that you know you can always count on to give you support and positive feedback, by all means bring them with you. You may just want to think twice about inviting those who may pose a distraction while recording as this could ultimately hurt your recording.
9. Take Two...
With all of this talk about making the most of your time in the studio and being efficient while recording, keep in mind that it's ok for things to take some time. Recording rarely goes exactly as planned in the studio, as it is a process with some experimentation and learning along the way. If this is the first time you are hearing your songs recorded, you'll probably hear some things you may want to change after you listen back. That is fine since you've planned for enough time, so don't get flustered. Don't expect to get everything right the first time; many drum sections, vocal passages and string riffs take several attempts to get down. Frustration doesn't need to be a part of recording if you know ahead of time that it can take some work to get your parts sounding the way you want them. Just think positively, and you're sure to perform at your best even if it takes some time.
10. Have Fun!
With all of the advice given, the most important message has to be to remember to have fun while in the studio! You have put in a lot of hard work to get to this point with your music, so this process should be about demonstrating all that hard work and having a great time doing it. Going into the studio doesn't happen every day, and it is an experience you should slow down and soak up. I find that the best performances, the ones that really stand out as keepers, are almost always the ones where the musician is having the most fun playing or singing. Putting enthusiasm into your studio performances gives them flare that stands out when recorded. Confidence is super effective in the studio, and you can emphasize that by having fun while recording, instead of worrying if everything is sounding ok. As long as you play your best and have fun while doing it, the recording will reflect that energy and lead to a great sounding performance.
Derek Dawson is the chief engineer at Static Studio, a recording and production facility in San Diego, California. He also authors the Static Newsletter, a periodical studio guide for musicians. Derek can be reached at derek@staticstudio.net.
10 Tips for the Studio-Bound Musician
by Derek Dawson
So you've written the songs, gathered the band and are finally ready to head into the studio. While you may think you've done everything necessary to turn all your hard work into awesome recordings, here is a list of ten important things musicians can prepare for and keep in mind before heading in for the real deal. Many mistakes can be avoided before musicians even step foot into the studio, and heeding these tips will lead to a smoother recording session with a much better sounding result.
1. Plan it Out
Often times bands come into a recording session thinking their songs are ready to track, only to find that things don't sound as planned once in the studio. There may be some pieces to the song missing, or parts that might not sound so good together. Sometimes it's a little bass riff that was never completed, or background vocal harmonies that weren't ever really figured out, or even an extra guitar part that was overlooked during practice. With so much layering taking place in modern productions, it can be easy to focus on the main parts of the song, and overlook the smaller elements during practice.
That's why sitting down for a few hours (or more) before recording for a pre-production meeting can save a lot of time that would otherwise be wasted in the studio. During these meetings musicians can go through each instrument, part, line, double, harmony, etc., and make sure each person knows exactly what they will be playing once in the studio. This will also serve as a time to make sure all the parts sound good together. If the project has a designated producer, it is beneficial to have the them on hand for these pre-production meetings to make suggestions on the arrangement and instrumentation of the song, and to make sure everyone is prepared to make the most out of their time in the studio.
2. Practice Makes Music
Raise your hand if you’ve ever had to perform when you know you still needed more practice. I know I have. I also know that while sometimes you may be able to cheat your way through a performance, that simply won’t work while recording in the studio. Recording in a professional studio makes your instrument sound so clear and isolated that if you need more practice it’s going to stick out sorely. Even if you know what you are supposed to play, any mistakes you make in the studio are going to be magnified. While the luxury of the studio allows you to have several takes to get a part right, chances are that if you are in need of more practice, you’re not going to nail your take while the spotlight is on in the studio. And unlike a live show, these mistakes are recorded and set in stone for your audience to hear over and over. So take the time at home and make sure you can play or sing your part without any mistakes. If you’re having trouble playing error free, try slowing it down and practicing at different speeds until you can get it spot on. The time you save in the studio will be well worth the practice, and the final result will sound much better.
3. Let Your Instrument Sing
If you are going to be using your own instrument during the recording process, it is vital that it is sounding its best. For guitar and bass players, this means putting new strings on a day or so before recording. Strings that are several months old can sound dull and lifeless, and you can bet this will translate into a less than stellar recording. Along with new strings, it is also important that your guitar is technically set up correctly. Intonation and pick-up height are important settings that make sure your instrument stays in tune and doesn't put out a tone that is too muddy or too thin. Any guitar shop can help you out with these adjustments if you don't feel like getting technical, but it is something you can definitely do yourself with a little help.
If you are a drummer, putting new heads on your kit can do wonders in bringing energy to its sound. If you are not exactly sure which drum heads would sound best for studio recording, just ask your engineer and he or she can steer you in the right direction. While fresh drum heads can liven up your sound, the most important step is making sure that they are properly tuned before recording. A well tuned drum set will really open up the sound of your kit, and let it resonate with the attack and sustain it was designed to have. Even the most inexpensive drum kit can sound great when properly tuned, while the most pricey drum set will sound awful when tuned poorly. A drum tech can handle the tuning for you, but you may want to become a pro at it yourself. All that’s required is a little practice and a little patience.
4. Don't Leave Home Without It
Some of the most unique and magical sounds can often times come from the most unexpected places. Recording is not a science, and it is good practice to try out many combinations of instruments/effects/sounds to get the timbre that will help your music really stand out in the studio. That’s why it is a good idea to bring all of your gear to the recording session no matter how small or insignificant. Good equipment is important to use for the recording, but carving out that expressive edge in your songs may require something a little more off the wall. It may be that rarely used delay pedal, those chimes with the crazy overtones, or that relic acoustic amp you picked up at a garage sale that adds a creative finish to an otherwise ordinary arrangement.
5. Warm it Up
In order to hit notes as smoothly, accurately and powerfully as possible, warming up is definitely a must before recording. Whether it's your vocal cords, or your finger tips, coming into the studio cold isn’t the best idea. Take some time in the lounge or practice room to warm up before it's your turn to record, as this will allow you to begin making relevant takes as soon as the mic is on. Start with some scales, and really focus on working to achieve a good tone. This will save time by making sure the first ten takes aren't wasted because you’re not loose and ready to go.
While warming up can definitely help, you want to make sure you don't over-do it. Wearing yourself out at home before the session begins can lead to tired sounding vocals or sloppy playing once the session starts. While every voice and every instrument is different, twenty minutes is a good starting point for making sure you are feeling fluid without tiring yourself out.
6. These Things Take Time
More often than not, the process of recording takes much longer than most musicians anticipate. When planning out how much time you think you need to spend in the studio, it is a good idea to allow for much more time per song than you initially consider. "We want to record a few songs, it should just take us an hour or two" is a phrase heard all too often from artists wanting to book studio time. These bands are not taking into account the setup process, sound checks, any production time, recording multiple takes, editing, overdubbing, mixing, mastering, etc. This time frame may work for a solo classical violin piece, but definitely not for a polished modern rock song. For the first time studio-goer, they can usually take the amount of time they think it will take to complete their project, double it, and probably still run out of time!
The best thing to do is to really sit down with the engineer, let them know the type of sound you are trying to achieve, and they can talk to you about how long it will realistically take to complete your project from start to finish. Just because the song is three minutes long doesn't mean it will only take an hour to complete. And it is always better to plan on recording 3 songs and get them completed, then planning on doing 6 songs and not finishing any because you ran out of time and money.
7. Decisions, Decisions
Once a band is in the studio and the recording has begun, there are many decisions that need to be made; often not anticipated by the band. These decisions can include which takes to keep, what sections sound best, how much time to spend on each task, which tones are acceptable, how to play certain sections, who is going to play overdubs, the final arrangements, and the list can go on and on. Determining who will be making these in-session decisions before the recording actually starts will lead to a much smoother experience with less tension and pressure on everyone. By determining the rolls that every member will have ahead of time, resolving issues and making important decisions will fall into place easier with less obscurity.
If a producer is involved in the project, it will often be up to them to make calls on the direction the project will take and how to best get there. The benefit in having a producer fill this roll, is that they have been in this position many times before, and most likely have a better vision of how to guide the project than the musicians themselves. Whether it's a producer, a lead band member, the engineer, a voting system, or a combination of the above, think about who will handle the decision making that will guide the recording process before the recording begins.
8. I'm With the Band
Recording your first album, demo or song can be a very exciting experience, and one you'll want to share with everyone. After all, it's not every day you get to head into a real studio and have your songs professionally recorded! But while it may be tempting to tell everyone you know about your upcoming adventure and have them stop by to check it out, you may want to think twice about who is tagging along during your very important studio time.
Often times having people show up and hang out while you record can be more of a distraction than you originally thought. Your guests may feel like chatting, or checking out all the cool equipment, which can eat away at your valuable studio time. Some people think 'party' when they think of a recording studio, and don’t really understand or value all the hard work you are putting in and what you are trying to accomplish while there. Other times guests can be a distraction without even saying a word. Girlfriends and boyfriends sometimes make musicians nervous for performing their part as they may feel more pressure to get it right, which can boil over to frustration in the studio.
Now, all of this isn't to say that you shouldn’t head to the studio without any moral support at all. If there is a person or two that you know you can always count on to give you support and positive feedback, by all means bring them with you. You may just want to think twice about inviting those who may pose a distraction while recording as this could ultimately hurt your recording.
9. Take Two...
With all of this talk about making the most of your time in the studio and being efficient while recording, keep in mind that it's ok for things to take some time. Recording rarely goes exactly as planned in the studio, as it is a process with some experimentation and learning along the way. If this is the first time you are hearing your songs recorded, you'll probably hear some things you may want to change after you listen back. That is fine since you've planned for enough time, so don't get flustered. Don't expect to get everything right the first time; many drum sections, vocal passages and string riffs take several attempts to get down. Frustration doesn't need to be a part of recording if you know ahead of time that it can take some work to get your parts sounding the way you want them. Just think positively, and you're sure to perform at your best even if it takes some time.
10. Have Fun!
With all of the advice given, the most important message has to be to remember to have fun while in the studio! You have put in a lot of hard work to get to this point with your music, so this process should be about demonstrating all that hard work and having a great time doing it. Going into the studio doesn't happen every day, and it is an experience you should slow down and soak up. I find that the best performances, the ones that really stand out as keepers, are almost always the ones where the musician is having the most fun playing or singing. Putting enthusiasm into your studio performances gives them flare that stands out when recorded. Confidence is super effective in the studio, and you can emphasize that by having fun while recording, instead of worrying if everything is sounding ok. As long as you play your best and have fun while doing it, the recording will reflect that energy and lead to a great sounding performance.
Derek Dawson is the chief engineer at Static Studio, a recording and production facility in San Diego, California. He also authors the Static Newsletter, a periodical studio guide for musicians. Derek can be reached at derek@staticstudio.net.