BSMC Studio
So……..you’ve decided to move ahead with a recording, and you’re wondering what to expect. Last weeks blog talked about the first step of getting together with your producer or engineer to discuss expectations and learn about the process.
In that discussion I like to cover the details of the music. These include what the sound of the band is, whether pre-production or rehearsal demos have been done, and how many people to record at one time. Pre-production often refers to figuring out the songs you want to record, and what kinds of parts the instruments on the recording could have, or do have (the musical arrangements). This can vary from having the parts figured out note-for-note before going in for the final recordings, to just wanting a loose idea of what direction the playing and singing should have before going into the recording studio.
A Producer is a Great Idea!
Using a producer is a great idea, whether it’s someone in the band who wants to take on that job, or using a person outside the band to provide a new perspective. Getting arrangements together and deciding on parts, having suggestions about trying different keys to record the songs or pieces in, trying different tempos, and discussing financing, expenses, budgets and developing options around the money piece are details that a producer (or the artist or artists, if it’s self-produced) needs to address before making a final plan for a recording day.
Make Sure Your Equipment is in Top Shape
Before you step into the studio, look objectively at your instruments and make sure they’re in good shape! The guitars and basses should have good, fresh strings, and the instruments should play in tune over the whole neck. You make sure this is the case by finding a professional who knows how to set-up guitar intonation! You can often find one by calling a good-quality guitar shop, or asking the producer or engineer. Also, if you’re playing with active electronics change the batteries! The amplifiers, if you use them, should be in good shape, not too much hum or rattle. If you are a drummer, you make sure your drumheads are in good or great shape, that your pedals don’t squeak or rattle, and that you have a couple or a few options for snare drums which are set up well so you have the right sound for the right song. Often good studios have a choice of a few snares, drums or amps, but not always. Check in advance, and make sure your stuff works well before you into the recording studio.
It’s Time to Record!
Now, with the songs together and rehearsed, or charts written and double checked, it’s time to record! The most exciting part, and the one that requires patience and flexibility. You have worked out how many days to use for the project, or what number of days to start with, if you want to work over a longer period of time.
Showing up at the studio for the first time means determining the schedule of who needs to be there when. The drummer (if there is one) often goes in first to get set up and get drum sounds, but not always. The recording engineer and/or producer will have a system of what he thinks should happen in order of importance to get the sounds for all the instruments. Showing up on time is super important, and communicating with the technical people is key.
Make sure to eat well before going into the studio, because you will need brain food! The less starch and sugar the better, make plans for food to show up at the studio after a few hours too, so there are as few interruptions as possible…..
Slow Down and Rely on the Professionals
When you are in the studio at the beginning of a session, you might be nervous! Remember that slowing down and asking the professionals what the next step is very helpful! You don’t have to know everything in the studio, the engineer and producer will help everyone figure out what to do and what happens next! All you have to do is get your instrument out and ready to play, and the engineer will do his thing.
This includes setting up the appropriate microphones for acoustic instruments, amps and vocals or Direct Input boxes (DI’s) for electric or electronic instruments. Setting up isolation booths, baffles or sound absorption panels to record vocals and separate the amps is common.
Once the microphones, DI’s and isolation requirements are met, the headphone/monitoring system is set up and detailed. Headphone audio is separated into “headphone mixes”, and these vary from studio to studio. Your engineer will probably give you options of how to use them, and you will communicate with him about the volume changes you need as you get used to hearing the song in your headphones.
So, it’s time to play!! Always remember that nothing can replace preparation, but spontaneity has it’s place! Music should be fun, inspiring and soulful. Say what you need, and stay flexible. And remember, you are in the right place at the right time.
Ready? The dream starts here!
Contact Ben directly at [email protected] to schedule studio time.
www.bensmithmusicstudio.com
