Do you have a favorite record? Of course you do. Something about it speaks to you. It makes you do whatever it is you kids do these days. It tells you that all is right (or wrong) with the world, and that this is a good day. Are you thinking about going into the studio? Guess what? You, my friend, have the power. The power to create a record that moves someone else in the same way that you can be moved. Pretty cool gig, we have here, huh? Before you have visions of Rubber Soul, Mr. McCartney, you may need to read this over to get a feel for your recording approach and avoid the fatal mistakes of so many bands. Oh what a wicked train we board, when, at first, we don't plan to record. You must, must, MUST, plan your record or demo. Write down everything you can think of that may come up. Start with your concept. Is this a demo, EP, full-length record? Live or studio recording? What sound are you going for? How many songs do we have? Is there a feel or theme you are trying to capture? And, oh yea, how much will all of this cost? Recordings are notorious for going over budget. Why is that? Well, studios won't tell you because they make money from your mistakes. I'm not just talking about the fifty-two takes it took the drummer to get the bridge right, but the mistake of not being 100% budgeted and prepared. When putting it all together, take into consideration everything involved- studio time, producer/engineer fees, mixdown (figure on a song per day for the mixdown to get it right), mastering, and duplication. Don't forget lodging, food, and tape costs. Bringing in other cats to play on the record? They need to get paid, too. And don't forget the candles. Another key component to a great record is preproduction. This is where the band and producer sit down and work through all of the material before you go into the studio. It saves tons of time and money, and also avoids problems later regarding individuals' parts or songs that will end up on the record. (Try and have twice as many songs ready than will end up on the record-this way you can pick the best). Prepro (as we call it) is where it is all hashed out. Prepro can (and will) also become the realm for criticism. Take it. So your song to your girlfriend didn't end up on the record. Record it for her later, because right now the point of this is to put out a fluid, consistent record that defines the bands' sound. It's not personal- it's professional. Remember that the entire way through the recording process. That being said, the point of your recording experience is to have fun. Lots of fun. To me, it is the best part of the job. Your creativity has no bounds, and your record should reflect that. Don't be afraid to take chances on your record. Try recording some crazy instrument that you found at a garage sale, or roll tape at 4 AM playing an improv funk tune, and put it as a hidden track. This is your time to shine, so shine on you crazy diamond. So you are ready to shine, but where? You may have a buddy with a computer-based recording studio in his house. That is a great way to get a quality record for low money. Protools and Cakewalk seem to be everywhere these days, and if it is so cheap and easy, how do the big studios stay in business? Well, they probably have a million-dollar console, which has a sound all its' own. They also have a vibe to them. Vibe is so important when recording. If the place feels good, you play better. That is why a dirty, smoke-filled friend's apartment may not be the best place to be. If you are there, again, remember the candles. Last thing. Everybody is so excited to be in the studio, and they invite a bunch of people to come watch. Bad. Very bad. You are playing a lot of money to be there, and you are there to work. Socialize later. It needs to be a good atmosphere, and not a party. Set aside a 'visitation day', maybe when you are doing guitar doubling or something, and even then, don't let them stay long. You don't go to their drive-through window and hang out behind the register all day, do you? Now you're cooking. You are all well-rehearsed, so takes are going fast. The producer is working fast, and the girlfriend has been calmed down as to why 'her' power ballad is not on the record. You are under budget, so the manager is happy. The record is done, and you have the first shipment in your hand. Does it inspire? Only time will tell, but if you have put out the best record you can, then you have done your job. If not, then learn from your mistakes and move on to the next. That's the beauty- if it stinks, you can always write more songs, and start the process all over again. Rock on. |