As a musician, it’s important to make the most of your time in the studio and avoid common pitfalls that can derail your project. Here are five mistakes to avoid when recording in the studio:
Not being prepared. Before you even step foot in the studio, make sure you have all your materials organized and ready to go. This includes lyrics, chord charts, and any notes you’ve made about arrangement or production ideas. Being prepared will help you make the most of your time in the studio and avoid costly delays. Like an actor you wouldn’t show up to set if you didn’t memorize your lines, so know your song!
Your recording engineer or producer is there to help you achieve the sound you want, but they can’t read your mind. Make sure to communicate clearly and openly with your engineer about what you’re looking for and how you envision the final product. Often times it will help to have some references of other existing songs on hand you can share with them.
It’s tempting to jump right into recording as soon as you arrive at the studio, but it’s important to warm up your voice and instrument before hitting the record button. Take some time to stretch and do some vocal or instrumental exercises to ensure you’re in top form for the session.
It’s natural to want to nail a perfect take on the first try, but sometimes it takes a few tries to get it just right. Don’t be afraid to record multiple takes of each song or section. This will give you more options to choose from when it comes time to edit and mix the final product.
Naturally when you are working with a good recording engineer they will have a great ear for what is sounding good. They can take all the best parts of your vocal takes and put them together to make one awesome vocal performance – you’re friends will never know!
Recording in the studio can be intense, and it’s easy to get caught up in the process and forget to take breaks. But it’s important to step away from the microphone and give yourself a chance to rest and recharge. Not only will this help you stay fresh and focused, but it will also give your ears a chance to rest and avoid fatigue. Trust us your voice and fingers with thank you.
The recording process is not a sprint, it’s a marathon, so take your time.
Hourly sessions can be daunting sometimes. You’re racing against a clock, you have a million other things on your mind, and you just want to get the song recorded and over with.
Listen, if you are rushing yourself during the recording process ultimately your performance will suffer. Good things take time. As much as we all think we’ll get everything right the first time it’s best to leave room for error. Booking more time than you think you need will result in the session feeling less rushed and gives you more time to get it right the first time. Plus if there is extra time we can always use it to start cleaning up your recordings.
Finding the right recording studio is an important step in the music-making process. By taking the time to research your options and choose a studio that meets your needs, you’ll be well on your way to creating the music you’ve always dreamed of. You can learn more about our recording studio and how we can help with producing your music here.