Often, the recording experience is plagued with down time. Whether
you're setting up equipment that should've already been set up, looking for that guitar cable that you thought you brought,
finding out that the battery in your effects pedal is dead, or waiting for you turn to record your instrument, time is almost
always wasted in the studio. It’s a good idea to plan ahead before entering your session. The following
are a few tips designed to prepare yourself for an Unrestrained Studios recording session.
1. Do some research
If you’ve never been in a recording studio before then you’ll probably
have some pre-conceived ideas of what goes on. Yes, you record your songs and then you go home. But did you know
that each musician will spend about 60% of their time in the studio doing absolutely nothing? There is a lot of preparation
before the actual recording can begin; mics need to be set up and tested to find out if they’ll produce the desired
result, the band needs to know their parts exactly, instruments have to be tuned, sometimes strings need to be changed or
intonations need to be set, and all the musicians need to be happy with their setup before the recording can begin.
Furthermore, it's more probable that you'd end up with a decent recording if you or your band sound
good to start off with.
2. Tighten Your Performance
Many studio engineers have a preference for click tracks. This is because
when the whole song is in the same tempo, parts can be copied from one section and dropped into another to replace poor performances. Doing
this will save time and money. You cannot record to a click track without having rehearsed to one first, it's too difficult.
Luckily, I personally don't like to record to a click track because it has a tendency to get in the way sometimes, however,
practicing with one or finding other ways to "tighten" up your band is extremely important. Remember, if you perform
sloppy at a show but still have a good sound and get the crowd going, then you've still played a decent show. However,
if you perform sloppy while being recorded with the intention of the producer to mix every level so that each instrument can
be distinctly heard, then your mistakes are much more noticable. Sloppy recordings can often be improved through editing,
however don't rely on the producer to "FIX" your band.
3. Plan your recording sessions
If you know you’re going to be in the studio for more than one day, plan
your sessions accordingly. It saves time and money if the studio engineer and the band are aware of what is
going to be recorded each day. (i.e. setting up mics and equipment for certain instruments) You wouldn't believe
how many times a band goes to record and one of the guitarists doesn't know how to play the song. Even
more popular is the idea to have a band enter a recording session without their vocalist having his lyrics
completely written, sometimes not written at all. Be sure that drummers know the songs exactly complete
with all tempo changes. Don't expect to have them improv a beat on the spot during the session, the many takes and retakes
will waste everybody's time and your money. I don't know how much I can emphasize this, but the studio
is not a place to have band practice. If you're entire band does not prepare a song, please
do not attempt to record it. This means simply one thing, learn your parts before you enter your recording
session. If you have a few sessions before you plan on recording vocals, then theirs no rush for the vocals
to be perfect on the first day, however certainly do not wait until the day of vocal recording for your
vocalist to decide he finally needs to actually know his part. Remember, improving at practices or shows is
almost always acceptable as a quick and temporary solution, but quick and temporary solutions end at the studio.
This is becuase the recorded performance is permanent. Be prepared for that. It's you're call.
4. Work around the person who's recording
Recording is one of the most important parts of being in a band. It’s what everyone
listens to and identifies your band with. Often, it is the make or break factor in a band's success.
There is a tremendous amount of pressure on the band member to get his/her takes right. Naturally,
this can make them uncomfortable. This means don't add any pressure by taunting, getting angry, or rushing the person
recording. Furthermore, do whatever that person asks. Often a vocalist or other member will request that everybody
in the studio (accept the engineer) leave so that he/she may not get embarassed and focus better. If they're hungary,
someone take a trip to pick up some food. Hell, if your band member wants white lilies and candlelight in
the studio, with fluffy kittens to stroke during the breaks, do it! The success of your recording depends on it.
Keep all personal problems out of the studio. For example, don't make a person feel like they "always mess up"
or that they "ruin" the band by being a weak link. If you have a poor musician in your group, don't ackowledge
that until after the session.
5. Again, Know Your Music And Your Set List!!!
This is the most obvious, yet most common problem in recording.
All musicians involved must know their parts before entering their session. Do not use the recording studio as
a rehearsal space. Studios are more expensive than rehearsal halls, and it’s just a waste of your money. This
is mainly a point I make to protect you; the artist. When you go into a recording studio, there are a thousand
and one things to think about and to do. Being well rehearsed will make everything run smoother, and will save you increadible
amounts of time.
Decide how many and which songs you'll be recording and have them prepared BEFORE
your session. Practice the songs straight through, including intros, endings and dynamics. Work out all your solos
before you get to the studio. And also, try to map out what parts will be recorded when. For instance, it's common
to double up a guitar part, certain variations of the same song can be recorded to just add texture to the recording.
Many creative things can be accomplished. Certain things can be panned left or right, sounds can have effects added
just to certain sections. Often, you won't just record the song how you play it live. Rather, you'd break it up
into many sections. (clean channel, distortion, solos, bridge with effects, etc...)
6. Headphones Get Annoying:
Be prepared to play with headphones on. They are necessary to record and
are often warn for the entire day by picky band members who are paying attention to every take. Because of the constent
sound pressure, headaches are common. Bring some typical over the counter medication. Also, if needed, bring a
hat. The headphones often irritate people, especially drummers who perspire after many takes. Having a hat
over the headphones prevents them from slipping off.
7. Show Up On Time!!!
Get a good night's sleep; don't stay up partying the night before your session.
ARRIVE ON TIME for your session. Remember - the clock starts at your scheduled session time.
This is probably the only time when I will be very serious with the band. All to many times,
people have shown up hours late, or I'd have to call them and have their mother wake them up, or they'd just forget
to show up all together. This is a business, not a play ground. If I have to call your mommy because you aren't
old enough to wake up on time, then you're nothing more than a child who shouldn't be scheduling studio time.
Anyone who does show up late unfortunately loses their otherwise refundable deposit. This is because I
spend aproximately 3 hours preparing and setting up equipment waiting for a client to arrive. If that client
decides to cancel or show up late, it equals a lot of lost time from my day where I could've been working on other
tasks. You should probably aim to show up early just to be safe. If you're already in town and you're early, then
pick up some breakfast and drink some caffine, it'll do you good. In the end, leaving your home early will save me a
lot time and save you money.
What to Bring to the Studio:
- Guitarist : Bring your guitar, tuner, any effects pedals (don't forget batteries), cables, picks and
extra strings. I have top quality amp and cabinet emulators for direct line-in recording however you are welcome
to bring your own amps as well. If necessary, put a new set of strings on your guitar at least 2 days
before the session. Do not change them the day before, as they will go out of tune quickly and continue to do so through
out the recording session.
- Bassist : Bring your bass, any effects pedals, picks, cables and extra strings. Bass guitar is
almost always recorded directly through the pre-amps in my FirePod soundcard, so a bass amp is completely unecessary unless
you have any increadibly unique characteristics.
- Drummer : Bring every part of your drum set, including a seat. I have a carpet so that's unnecessary. Bring
extra drumsticks. Electronic drum sets as well as triggers are also acceptable.
- Vocalist : Bring your lyrics even if you have them memorized! Bring a pen and paper because you
will most likely have plenty of time to sit and review/edit your lryics to improve them. Remember that this version
will be permanent.
- Keyboardists : remember to bring your stands, foot pedals, and all power adapters. Amps or monitors
used for keyboards aren't necessary for recording as they will be recorded directly through the FirePod soundcard.
- The Band in General : Food/Drinks : No food is provided, so remember to bring your own, alternatively
there are fast food restaurants and convenience stores nearbye in walking distance. Consider leaving friends
and fans at home. Unrestrained Studios is a relatively small place. Furthermore, air conditioners and fans are
all turned off during the actual recording process in order to eliminate extra noise within the rooms. Usually just having
band members all hanging around is enough to get the place pretty warm. Also, extra people may distract you and
in the long run cost you money in wasted studio time. My studio is not set up for large groups - I have just
enough room for the band and possibly a few extra people.
In the Studio
Remember to turn off all watch alarms, pagers, and cellular telephones. These
devices often can ruin a perfect take. Introduce all band members to me and discuss your plans for the session
(songs, order, length, anything out of the ordinary). Know what kind of sound you're going for. Usually, listing examples
of more popular and easily identifiable bands will help me understand what sound you're trying to produce. When
ending a song, wait until the engineer tells you it's OK to talk, which can seem like forever. Too often, someone yells
out "Woohoo!" while the last note or cymbal is still ringing and ruins the take. If you make a mistake while recording,
don't let it get to you, anything and everything can be fixed with more time. If an entire take is great except
for 1 transition you can usually just fix the transition and keept the rest of the original take. - so don't worry to much.
The Mixing Session:
This is the time when you will be back at home waiting for your cd to be done while
I'm in the studio perfecting the sound of each song as well as editing your performances. Once this process
has reached an almost completed level, the band will return to the studio for a "mixing session" where they can have me alter
the mix in any way they wish. Once a final version is agreed upon, a master copy of the song will be mixed down
and this will be the last chance to get everything sounding exactly right. (listen to everything extremely closely)
After the mixdown there is no going back. Your most important asset in the mixing session is having "fresh ears." Get
a good night's sleep and make sure your ears are rested before the mixing session. Don't listen to loud music that day,
becuase ear fatigue literally does alter your perception of what's your hearing.
Your worst enemy at the mixing session is a short attention span. The number
one mistake bands make when mixing (especially younger bands) is losing interest halfway through mixing the first song, goofing
off for the rest of the mixing session, assuming the engineer will take over and make all of the mixing decisions for them,
then complaining later that the mix isn't what they wanted. Remember that this is YOUR mix - be prepared to sit still
for a long time and hear your songs over and over and over again. Be sure to have at least one trusted member within
the band stay involved during this process in order to represent the band's opinions.
Some Final Things to Remember:
Live sound and recorded sound are two completely different worlds. The sound you
have when you play live will change when you play in a studio. Be open to suggestion if you are new to the studio,
and don't think you have to try a certain complex recording technique just because you read it in Guitar Player that Smashing
Pumpkins used it once. Each song is unique and must be recorded in a fitting way.
The quality of your recording
is directly related to the quality of your instruments. In other words, a crappy drumset or guitar will still sound
like a crappy drumset or guitar no matter how good the engineer or recording equipment. Use the best quality instruments
you can! Drummers, think very hard about purchasing new heads for your set. Especially for toms. Often,
a bass drum or snare drum can easily be improved by the producer, however toms are completely unique to however the drummer
treats them / tunes them.
The quality of your recording is directly related to the quality of your performance.
In other words, don't expect the technology to make something sound fantastic if its badly played. Above all, treat
me, the engineer with respect. My job is to make you sound good - do what you can to make that job easier. Remember
that I have experience with my equipment, placement of mics, and how best to capture the sound. I am completey
open to suggestion at all times, however, please at least trust my opinion when I give it. Be sure to
respect the studio as it's a very large investment on my part. Pay attention to what not to move or touch, when
it is and isn't OK to play or talk, etc. Temper tantrums, rough-housing, drunkenness, and drug use are all unacceptable
behaviors in the studio - seriously.
If you have made
any previous recordings (at a gig, in the house, or at another studio), bring them with you to let me 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's very helpful during mixdown to have
samples of other sounds that you're attempting to emulate.
Finally, before you go into a studio, remember why you're doing it. You may
be making an album that will someday be judged by record executives. Or you may simply be recording
a demo to start off your new band. But no matter the reason, we record music because we're musicians, and
we're passionate about it. So as long as you've prepared yourself, relax. Go into the studio with the intention
of doing your best, and have fun! Here at Unrestrained Studios, I often don't care if we fool around for a while. If
it's appropriate at the time to joke around a bit and waste some time, I don't get mad. Usually, I'll play along.
Why? Cuz when it comes down to it, we're all in that session because we all love music. I don't emphasize
the issue of money as much as I emphasize the issue of respect. I love and respect musicians who influence and
support the local music scene. I ask the during the session, you respect me as well. I aim for a personal
relationship, not necessarily a business one. Your best bet when scheduling your session is to talk to
me and give as many details as possible about what you are trying to accomplish with your recording and about your
needs. No matter what, I'll always try to help.
- Thank you for considering Unrestrained Studios.
