Frequently asked questions

How can we best prepare?

Rehearsing prior to recording

Learn your songs, and practice, practice, practice. Invest in some type of recorder to get down ideas and record the band during rehearsals. Get the singers to learn their backing vocals by singing along with the lead parts, instead of trying to learn them on the spot in the studio. Break each song down into small parts and make sure that you’ve got it all down pat, and you’ll find that the studio session will go much faster.
Remember that rehearsing for the recording studio is not like rehearsing for a live gig. You will be stuck with this recorded performance and sound until the next time you record, which may be a long time, so you had better be able to play your parts right every single time. The studio is not the place for ad-libbing or going off on tangents, unless you can afford to spend a lot more time and money. If you are a solo artist who plans on using studio musicians, make sure you have a very clear idea of what you want each musician to play. Have all of your lyrics written out or typed up with chord changes, and make extra copies for everyone who will be in the studio.
Record your guitar / vocals, keyboard / vocals, or whatever, and then use that recording to work up any backing vocals. Continue to practice the backing vocals so that you can lay your parts down very quickly. I can’t tell you how many times backing vocals have taken way too long because the singer wasn’t prepared, which just ended up costing more money.

Bring along CD’s of the sound your band is looking for. This will help the engineer in getting the required production/sound from the recording session.

Equipment

If you are in a band, make sure that everyone knows his individual parts perfectly. Print out all lyrics with chord changes, and make sure you have extras for the engineer and/or producer. Also make sure that all of your equipment is in the best shape possible. If your drummer needs new drumheads, change them and get them tuned to everyone’s satisfaction before you get to the studio. Take care of any extraneous rings, squeaks in the drum pedal, or unwanted sounds on the entire kit. Have your drummer play the entire kit, and walk around it listening very closely for any unwanted sounds that could end up on the recording.
All guitars will need new strings and time to stretch, so make sure that’s done before you get to the studio. Don’t forget your tuner, and figure out beforehand whether you are all going to record all songs at A-440. If your guitar player is going to use alternate tunings, consider bringing an extra guitar with fresh strings to save time. If your guitar player’s amp or effects boxes are making a lot of noise, that will be recorded, so get it fixed before you get in the studio. Bring extra guitar cables to take care of any hums, as well as extra fuses, batteries, or any other necessity that may go on the blink. You don’t want to have to stop a session just because your gear isn’t working like it should.

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