Make Home Recording Studio Sessions Easy
So you’ve invested your blood, sweat, and tears (not to mention a few bucks) into your studio. The workspace is clean, the equipment is checked, and you’re ready to rock… or are you? This article will show you how to make home recording studio sessions easy.
First, let’s talk about preparation. Just because you may be recording from a garage, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take every session seriously. If your goal is to become a star, treat your sessions like that from the very beginning. Set a time to begin recording and stick to it. Write out a clear plan for what you will accomplish in the session and make sure all participants have a copy. All the instruments and amplifiers that will be used should be in perfect working order and there should be spares if possible.
Designate a producer. I cannot overstate the importance of this. The producer is the director and will make the final decisions on the project. There are so many variables and possibilities in the recording process that without a clear leader, a project will quickly stall. Make sure all members are on board from the beginning and things will go much smoother.
Now let’s cover some quick etiquette. The golden rule here is that if you wouldn’t do something in a professional studio that you’re paying $300 per hour, you don’t do it in your home studio. One of my personal pet peeves is when artists set food or drinks on the console. Nothing will screw up a session quicker than frying your amp with a 44 ounce thirstbuster! It’s a given that long hours in the studio are going to require some breaks, just make sure It’s clear where they should be taken. While we’re talking about refreshments, I’d like to mention alcohol and drugs. If you’ve watched MTV at all, it’s probably easy to believe that bottles of Grey Goose are as essential to the recording process as a good microphone. I hate to break it to you, but this just isn’t the case. Very few professional recording artists allow drugs or alcohol in their studios. Whatever you decide on this matter, set a policy and stick to it.
Okay, so you’ve come prepared, designated a producer, and left the chulupas in the kitchen. Once you’re in session, let the creative juices flow. Have a plan for what you want to accomplish but use it as a guide. If everyone is in the zone and creating great music, the worst thing you can do is stop because it’s time to start mixing. Keep recording and get all the raw material you can.
At the end of the session, take a minute to go over the day. Get everyone’s input and take notes on any changes to be made to the set up. It’s important to get this information now, while it’s fresh on everyone’s mind. This is also a good time to plan out the next session so everyone is on the same page.
Finally, go out and have some fun! You’ve earned it!
