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Print this page Print Version Before the session

This can be an intimidating and stressful environment if you haven't had much experience in a studio. It's likely you are paying for the studio and the engineer and that you haven't had much experience of studios. You could be a great guitarist without knowing one end of a fader from the other.

But the main thing to remember is that these are your songs that are being recorded and you are paying for it yourself. So you will be stuck with the results for a long time.

Time is money in a studio and there will come a point when you will have to stop and live with what you've got. Preparation will help you make the most of that time. If you have planned and thought out how you want your songs to sound then you've more chance of getting a good quality recording the way you wanted it and not something you didn't. Plus you'll have more fun and be more relaxed during the session.

Make sure you know your tunes - backwards.

Before you go into the studio:

Check everything is working properly and there are no extraneous buzzes or rattles from loose parts, dodgy connections on keyboards or squeaky bass drum pedals and sort them out before you go. These will often pick up on microphones even if you don't notice them while you're playing. Don't pay studio time while you sort it out. It'll help keep the session flowing, too.

Make sure you have a good supply of spare guitar strings, batteries, drumsticks and other disposable items. Again, it'll cost you time and break the flow of the session if you have to stop and ask directions to a local music shop when you pop a string.

It can be a good idea to use the best amps, keyboards, samplers and stuff so if you can borrow them then great. Just read the manuals and get familiar with them before you get to the studio.

Choose a couple of sounds that might work and make a note of how to get them - you may find that a sound that seems perfect isn't so great when you hear it in the context of the tune, so give yourself a choice.

Make sure you know your tunes - backwards. The more familiar you are with the music, the more you can concentrate on performing it and the less time you'll waste getting it right when you record it.

Work out harmonies, backing vocals and extra keyboard or string parts before you get into the studio. This will save lots of time. Do it in the lounge in your leisure rather than in the studio with the meter running. See if you can record your act on a ghetto blaster or four-track (if you have one) in a rehearsal room and then try out the extra parts at home by playing along with the recording.

If the studio is new to you ask if you can visit it before your session. This will give you a chance to familiarise yourself with the space and also talk to the engineer and let them know what you want to do. Find out what other equipment you might need, get an idea of the person you will be working with and get an idea of what else might be possible in your session. This will help with your preparation.

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