The session
Introduction
Due to its cost, gaining a lot of recording experience can be expensive.
As a result, a lot of artists can get very nervous when it's their turn to lace the track. This section helps you avoid that!
Read on for:
The Engineer
Nerves
Mistakes
Taking control
"Just try and have fun."
Bushkin
Heartless Crew
The Engineer
Sound engineers can be notoriously difficult to get along with.
They work long hours and don't always get paid for them all!
Plus they think they're geniuses (only joking!).
Seriously though, the main thing to remember is that without good communication between you and them, no track will get created.
Keep things friendly but at the same time, if you feel them taking over and not working to your instruction maybe a gentle reminder that you're paying your hard earned might be in order.
If there's a particular track that you like and you want to get a similar sound, bring along the CD or vinyl for the engineer to use as a reference.
It's better than trying to describe it to them while the clock's ticking or having them spend time trying to give you what you want but ending up with the wrong feel.
You'll lose confidence in their abilities and they'll think you don't know what you want.
"Find an engineer you can communicate with."
Jaimeson
Producer
Nerves
Nerves can affect even the most experienced vocalists and musicians in a studio environment. Fact.
Remember though, a bit of adrenaline can be vital for a great take so an excited feeling is nothing to fear but if you find yourself getting really nervous just take a little break and try and chill out for a couple of minutes.
Sometimes doing a bit of aerobic exercise can help you to focus again so try loosening up your shoulders or shaking out your arms and legs.
If your nerves are due to other people watching you just remember that if you want to make it in this industry you're going to have to get used to sharing your talents with an audience, otherwise your track isn't going to get signed.
"Remember that you're making music and it's supposed to be fun. No one's ever gone to prison for a bad vocal."
Paul Burns
Studio 64
Middlesbrough
Mistakes
Nobody's perfect and in a pressure situation mistakes do get made.
If you know you've made a mistake or you feel that you can do better don't be shy about it.
It could be only a couple of lyrics out of a whole verse that you messed up and if that's the case it's not going to be a problem.
"Punching in" is a common technique where instead of voicing the whole thing again, the engineer just records you doing the bits you need and edits them so they sit seamlessly into the finished verse.
It's better to do 20 takes of a troublesome lyric than just ignore the mistake and hope that other instruments will mask it or that no one will hear it.
"The old trick is to say 'no one'll notice that in the mix.' Well if you can't hear it in the mix, what's it doing there in the first place?"
Paul Burns
Studio 64
Middlesbrough
Taking Control
This is your time and you're paying for the privilege so make sure that you're happy.
That goes for the instrument sounds like basses, pianos, guitars, strings, everything. When you record your vocals make sure the mix in the headphones is right for you.
Are you happy with the FX being used? If not, say something. You'll only wish you had later on.
Although it's always good to want to expand your knowledge about the different elements of the studio, while you're paying for the session it's better to concentrate on your job and leave the engineer to do theirs.
This way you'll both be 100% focussed on what you're supposed to be doing.
"You're going there to get a result that you're happy with. That's the most important thing."
Guy Massey
Engineer
Abbey Road Studios
More... from How to...
Make the most of the mix
http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/1xmusic/recording/mixp01.shtml
Mastering
http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/1xmusic/recording/masteringp01.shtml
Press CDs
http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/1xmusic/distribution/cdsp01.shtml
Press vinyl
http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/1xmusic/distribution/vinylp01.shtml
(c) BBC 1Xtra 1XMusic 2006
