When you’re finally ready to start recording tracks, and you book studio time, it’s easy to think you’ll have plenty of time to get everything done. However, once you’re in the booth, time starts to slip right out of the window. In order to maximize your studio time, you need to come in prepared and make sure everyone on your team is on the same page.
Be Ready to Record
You should be 100% prepared to lay down whatever tracks you want to record. As part of this, every part of the track should be finalized. What is the bassist playing? What is the guitar part? Do the people singing harmony know what melody you’re singing? You should not plan to rehearse and record on the fly. Instead, you should enter the studio with everything finalized and ready to record.
Be Realistic
If all of your songs are 5 minutes and you’re recording 10 of them, 60 minutes will be enough studio time, right? No way! You should always set realistic goals for your studio time. Choose a track or two at a time for each day. Many bands and artists think that recording songs is easier than it is, so you should frame your expectations realistically and with help from the studio. A single, 3-minute song could take hours to record.
Prepare Your Instruments
Every instrument that you are going to use, including your voice, should be in the best possible shape before you start the recording session. If you need to change your guitar strings, do it a week or two before the studio time so that they stay in tune. You should complete any vocal warm-ups before you enter the studio as well.
Designate a Time Manager
Staying on top of time limits is critical once the studio door shuts. While your sound engineer can help you manage time, you should also have a designated band member who will keep track of how much time has passed and how much is left. Wasting time re-recording the same lines over and over again is easy. Work together to stay on track so that you get the most out of your studio time.
Work with the Professionals at ECHE Music
At ECHE Music, we are dedicated to helping independent Christian recording artists build their fanbase, promote their music effectively and learn the business of music. To join our community, please visit our website.