The first step to making a studio recording, is to be sure the band is very well rehearsed! Plan the arrangements of each song to be recorded before you get to the studio. There's nothing worse than a band getting into the studio and arguing whether there is a chorus or a double chorus after the solo. The more rehearsal time you put in before the recording, the easier the recording will go. There will already be enough pressure at the session, considering what you will be paying for the service, so it's best to have the song's technical aspects together so the band can have fun with the tunes. If the band is uptight and concentrating on chord changes, it will show in the recorded performance.

Prior to your session...

 

Setup tempos for ALL songs and try to get accustomed to playing with a click track, if you need to. The basic tracks you lay down the first day will be the foundation of your work. They should be solid and express the same feeling you try to evoke in a live performance situation. A live band should convey energy and excitement. If there are a couple of mistakes, they can be fixed. The overall feel of the track is what is most important. Without the feel, the listener has no attachment, or hook, into the song.

 

One of the biggest mistakes I have seen in the studio is the band underestimating the time necessary to cut basic tracks. If you are cutting multiple songs, try to work out a lock-out rate with the studio for several days. This way, when you get tired, you can go home and get some rest. You can leave your gear setup and return the next day refreshed. If you try to push yourself too far, you most certainly will get diminishing returns. People naturally get tired and your ears will get burned out if you are listening for twelve hours at a time. (Mine too!) Also be sure to eat some food, you need energy.

 

Remember, when you are in the studio, everything is viewed under a microscope. It may seem as though the production team is nit picking at every mistake, but they are just trying to help create the best possible product. Don't take offense, be thankful somebody cares.

 

If you are recording to shop to labels or clubs, they expect a decent quality. Demos that are being handed in these days are "CD" quality. Also don't misunderstand what a "demo" is. For a "demo" you DON'T need complete songs. 30 to 45 seconds of 3-5 songs is all you need. This is typically all a hiring manager or venue manager will listen to anyway. Spending days on making complete cuts of 3-5 songs can get expensive, so be aware of this fact. Many studios will steer you wrong on this just to get more of your cash. The final decision on what you want is always yours, but for a "demo" that you're going to use to get work, you don't need as much as you might think.

 

Lastly, bring a still camera and/or a video camera. This will be a time you will want to remember. You may be able to use some footage for the music video! You can also prove to your friends and family just how complex recording music really is.