Recording Artist Advocate: Get the most out of your time in the recording studio

Owning a commercial recording studio, I want to bill as many hours as I can. This isn’t a hobby.

But I consider myself an advocate for the Artist recording with me, so I hate to see you waste time and money. I also don’t want you resenting me when you pay, feeling you didn’t get your money’s worth.

So, how do you get the most out of your time in the recording studio?

The main thing is to come to the studio ready to perform. Have your songs practiced up and your instruments ready. Guitar slingers need to have extra strings. A drummer needs good heads and at least a drum key. Don’t be the guy who says, “Yea, I’ve been needing to change the tubes in my amp for a while now.” Or the drummer who admits his snare sounds dead but says, “I thought you would replace those hits anyway.”  You pay for all that time fixing those tracks.

Session players always have a note pad and pens so they can chart or make notes. Do the same for last minute changes and improvements.

All day sessions will wear you out if you don’t bring snacks. Also bring plenty of water. By the time you’re thirsty you are already getting dehydrated. There is a lot of talk about pineapple juice being good for your vocal chords. Honey and whiskey can open up a vocal too. I’ve seen it.

We have a kitchen/dining room so the rest of the band can take a break while vocals are being re-sung, or a solo is perfected. Some of the best times have been around that table hearing stories.

If you have the money to use the studio as a practice space, that’s great… fantastic even. Some artists work that way and turn out amazing records. But if you’re like most folks I know, come ready to capture your music in its best form. Let’s show the world what you have to say and make it sound as good as your favorite bands… maybe better.