5 Ways to improve your recording sessions

Whilst summer is making it's belated (and presumably short) appearance, in the music world, festival season is in full swing. It's no secret that we've been championing the idea of recording some live tracks, so that the throngs of festival fans can take your music home with them, long after you've rocked the stage. 

Great idea you say! But what if everyone else has done it? Well, we've put together a few helpful tips, based on previous experience and first hand knowledge, to help you get the best out of your recording session and stand out among the vast diversity of talent out there...

#1 Make sure everyone knows the song

Sounds simple, when you go in as a band, you all know the song you're going to play, right? You would be amazed at the number of people that only know 'their bit', whether it's the bassist just plodding away on his own, or the lead guitarist melting people's faces a verse too early with the solos.

When you come into the studio, make sure everyone is confident with the tracks, that every single timing change, every single stop, start, chord change and solo is exact. The best way to do this (again, it seems straightforward) is to work on the one or two tracks in rehearsal until you're all happy with what you, and the others, are supposed to be doing. After all, if you work it out during recording, it's costing you money!

#2 Is the equipment as good as the band?

So you've spent days, weeks, even months preparing for this studio visit, you can all play with your eyes shut. But what's that fizzing on the finished tracks? Why does that snare sound like a half eaten tin of sardines? 

You don't need to spend loads on equipment, how's about making sure your drum kit is tuned up (incidentally, we'll be covering this in the future), or get some fresh strings on your guitar. All the mixing in the world won't get rid of dodgy kit.

#3 Don't cram it all in

We aren't just saying this because we run a studio. Honestly, it's always best to come out with one song that's amazing, rather than four that are 'meh'.

If the drummer falls asleep half way through, re-do it. If the bass player decides to add the theme tune to Hollyoaks in the middle, re-do it. We're not saying the studio can't help, but you get out what you put in. If you put in good takes, as well as clear concise feedback during mixing, you're going to be happier with what you've got.

None of that is possible, if you have to say; 'that take'll do, we've got to be out in half an hour'.

#4 Are you all singing off the same hymn sheet?

Do you want your new recordings to sound like the latest Queens of the Stone Age album, or Las Ketchup- The Ketchup Song? More importantly, does the studio know? One of the best things to do is send the recording studio a few examples of what you're trying to achieve. Don't expect them to have heard that B Side of the Japanese metal band you found on holiday in Mexico. 

Once everyone is trying to get to the same finish line, it should be much easier. The studio can try different set-ups, different rooms and different techniques in order to give you what you want.

#5 Enjoy the vibe

Obviously you need professionalism, a bit of focus works wonders in the studio when your all working together. But don't forget, all the greatest songs were created when people 'bounce' off each other. Enjoy your studio session, use it to get your creativity going, it'll definitely come through in the finished output.

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