Planning a recording

Preparing for recording: Choose a band whose music is interesting. How do you do that? Go to a gig Listen to any existing Myspace recordings Listen to them practice Chat to them Word of mouth…

Organising a band Plan and make notes: Get or mobile numbers Plan in writing - Practice times Recording dates Mixing dates So that there are no misunderstandings

Working with a band 1 Take some time to get to know the band If you can generate a rapport - nice atmosphere in the recording Musicians feel more at ease Better quality performance

Working with a band 2 Quality over quantity: Choose 1 song they’ll play well Try to get a demo recording Helps you to learn the structure Get a feel for the attitude of the song Guide the band with possible changes in arrangement Help you specify equipment is required to record Glean whether live or overdub recording is required

Working with a band 3 Help the band maximise their recording Suggest that they practice to a click This will tighten up the whole band’s playing It’ll make editing easier - Grid Mode Addition of MIDI will be easier - Quantise can be used It helps to focus the musicians on the song - (Over fussy stuff tends to be removed)

Working with a band 4 Practice and planning The band need to be well practiced They have little time in the studio They must be completely happy with the structure They need to note any Tempo/ meter changes They should think about taking advantage of the studio: Vocal arrangements/ guitar doubling/ snare overdubs

Working with a band 5 Production planning The band need to explain how they want to sound Encourage them to: Make mix CDs of their favorite artists Write notes about the song and how it should sound Inform you of / invite you to band meetings Keep them mindful of constraints…

Working with a band 6 Care of musicians / instruments Recording will sound as good as the instrument/ player Advise band to maintain kit - WD40 on pedals Change strings - will sound more vibrant Re-skin as much of drum kit as possible Band should come to session ‘clean’ Singer to stay off fags/milk products - problems with phlegm Bring KIT with them

Before the Session If well planned - should run smoothly Plan order of recording (if overdubing) Hire all kit you’ll need Set up as much as possible before band arrive Test leads for faults Lay out acoustic screens as needed Make a ‘No entry’ sign for live room Safety is paramount

During the Session Be professional and have fun Relax - puts band at ease Bands can be snappy - nerves Listen to band and advise S**t happens - keep your head don’t panic Take breaks Recording protocol - Press Record first, then thumbs up Don’t press stop until band says so Save often - often saved

During the Session… Keep records Take a note pad :- Make any session notes you need Note what worked and what didn’t Use drawings of microphone positions Note where mics are plugged in etc

At the Session end BACK UP THE SESSION Back up the work on to DVD/ Memory stick Tidy up Return stock to cupboard