Many artists who finally arrive at the point in their music careers where they get the opportunity to lay down their music in a real studio, are often so overwhelmed by the experience along with the pressure and expectation that comes with it, that they end up underperforming. As a musician, its important to have your first studio sessions go smoothly, both for you professionaly and to produce the best possible music:
– The Tempo – Although this might have come naturally to you so far, learn everything you can and get a feel for what might be the actual tempo of a song and try them out until you settle on one. In order to practice, if you never have before, get a metronome, don’t be disheartned if the initial sessions aer problematic. By practicing you should get a feel for how you the tempo should increase and decrease as the song plays along.
– The start and the end – These are very important. The begining of your song can make all the difference to someone listening to it beyond the first 20 seconds when they hear it. Make a good impression first up. The choices are many but the basics would be decide: Will your song start with the entire band or just a few instruments? Will your song end abruptly or fade out smoothly?
– Headphones – if you are not experienced in playing with headphones on you should spend some time doing it. To play an instrument and sing is one thing, but when the entire output comes directly to you, it can be very disorienting; so from this point onwards, play only with headphones and get used it.
– Guitar Tones – Get an overall idea of the different guitar tones and what you might want for you music. Do not worry about special effects; simply try to figure out what the overall tones should be.
– Know your songs – It is critical, that when it comes to your parts in the songs, be it vocals or instruments, that you know it like the back of your hand. Make sure you can play it on your own, without the band and at rythm and at that point, you will be ready.