Would you not like to make a dashing impression on a studio, entering for the first time? Of course you would. Who doesn't?
'What's the big deal? It's just a studio." You might say. Well, it isn't. A first time studio experience can be devastating if you can't handle it properly. However, it can also be a great experience, if you know some 'tricks of the trade'. Here I'd like to share five such crucial tips which will help you have a good time at the studio, while also making a good impression.
1. Playing with a metronome. We all don't really care about that 'tick - tick' sound of a metronome, do we? Such apathy pays a great price while in the studio. Since everything has to be precise and perfect for your song, the timing is the first thing you need to get right.
Believe me, the timing will fuck you up. It might seem easy to play or sing on time while practicing, but the precise timing is hard to get. There will be somewhere where you'll rush or drag (see the movie Whiplash to get the concept clearly). And you cannot compromise on that. You have to get it right. You do it again and again until you do.
So I'd suggest, if you're thinking if recording a song, better get used to a metronome. There is nothing more frustrating than playing the same thing over and over again, just because you couldn't time it correctly.
Here's a good list of metronome apps.
2. Sharps and flats. This applies to vocalists. While your voice may be perfectly smooth and always getting the right pitch, it doesn't pay off in the studio. Even a hint of a sharp or flat note can ruin a song. You have no choice; you have to sing what the song demands, with a consummate touch at each and every detail.
There will always be points where you'll go sharp or flat. Believe me, it's embarrassing to hear your own voice on a huge studio monitor, and even more when you've sung differently. While there is no definitive escape from the enemy of sharps and flats (except constant practice and experience), there are some ways in which you can minimise them.
The most important one is to pay attention to the notes you're singing while you practice. Always be aware of what you're singing, and whether you're singing it correctly. Don't just focus on the pitch, focus on getting wat you're singing right, in terms of notes. This will at least create a habit and you'll be aware of your notes.
Also, you should do vocal exercises. Plenty of them are available on YouTube. Warming up before a session is very efficient in getting the notes right, and also singing for a longer period of time.
3. Attention to detail. These three words can be said as the epitome of a studio. I've emphasised before, but I'll be saying it again - everything needs to be precise. Just like every moment in life matters, every second in a song matters. It has to be closest to perfection.
Since studio is for delivering a song, the perfection demanded there will be of delivery. So brush your techniques, your timing, your pitch, and everything else that matters in a song, because you'll need every ounce of those.
4. Proper tone. I've seen many, who are awesome players but have no knowledge of tone. If you are one of those, change that! The output should correspond to the input you're giving. Tone determines your output.
A studio will offer you a variety of choices, but like every other art, a tone is unique for everyone. If you delve a little deeper, you'll soon begin to realise what kind of tone you like. And if that same kind doesn't come out in your song, you'll be disappointed.
Make your tone properly, giving it a lot of time, tweaking here and there until it comes out right, before you enter the studio. Buy the pedals and amps that give you the 'right' tone. It's not an expense, it's an investment. You'll be much more comfortable with it, and the studio engineer will also be impressed, seeing that you've done your homework.
5. No Compromise on Quality. Musicians often get intimidated at the huge pressure of doing things perfectly, that they let go of some of the parts. This is precisely what you shouldn't do.
Producers will sometimes be irritated, and say that a certain piece will sound 'good enough'. Never settle for it. Take your time, pay more if you have to, but do not compromise on the quality of your song. Trust me, you'll regret it later if you do.
Also, keep reminding the engineer about how do you want the mix. The mix determines how the output will be. It will be a sad situation if you've given your best but the song isn't sounding good because of bad mixing.
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