Preparation Is The Key

Preparing for your session at the recording studio will help keep the workflow organized. More importantly, it will save you money. The old saying, “practice makes perfect”, is especially true when it comes to getting ready to record your latest tunes at a professional recording studio. 

Here are 7 things to consider prior to your studio session:

1.Try to memorize your song lyrics.

Even if you bring them with you to the studio, knowing your tunes by heart will improve your delivery and overall performance.

2. Show up with your song and lyrics completed.

Make sure that you are finished writing your song(s) before your scheduled recording session. A song typically includes, at a minimum, verses and a hook/chorus. Even if you don’t have a bridge, or know what one is, be sure that your songs have verses and hooks. Trying to finish your lyrics at the studio will take time away from the actual recording. And, in the recording studio, time is money.

3. Show up sober to your recording studio session.

Alcohol and drugs tend to impair one’s ability to focus, operate in a professional manner, and gauge the quality of a recorded performance. While these vices might be common at some recording studios, it’s probably not wise to try to record when you’re drunk or stoned.

4. Meet up with your entourage after your recording studio session. Don’t bring them to the studio.

While it can be a cool ‘scene’ in the studio, you’re there to get a job done. Treat your recording experience with the same amount of professionalism, discipline, and integrity as you treat your day job. Again, time is money. Believe us when we say that bringing non-essential parties to your recording studio session will only hinder progress and cost you in the long run.

5. If you’re singing, rapping, or performing to an instrumental, bring a copy of the instrumental on a flash drive or CD.

This is important. Don’t use your studio time to play an instrumental off your smart phone, or have the audio engineer try to download it from YouTube or your email. Your instrumental is your responsibility. Bring it with you. If need be, bring two copies.

6. Be on time to your recording studio session.

When you operate in a professional manner, you tend to get professional results. Punctuality is a true sign of professionalism. On top of this, starting your session on time will allow you to maximize the total hours that you booked. If you are going to be late, call the studio to let them know. And, realize that your tardiness will count against your total session time. Don’t expect the recording studio to give you more time on the back end to compensate for your lateness.

These are just a few key factors to think about after you’ve booked your studio session and you’re counting down to your recording date. Professional recording studio session rates can vary. Whether your session costs are in the $40 range, or in excess of $100 per hour, preparing before hand will ensure that you’re at your peak performance capabilities, the session workflow is smooth, and that you are managing your studio budget wisely.