8 ways to be productive in the studio

Hahaha! I remember my first time in the recording studio. It was fun and also a humbling opportunity for me. I actually got into contact with a mixing engineer who eventually moved to Nashville because he thought he was this big hot shot!

            My second engineer got a Grammy award nomination.

Anyways, let’s get started with the different ways that you can be productive in the recording studio.

Prepare everything ahead of time

            If you’re trying to record a song, then it would be best that you get to the recording studio prepared.

            Have your song already written and be well rehearsed to perform that song.

            You are going to be asked to sing the song a whole bunch of times so be prepared for that.

            You will also be asked to play your instrument in varying degrees, so also be prepared for that.

            I remember a few times I have recorded some songs and the engineer will look at me and say to me, alright now it’s time for some back-up vocals and layering on the guitar.

            I wasn’t prepared at the time to deliver these things so I didn’t know how to do it.

            It went fine because the songs were good either way.

Look up different things that you can do to make your song sound better

            From mixing techniques to recording styles, there are a wide variety of things that you can do that are simple and would maximize your recording money and efforts.

            The first time that I ever learned what layering was, I was shocked at how Music could simply sound so good with just a few minor tweaks in the production part of the recording process.

            I also saw how good voice layerings are if you stack them on top of each other.

            I also started to learn how to make background vocals. To me, it’s a little difficult having to sing background vocals, but that’s because I haven’t done it in a long time. However, I know that with practice, it will get easier.

Prepare to be creative in the studio

            I heard just recently from an engineer that there is always something cool about being creative in the studio.

            It’s true that you have to be creative everywhere that you go, however, in the creative process, it’s especially important to be resourceful with the tools that you are given.

            Like, the last time that I went to a recording studio, we sort of made up a thing where we can record the song first and then record the other two parts separately. However, we did it in a way that kept the bleeding from the tracks out, I can’t explain it but we did it so cool and it only took an hour to do.

Have your producer on hand

            I know that us songwriters often times only have ourselves to work with, however, when you’re making a full length studio album, I think that it’s best to have your producer on hand to guide you through some of the songwriting process.

            A good producer can help you to write songs, he can literally help you to make up lyrics. A good producer can take your music places. Places that you’ve never seen!

            I know that there are a lot of people out there who might not have the resources to hire a producer, however, if you’re serious about it, you’ll find a way to get a producer.

Have a reference track ready

            A reference track, is a song that is mixed and mastered professionally and you can refer to so that way you have an idea as to how you want your music to sound like.

            Having this reference track is important because you will have a base as to what your music will sound like.

            I did not know anything about reference tracks back when I first started to write songs, however, I learned what they were and I figured that it is as a matter of fact a good thing to have before you set foot in the studio.

            When picking out a reference track, pick something that is within your niche. If you’re a Rock artist, pick something Rock, don’t go for that pop song because the two are mixed very differently and will shape how your song should sound like.

Have a way to market your songs at hand

            When I first started to record my music, I didn’t have any way to market them. I knew that I had talent and I knew that I could get the job done and good too. However, I didn’t have the business mindset to help me to make my dreams come true.

            Everyone starts off small. Therefore, our first album or EP needs to have sold very little as well. Why not sell it to our biggest fans that we have? Our friends?

            I actually started this blog about a year and a few months ago and now I’m starting to gain followers and views. I know it’s a long journey, but I know that I can do it if I just keep at it.

            So, start a YouTube channel or a blog and just keep putting up content and you will gain more followers.

A studio isn’t that expensive, but just work with what you have and work hard at it

            Some artist, primarily those millionaires with a recording contract, can afford to spend a whole lot of money on the studio.

            And I’m not going to lie it’s not that cheap either to go into the studio.

            But when all you have is a few hundred dollars and a passion to play, why not spend money on doing something that you absolutely love?

            So, you don’t have to spend big hours in the studio to sound good. If you do and it’s early in your career then you’re probably doing something wrong. The best of the best can do with the least, remember that.

Record only your best

            I get it, you want to record every single song that you’ve ever wrote. However, I don’t think that it’s the best way to get your money’s worth.

            Before going out to record your songs, ask around and see if people like your music.

            Show everyone on the guitar or on a beat just what you are all about.

            Only record your best because if people see that you are putting out things that just don’t sound good, then that’s worse for you.

            It’s not good to put out bad content.

Broadcast

            I hope that I have inspired some people to start their music career. If you have any other questions regarding music, please leave it in the comments below. If you want to get to know God, please feel free to contact me. If you want to go to heaven, then believe in Jesus and you will go to heaven.

            Thank you all for listening in on this blog post. I hope that I have been an inspiration and a hope to you all. Please pray, read your bible, go to church, and love God above all else. Like, comment, share, subscribe and I will see you all next time. German Gonzalez, signing out!