Exploring Pre-Production (Things to do in Preparation for a Recording Studio Session)

Sound and Recording
B. Thomas Cooper
Editor

As we have touched on in previous articles, properly preparing for a studio recording session is unlike preparing for a live gig. Each present a unique set of variables, both which we desire to attain at least some degree of understanding, and perhaps eventually even mastery.

A band should be well rehearsed before entering the studio. Know your material well. Work on getting your lyrics down straight and your parts as tight as possible. Take some time to define the melodies and any harmonies. Be sure the drummer and bass player are playing in the pocket.

As a staff producer for the world famous Power Station Studios, I quickly gained a reputation for pushing the song, rather than the players. Divorce yourself from your ego and play for the song. This is what the great one’s do best, and they do it instinctively.

I strongly suggest recording rehearsal whenever possible. I also suggest you get in the habit of playing along to a click track, or metronome sooner rather than later. Being in my late forties, I’ve heard every stupid excuse imaginable for not playing to a click track. My advise? Get over it!

There are other considerations. How familiar are the musicians with playing with headphones? Different music requires radically different headphone mixes. This alone can determine whether the session is a success or a failure, and is far too often overlooked.

On occasion, young bands would show up at the studio with a record deal, but no drumsticks or guitar strings. Needless to say, these bands had not been doing any serious pre-production. Show up prepared. If your drummer needs new drum heads, by all means, buy them. Procure extra strings, and rehearse. It is not a crime to relax before a session, but don’t over party. The studio is your chance to shine, through your recordings, rather than in spite of them.