by Jon Goad
If you want to make the most of a recording session, remember these four simple tips:
- Bring Your Equipment
- Maintain Your Equipment
- Practice in Advance
- Bring Printed Materials
Tip # 1: Bring Your Equipment
Be sure that you bring all the necessary equipment that you’ll need for the session. This includes instruments, amps, cables, extra strings, sticks, music stands, etc. Don’t assume that the studio will have an extra Sitar laying around for you to use on your song. As a rule, unless you’ve confirmed in advance with the studio, play it safe and bring it with you.
Tip # 2: Maintain Your Equipment
Be sure that your instrument is in good condition before the session. This includes tuning or replacing old drum heads, guitar and bass strings, tightening loose nuts and bolts, lubricating moving parts (such as kick drum pedals), etc. Some of those squeaky parts may not create problems when playing a live show, but they could ruin a great take in the studio.
Tip # 3: Practice in Advance
Practice, practice, practice! All band members should have all of their parts worked out in advance. If not, you’re going to waste valuable time (and money) in the studio making decisions that should have been made ahead of time.
Tip # 4: Bring Printed Materials
Bring printed copies of lyrics, lead sheets, etc. for the musicians and singers to refer to when recording. Even if you think the singer has all of the lyrics memorized, bring printed copies. Also, if the songwriter is not the singer, you may find out that what the singer sings is different from what the songwriter originally wrote.
In conclusion, remember the old Boy Scout motto: be prepared! It will save you valuable time and money in the studio.