Guide To A Great Studio Experience

There’s nothing like hearing your music come to life in the studio! It’s so exciting and fulfilling to share your songs with the world. However, there are some common pitfalls that can make your studio experience less enjoyable. These 10 tips will help you set yourself up for success and have the great studio experience you deserve.

1 - Finish the song before booking the studio.

If you have to stop and rework the lyrics or chords during a session, you risk losing the creative flow, paying for unnecessary studio time, and having to backtrack over the progress you’ve made.

2 - Find the right studio for you.

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all industry. There are many studios to choose from, and some specialize in different genres. So if you want the best experience, take the time to shop around! Meet a few engineers, check out the vibe of their studios, and see how well you would work together. You’ll have an incredible experience if you work with a studio that’s passionate about your unique sound.

3 - Practice, practice, practice.

Practice the song with a metronome so you can record at an even tempo. If you’re in a band, each member should be able to play their part alone. The more polished you are when you come into the studio, the better (and less expensive) your experience will be.

4 - Find some reference tracks.

If possible, give the engineer multiple examples of what you’d like your finished song to sound like. Knowing where you want to end up will make your time in the studio more productive and will help you avoid excessive revisions later on.

5 - Prepare your instrument.

If there’s ever a time when you should want your instrument to sound its best, it’s in the studio. New strings and fresh drumheads will help you get a clean, professional sound. Make sure to bring capos and picks if you need them. Vocalists should be well rested. Drink water and avoid caffeine before the session in order to stay hydrated.

6 - Talk money before the session.

Money is often a stressor, so handle conversations about payment policies and budgets before coming into the studio. That will make it easier to focus on the creative process and enjoy the experience.

7 - Have priorities in mind for your session.

Know what you’d like to work on first, and how long you’d like to spend on it. Don’t worry about following a schedule perfectly, but be organized and have a plan. It will save you time and money.

8 - Be confident.

The best takes are always the ones when the artist gave a confident, energetic performance. The engineer and everything in the studio is there to help you sound your best. So have fun and be confident in your music.

9 - Listen on different platforms.

When the engineer sends you a mix, listen to it on headphones, on your phone, in your car, and anywhere else you can. Every listening platform will sound a little different and you’ll get a better overall idea of the mix and be able to give productive, focused feedback.

10 - Give yourself plenty of time.

The best-case scenario is to finish your project early and have plenty of time to market its release. Many projects haven’t reached their potential because they were pressed against a tight deadline. “If you want to release a Christmas song, start in July.” - Abraham Lincoln, probably.