Recording insight
All you need to know about recording in the studio
RECORDING A SONG
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Recording a song can take anything from 15 minutes to a full full week in a studio. It depends on what elements you want to record live. For example, is it just vocals or are there other instruments you want to record for your song. Your ability and how well you’ve rehearsed also determines how long it takes to record.
A perfect vocal track could be minutes or hours. Adding harmonies and recording instruments can also take the better part of a day. There are plenty of other elements to consider, including adding fills and other intricate additions. Don’t forget, mixing and mastering is a whole other process that needs to be and planned for. You can’t expect a song to be recorded instantly so take a look at what else you need to consider.
Source: openmicuk.co.uk
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SINGERS/SOLO ARTISTS RECORDING GUIDELINES
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When a singer or artist wishes to sing over an instrumental or backing track we follow the process below:
Usually the artist will bring their own instrumental or backing track to the studio for us to work with. After warming up, the singer or artist will sing the song through in its entirety. Usually four or five complete "takes" are recorded. Each "take" is listened through and the best versions of the vocals are chosen and pieced together to make one perfect vocal track. The performance is checked to see if any sections need tuning (pitch correction).
Vocal effects are then added: EQ, compression, reverb, echo, etc. Certain sections of the vocal track may also be double-tracked to add depth. Sections may also have extra effects applied where suitable or desired. Finally, the song is mixed and mastered onto CD or to MP3 format.
PREPARATION
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It's important to prepare well for a studio session in order to make the best use of your time in the studio and to get the best out of your session. Ideally, you should have a strong idea of the style of your song and how it should be recorded before you arrive. It is helpful if you can bring with you any reference tracks that you like or tracls which have a similar style to what you are aiming for.
Once you are in the studio the time will pass quickly, so it is important to have a very clear idea of your goals and to be realistic about what can be achieved during the session. If you are working with other musicians it is important that they are aware of the recording goals and also what is required of them, especially in terms of their familiarity with the song arrangements, the instruments required and your recording schedule.
Warming up is important to ensure that your performances are of a high standard from the very beginning. Arrive in good time for your session so you stand the best chance of starting the session off in a relaxed way and achieve your optimum level of performance quickly.
During an extended recording session, ensure that you maintain concentration levels and be sure to eat and drink regularly to keep energy levels up. Avoid foods and drinks with high sugar content as these tend to lead to energy highs and lows - water is best.
