The answer is: ....... practice, practice, practice.
Analog recording is a winner take all endeavor. Unlike digital, where you might nudge a kick, bump a track or replace an entire drum set, analog requires the performance.
The whole analog ethos is its ability to capture the very human experience of musicians making music. It all boils down to you, your chops, your tone and your commitment to your performances. During the course of an analog recording session, production decisions are often made because you simply don't have unlimited tracks. In my humble opinion the phrase "less is more" is a truism that applies in an analog session. You can have virtually unlimited takes and punch-ins, but, at what price?. Overdubs and punch-ins are no problem. But the vibe of the song is better served by focused performances. But before any of this becomes an issue, remember above all, its your music and your vision.
Music first.
Ok, I'm going to get off my soapbox now, and try to offer some insights and helpful tips.
1. Please be prompt.
2. Please remember to turn off your cell phones and gadgets.
3. If you have a producer, cool. But, keep your posse to a minimum. The session is a time to focus on your music and performance. Save your act for the stage.
As singers, you have a lot on your plate. Your performance carries the message, the emotion and the connection of the song to your listener. Yours is the first point of contact with most listeners. Hopefully, some of the following tips will help you with the session.
1. Be rested and rehearsed.
2. Warm up. Whatever your personal exercise is .......(scales, phrases or even running for that matter)........ Whatever helps you to prep for your performance in the studio. Just do it.
3. Bring extra copies of the lyrics........just in case your brain takes an unexpected holiday.............it happens.
4. Avoid wearing loose jewelry, loose keys or anything that makes noise.
5. It's advisable to wear comfortable (non synthetic) clothing as some synthetic fabrics can make a rustling noise under the scrutiny of a microphone.
6. If you have a vocal coach, try to book some time with him or her for a refresher session in the days before the actual recording session. It helps to sharpen your skills and your focus.
Not all guitars are created equal. And not all guitars work well in a recording environment. So.....Check out the tips.
1. Bring extra sets of strings and an extra strap......just in case.
2. Bring extra batteries for your stomp boxes and (in some cases) your instrument.
3. Bring extra cords.....they have a nasty habit of breaking or becoming noisy just.... because ......its recording day
4. This tip is important !!! Have your guitar(s) setup by a reputable tech. Tell them that you are going to be recording with it. Have them replace the strings, set the intonation and action. If possible have them check the electronics.....microphonic pickups, scratchy pots or intermittent switches are a real buzz kill in a session.
5. For your amp, try to bring extra tubes.......face it.....when it comes to amps......shit happens.
You're probably playing a synth. So the tips are simple.
1. If you can, bring program backups .......... just in case a program picks the day of the session to flake out or go missing.
2. Bring extra cords.
3. Don't forget your pedals and stand. Yup, I know.......but I've seen it before.
Your job, in my humble opinion, is among the most demanding. The success of the recording session relies on your ability to maintain the meter, execute your performance and support the continuity of the song(s) for the entire project. Not to mention your band mates. Yours are usually the first tracks to be recorded and they have to be spot on since everything else is built on your effort. Hopefully some of my tips will help.
1. Bring extra sticks (and sticks of various grades) to the session. You never know when a lighter touch will make a big difference.
2. Bring an extra batter head for your snare. Accidents happen. I've seen brand new heads fail.
3. While tuning your kit, check its general condition. Listen for squeaks and rattles or things that go bump in the night. Nothing kills a session quicker than a kit in a poor state of repair. Unless thats your thing. Remember there are a bunch of microphones on and around your kit. And each mic is like a audio microscope and they will pickup all the sounds including noises.
4. The 3 R's. Be rehearsed, rested and relaxed. Try to get a goodnights sleep. Its a small thing, but it can make a big difference.
ATTITUDE IS ALTITUDE
As the story goes, During the recording of Sgt. Peppers, Ringo was asked about the sessions since his were the the first tracks to be completed. He was quoted as saying that during the recording of the album............he learned how to play chess.
