At Upstate Recording Studios in Spartanburg, SC, we want every client to leave feeling proud and happy with their final product. However, time and time again we will record bands that do not accomplish their entire project within the time they have booked in the studio, or bands will love the quality of the recording but hate their own performances. I wanted to take some time and address common mistakes made by bands before and while recording.
1. Learn to play to a metronome: This is the number one issue that will derail a recording session. When multi-tracking a song, each instrument is recorded to a click track. If a single member of your band cannot do this, your final product is going to be filled with timing errors. You need to practice as a band to a metronome. This will drastically improve your live performances on top of making tracking your songs a lot easier. Each member needs to practice their part individually to a metronome. I hear excuses all the time about why bands don’t practice with a metronomes. The most common excuse is, “ I don’t have money to spend on one.” Here’s a tip: Type in metronome into your phones app store and there are a lot of free options. Some of them even have adjustable clicks so you can program it for time signature changes and tempo changes.
2. Know what you are recording: This sounds pointless to talk about. However, I assure you this happens all the time. Each band member should know their part backwards and forwards and any other direction. The band should have the song structure completed. Trying to write new parts, figure out harmonies, second or third guitar parts, extra synth etc., should not be done in the studio. You are then paying 30 plus dollars an hour to have a band practice if you do this. Now, I understand once you get everything recorded, the band might hear something they want added. This is normal. You need to be able to quickly decide as a band if you want the additional part and then quickly compose the additional part. You can always book another day at the studio to finish the odds and ends instead of paying the clock to write new material. This will save you time and money.
3. Maintain your equipment and have spare parts. Any piece of equipment you bring into the studio should be working 100% properly. If your amp has a grounding problem and hums extremely loud, leave it at home. If you guitar pickups short out occasionally, leave it at home. If your snare come loose after playing for a while, leave it at home. You do not want to have a perfect take and have it ruined by faulty gear. Have the gear fixed or leave it at home. Your guitars and basses should have fresh strings. Your drums should have fresh heads. Don’t sacrifice great tone for a seven dollar pack of strings. The band should have plenty of spare parts. Bring extra strings, picks, drum sticks, cables and anything else that can break during recording time.
4. Bring something to do: All bands have ADHD and cannot focus to save their lives. I have played in several of these bands myself. Do not be a distraction to the people who are recording. You don’t want to ruin their take because they cannot focus because there are 5 other people in the room talking. Bring your laptop, IPAD, Frisbee, or Monopoly. Anything to keep you busy. Recording is a long and boring process, when it is not your turn recording. If you are distracting the producer or your band mates, your product is going to suffer.
If you follow these steps, regardless if you choose a recording studio in Greenville, SC or our studio, your time and money is going to be better spent. Your band will end up more successful from having a better sounding recordings. Check out this video of The Dave Project. The Dave Project is just one guy. He is so organized and ready to record, he recorded all the parts for 5 different songs in one day.
