Recording....nerves.....it's been a while...

[SquadLeader]

It's like around 15 years since I was in a recording studio and back then it was a student one at UMIST.
The stakes are a bit higher tomorrow as a) it is costing the band A LOT and b) it's for the album we intend to release in the new year, professionally and all that, with proper promotion.
I'm pretty nerveless when it comes to gigging...got one tonight in fact....looking forward to it immensely.
But tomorrow, the recording, I'm really concerned about.

So...looking for any and all tips....all welcome.

Thanks

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

Best tip I can give you? Have your shite together.

You said it yourself, the stakes are high.....as is the cost. Just make sure you know your material, are well rehearsed and well prepared. That, IMHO, is more than half the battle won in itself. Do that and the rest falls into place around it.......even if you are a bit nervous initially.

Best of luck!!

[AZStickman]

Hey SL...... Good Luck!!!....... The advice I received regarding my audition would readilly apply to you here as well....... The one comment that resonated with me was play it like you own it....... Terry

[keep it simple]

Originally Posted by AZStickman

play it like you own it....... Terry

Great piece of advice.

From me, two things (although there are many more)

1/ Avoid perfection fixation. Vibe / energy trumps detail every time. That goes for tempo fixation too.

2/ Dynamics - don't ignore them - milk them, but keep those bass drum & snare intensity levels consistent in each section as appropriate.

There's a few detail notes, but the overriding deal is enjoyment - the whole band. It spills through the mix.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll nail it :)

P.S. almost forgot, make sure the engineer keeps the first take, no matter how bad you may think it is. It's a choice to take at the end, not the start.

[Otto]

Imagine the microphones dont have covers.....

[New Tricks]

Originally Posted by SquadLeader

So...looking for any and all tips....all welcome.

Thanks

It's too late to use my tip but, next time....I'd suggest doing the recording yourselves to get a clear picture of what you are trying to achieve and the steps that are necessary to get there. The inexpensive recording technology available today for amateurs is amazing.

Once you get all your parts dialed in, you will be able to walk in and breeze right through it.

[SquadLeader]

Thanks guys....

Breezed through it all....with about 2 hours of the 8 hours we'd planned for of the day to spare.

They were pretty impressed with the way I got in, got on with it, and nailed probably 6-7 of our dozen songs (just recording the drums at this session) on the first attempt with the remainder on 2-3 attempts...no real blips or stumbling points. I worked on the principal of 'less us more' and kept my beats fairly linear....seemed to work out.

And the guys running the show were great. I can't recommend them enough.

For anyone local the place we used was Great Image Studios in Hazel Grove near Stockport. Very friendly, relaxed, constructive, and supportive.

I'm done....now it's for the singer, and guitarists to strut their funky stuff.

The SOUND though of each drum track when recorded....blew me away. Worth every penny.

[Anon La Ply]

Onya Squad. In the end, if the band is well rehearsed things go more smoothly.

[AZStickman]

Congratulations on what sounds like an excellent session. You can never discount the benefits of hard work and preparation. It pays off every time!!....... Terry