One of the most significant moments for young artists or musicians starting their career is getting in the studio for the first time. But a professional recording studio can be expensive, so it’s imperative for artists to get the most for their money when renting one.
We’ll go over some simple tips to help musicians get the most bang for their buck in the recording studio.
Come Rehearsed
The studio is not rehearsal time—you’re paying for every second that you’re in there, so make sure that you and your group are well rehearsed and ready to go from the jump. Of course, creating art requires room for improvisation when inspiration strikes, but make sure you don’t get sidetracked from your overall recording goals.
Think of recording as a task similar to cooking: the studio is like a stove or oven that takes your ingredients—arrangements, lyrics, etc.—and turns them into a masterpiece. While on-the-spot collaborating and creativity is an essential part of being an artist, it is strongly recommended come as prepared as possible before you go in.
Have Studio Versions of Songs
There’s a significant difference between a song meant to be performed live and one that sounds better in the studio. Every musician knows this, but if it’s your first time recording a song that you’ve only performed live, consider how to adjust it to make it more studio-friendly.
It’s another example of something you want figured out before you step foot in the recording studio. Go through every song you want to record and consider how you can utilize the recording studio to unlock the music’s full potential.
Set Goals for Recording Time
It is crucial to be efficient with your time when paying for a music recording studio for rent. Try to set some goals before recording. Some first-timers think they can jump into the studio and crank out an entire album in a day, but that may be unrealistic.
What songs do you want to cut first? Set your goals around the priorities of your work and have backup plans in case you finish early!
Appoint a Time Management Specialist
One of the best ways to stay on schedule is to appoint someone outside the group as the time manager. Discuss with them what you want to work on and how long (ideally) you want to spend on each piece.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the recording process, so having someone else there to keep an eye on the clock is a relief for many. This way, you can focus solely on the music and creation.
For many artists beginning their careers, recording studio time is precious, so it’s paramount for them to get the most out of their money. We hope our tips help you put together the best recording possible at an affordable price!
If you need to rent a studio or have more questions about the recording process, ask the experts at Band Barracks!