How to Prepare your Band for a Recording Session

Prepare for a recording session to help the process go smoothly.

For bands that are new to the recording process, preparing for a session at a professional recording studio can be a nerve-wracking experience. A band's reputation usually rests on the quality of its recorded material, and working with established professionals can be intimidating. However, there are a number of steps your band can take to help make the recording process go as smoothly as possible.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Rehearse every aspect of every song your band intends to record until confident of performing flawlessly. Studio time is typically expensive and often tightly scheduled. You won't have time in the studio to work out performance details. Arriving well-rehearsed and organized will help the process go smoothly and decrease the likelihood of repeat takes. Avoid ad-libbing and spontaneity unless improvisation is an essential part of the music.

2. Budget carefully. Spend only as much on the recording session as is absolutely necessary in order to keep funds available for promotional activities and pressing copies of your CD.

3. Make sure that all of your band's instruments and other equipment are in good working order. A mechanical failure while in the studio wastes time and increases costs if additional sessions must be booked. Replace guitar and bass strings, drum heads and any other parts that need attention. If possible, borrow or rent spares of each piece of equipment.

4. Thoroughly investigate professional recording studios in your area. If possible, arrange a tour of the facilities and introduce yourself to the engineers. Look for a studio that is tidy, organized and maintains a good reputation. Ask each studio for examples of their work and testimonials from clients. When meeting the engineers, ask about their personal music preferences. Working with engineers who enjoy the kind of music your band plays may enhance the process.

5. Make copies of your lead sheets -- the lyrics and chord changes for every song you intend to record -- for each person involved in the session, including any studio professionals who will be involved. The session will proceed more smoothly if everyone has a clear easy-to-follow reference at hand for each song.

Tips & Warnings

• It's a good idea to register all your songs with a national recording-artist's rights association prior to recording. In the U.S., the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a good place to begin.

• Avoid studios without a valid business license. Unlicensed home studios can sometimes be viable but, in the event of unforeseen problems, you'll have more recourse options when dealing with a licensed business.

References

• Sound On Sound; Using Professional Recording Studios; Richard Lightman; 2011
• Artist's House Music; LEslie Ann Jones on Preparing for a Session; Leslie Ann Jones; 2003
• Alex Boccia: "How to Prepare for a Recording Session"

Resources

• ASCAP
• The Music Business Registry