The following is a list of thing’s I have learned over the years of producing music from my home studio. In any endeavor, we learn as we go. I have been very blessed to record my own music, as well as the music of others. Each time I put on my producer’s hat, I learn something. Here’s a short list of the ones that stand out…
- Recording without a chart is the greatest time killer of them all. The chart should include the song structure, including chords, repeats, verses, and endings. A melody line with lyrics is an added bonus. All arrangement decisions should be finalized before hitting the record button!
- Never settle, never compromise. It’s your art. It either represents you. or it doesn’t.
- A perfectionist with an unlimited supply of recording time (ala home studio) can be a recipe for never getting anything FINISHED. Five time grammy winner Bruce Sweden, who produced Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album addressed this during a visit with Sweetwater…” Bruce Sweden Keynote
- If you are able to run a project across the finish line [see above]… self producing does allow you to be creative without the worry of “being on the (studio) clock”. Getting a little outside the box can do wonderful things to a recording, song, or even an artist!
- In my studio, I have the ability to capture solid, good sounding recordings. However, I have learned that the best money I could spend on my personal recordings is to have them mixed by an objective and skilled engineer. Great things happen in collaboration.
- You are only as strong as the weakest link. The weakest link in your recording will identify itself, though may be known only to you (or a select few from the team working on your recording). While performance is the obvious and most exposed target, others could be room acoustics (which are as important in tracking as they are in mixing), mic placement, signal chain, or songwriting!
- Adding more of anything to a recording may not make it better. In fact, the inverse is usually true.
- You can’t fix heart. I have tools that will allow me to do multiple takes of a guitar solo, bring a flat vocal up to pitch, or level a dynamic vocalist. The one thing I cannot do in my studio is make someone sound like they care.
