Studio Sense

7 December 07

Welcome to The Pier's 'Ask Weege' column. Every week the 880 South's front man and music scene veteran will be answering questions and providing tips for up-and-coming bands and musicians.

Thomas asks, 'Hi Weege, just about to go into the studio to cut some songs. Any suggestions on how to make the most efficient use of our studiotime? Thanks bro.'

Weege: I've lightly touched on this before in past Ask Weege columns. Most importantly is to make sure you've rehearsed the living daylights out of your songs. Come in there with more than just a general idea of what you want done. Come in with some structure, a game plan, and solid production ideas. If you wrote the song and you think...hmm I always envisioned a horn section or a little guitar lick in between the verses. Then make sure you fiddle with that idea in rehearsal. Even if you don't have a horn section, but you think of an idea. Even if you have to do it with your mouth, or your guitar. Do it and then communicate that with the engineer/producer. Communication is key. Don't be afraid to speak your mind and get what you want out of your recording. You are paying for it.

Still you don't want to be wishy washy. Like I said. Get the quirks worked out before you go into the studio. Don't come into the studio and start fucking around on guitar. Unless you have shitloads of money and can afford to goof off in the studio. Then by all means, do so. But...if you're working the home studio or the self-made studio. Then you have the freedom to do what you like and experiment.

When you're in the studio, make sure everything is ready to go. Make sure you bring batteries for pedals, any instruments or gear that may apply, guitar straps, drinks/snacks, if you're singing...bring lyrics, one lyric sheet for yourself and one for the engineer. Nothing worse than trying to go back and find a spot without the lyrics in there.

So here are some tips I found on Street Noise Studios.

TIPS / ADVICE

This is list of things that I see happen all the time in the studio. Some of it might sound so obvious that it’s almost stupid, but even experienced musicians can forget the obvious. Read this list and then following it will save you money.

1. Have your material fully worked out. This is not a live show so, yes a suitable intro and an ending for recording purposes is needed.

2. Work out your overdubs ahead of time. Telling me to "just roll tape" so you can noodle produces very little if anything usable.

3. Rehearse without the vocals. You should know your parts with or without vocals. "But I feed off the vocals" is another way of saying I don't know where the chorus starts.

4. For the love of God please write out (preferably print out) your lyrics. 2 copies. One for me and one for ... I know you have sung it million times, but I haven't.

5. Click tracks are your friend.

6. Providing a copy of the material your recording can save a lot of time and guess work for the engineer. Knowing ahead of time what sound your going for and also your playing ability gives the engineer a head start before you set foot in the studio.

7. Bring your equipment in good condition. Have your guitars been setup by a professional lately, its worth every penny. Do you have new heads on your kit and have you checked for cracked cymbals recently? Borrow or rent if you have to. We do offer a huge selection of gear, but we choose to use it to when needed to spice up a track. If you choose to use our backline, full kit and full on guitar rigs, then we need notice and their may be a fee.

8. Bring extra everyting. Sticks, strings, 9 volts, pics ... It is not our responsibility to provide you with basic survival gear. We do have it and you will pay for it.

9. People not in the band need to stay away from the session. This is not a party. The more people, the more wasted time. Scenerio: band is tracking, engineer is locked in the control with singers girlfriend blabbing on her phone 5 feet away. Little hard to concentrate on your performance.

10. Show up on time. Sounds easy doesn't it. If I had a dollar for every time a band arrived late I'd be driving a BMW. Oh, wait I do drive a BMW and that's because the clock starts if you're there or not. Pick up food and drinks before getting to the studio. Arrive early it can't hurt.

SESSION SCHEDULE

We like to start in the evening with load in and setup. The first night is for getting tones only. We can spend 3 to 6 hours getting tones and setting up headphone mixes. Concentrating on drums and bass, the guitars and such are usually scratch tracks and will be redone. After hitting and swapping and tunning drums for 4 hours its usualy hard to concentrate on getting a good drum track. So with tones done that night we can all come back fresh for actual recording. And If we need anything it can be picked up on the way the next day.....(read more at Street Noise Studios)

Source: Street Noise Studios

Aaron Liebelt

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