In the studio
A few “needs to know”
The more you know about working in a studio, the better and more pleasant the recording will be. Even if it is the first time: you’ll learn very quickly. Think that most musicians, as with a performance, are a little tensed when recording.
This is normal. Just remain friendly to each other. Music is fun. The producer and technician will try to maintain a relaxed atmosphere so that everyone sounds at it's best.
Do not get irritated or angry, it does not help in any way. If something is bothering you , tell it as soon as possible, in a quit manner, and especially, tell what to change, to take away your trouble.
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Wait to play until you hear the infamous "tape running",
AND wait five seconds at the end of the song
to put down your sticks and shout out your enthusiasm or frustration.
Maybe that bass string or cymbal is still resounding and
if you than start talking the recording may still fail: this is stupid
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Do not play any solo's during the basic recording. Usually you will do it again later on.
You than will also still hear the first version which is very disturbing.
Do not make noise in between your recordings, it is disturbing for your friends musicians and for the technician.
Working in the studio is different from being "on stage"
Mercilessly you will hear everything, every crackle, peep, etc. Sometimes you will have to reset your amplifier in another way than on stage to get the best recording sound possible.
If you make a mistake do not panic just play on.
It may be that the number has been played fantastically well, except for that one mistake. For guitar, keyboard or bass that mistake can easily be worked out. Only with a serious drum fault is this not always possible. "Screw ups" sometimes sound surprisingly good and it may be that a wrong note sounds better than what you originally had in mind.
If a number is not going so well, try a different one or take ten minutes break. Do not say "sorry, I am still feeling ok", etc. Recording is always strain full and tiresome and it will not help yourself or the other , if you get upset.
