STUDIO
THE EASY GUIDE: TIPS ON RECORDING FOR BEGINNERS Jack Baker offers some sage advice regarding everything you need to know to help you record your first
song in a professional recording studio, with help from George Atkins of 80 Hertz Studios.
Entering the recording studio can be fairly daunting, even for a fairly experienced artiste but how can a young band or less experienced recording musician make sure that their fi rst session in a professional studio will deliver the quality results they desire? ‘Preparation, Preparation, Preparation’ is the key phrase here. Besides having your track rehearsed to the hilt, arranging to meet the producer/engineer before your recording session can also help by giving them a clear idea of what you want to achieve. That way, they can also be well prepared when the big day arrives. George Atkins of Manchester based recording studios, 80 Hertz, goes over his ‘to-do’ list of top tips for a fruitful session…
Where’s the best place to start when it comes to recording music? GA: “The fi rst thing I do is learn as much as I can about the band as possible, including listening to some of their tracks. It’s very important to
with a band before, we can miss this step and just get on with recording the music.”
For someone who is new to the studio
environment, is it better to do multi-track or live recording? GA: “If you can play to a click, then multi-tracking is easier - as this will give the producer more scope to manipulate and edit each individual sound - but this is always down to the player’s preference. If you’re a tight, well rehearsed band, live recording would most probably suit, as this can help to ‘catch’ the energy of a band, and it is obviously quicker to record everything at once.
Do I need a recording studio, or is it possible to produce a CD of
equivalent quality using a home computer? GA: “In certain circumstances you can use your home computer; of course it all depends on what kind of
The lost common problem in the studio is nervousness. If you are well prepared you’ll be much more confident…
understand what the goals of the musicians are at the start of the process, as this can save a lot of time later on! However, if I have worked
music you’re looking to record & what space/environment you have at home. A recording studio is worth its money when you want to record seriously - particularly instruments such as acoustic guitars, loud electric guitars and drums. It’s critical to mix in a well tuned room to ensure that mixes transfer well from a car stereo to lounge, for example.”
Tea and biccies… two vital pieces of studio equipment!
What is the most typical problem that can occur for someone new to recording, and how do you solve this?
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The studio can be a lonely place, but good preparation will guarantee satisfying results!
GA: “I’d have to say the main problem is often nervousness. If you are well prepared you’ll feel much more confi dant when it comes to putting your part down. The recording process can be nerve- racking enough, but knowing your part inside out will vastly reduce any apprehension. If possible, produce a demo version of the song you are going to record, don’t worry about how this sounds, this is to help the producer get a better idea of what your trying to achieve, and it can often be a lot more useful than simply having a conversation about your music.”
4 simple tips for getting started in the studio 1. Preparation is everything - rehearse to the point where you know the song inside out 2. When it’s possible, get the engineer to come down to a
rehearsal. They will be able to take notes of your material, which will make things move much quicker in the studio. They might even be able to record a demo to study before the recording proper, which could help speed up the process and make it much smoother for all involved. 3. Sleep, there is no point trying to record when you’re exhausted! 4. The studio - and the producer - is your friend. Relax and enjoy yourself – and make sure you are as meticulously prepared as possible – and you’ll end up with a great recording. Listen to the producer’s advice…don’t steal all of his or her favourite chocolate Hob Nobs and you’ll enjoy your fi rst studio experience. If you’re eager to start recording, have your tracks mixed or mastered, then you can contact 80 Hertz at
www.80hertz.com or on 07714145880. PM
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