Transcript During the Session… Keep records

Planning
a
recording
Preparing for recording:
Choose a band whose music is interesting.
How do you do that?
•Go to a gig
•Listen to any existing Myspace recordings
•Listen to them practice
•Chat to them
•Word of mouth…
Organising a band
Plan and make notes:
Get e-mail or mobile numbers
Plan in writing -
•Practice times
•Recording dates
•Mixing dates
So that there are no misunderstandings
Working with a band 1
Take some time to get to know the band
If you can generate a rapport nice atmosphere in the recording
Musicians feel more at ease
Better quality performance
Working with a band 2
Quality over quantity: Choose 1 song they’ll play well
Try to get a demo recording
Helps you to learn the structure
Get a feel for the attitude of the song
Guide the band with possible changes in arrangement
Help you specify equipment is required to record
Glean whether live or overdub recording is required
Working with a band 3
Help the band maximise their recording
Suggest that they practice to a click
This will tighten up the whole band’s playing
It’ll make editing easier - Grid Mode
Addition of MIDI will be easier - Quantise can be used
It helps to focus the musicians on the song (Over fussy stuff tends to be removed)
Working with a band 4
Practice and planning
The band need to be well practiced
They have little time in the studio
They must be completely happy with the structure
They need to note any Tempo/ meter changes
They should think about taking advantage of the studio:
•Vocal arrangements/ guitar doubling/ snare overdubs
Working with a band 5
Production planning
The band need to explain how they want to sound
Encourage them to:
•Make mix CDs of their favorite artists
•Write notes about the song and how it should sound
•Inform you of / invite you to band meetings
Keep them mindful of constraints…
Working with a band 6
Care of musicians / instruments
Recording will sound as good as the instrument/ player
Advise band to maintain kit - WD40 on pedals
Change strings - will sound more vibrant
Re-skin as much of drum kit as possible
Band should come to session ‘clean’
Singer to stay off fags/milk products - problems with phlegm
Bring KIT with them
Before the Session
If well planned - should run smoothly
Plan order of recording (if overdubing)
Hire all kit you’ll need
Set up as much as possible before band arrive
Test leads for faults
Lay out acoustic screens as needed
Make a ‘No entry’ sign for live room
Safety is paramount
During the Session
Be professional and have fun
Relax - puts band at ease
Bands can be snappy - nerves
Listen to band and advise
S**t happens - keep your head don’t panic
Take breaks
Recording protocol - Press Record first, then thumbs up
Don’t press stop until band says so
Save often - often saved
During the Session…
Keep records
Take a note pad :Make any session notes you need
Note what worked and what didn’t
Use drawings of microphone positions
Note where mics are plugged in etc
At the Session end
BACK UP THE SESSION
Back up the work on to DVD/ Memory stick
Tidy up
Return stock to cupboard