You’ve been locked away in your practice space for months, maybe years getting ready to record. Writing songs, writing lyrics, arranging the songs with the band, practicing the songs – you’ve spent countless hours prepping to make your art, now you’re ready to take the next step. Does this sound familiar? While it may seem clear what you needed to do to get ready to record, there may be a few more details that will help you have a successful experience in the studio.

You’ve probably heard this before, being in a band is a lot like a marriage. You’ve got multiple personalities and expectations that need to be balanced to ensure everyone gets along and most importantly that everyone is on the same page about the recording process. If you’re concerned about efficiency in regards to time and budget, there are some clear questions that the band should be sure they’re in agreement about. 

Here’s a list of things to consider before your recording session. Take the time to talk about these ideas as a band or with your producer and engineer. Make as many choices as you can before walking in the studio to help ensure a creative, efficient, and fun experience.  

• ARRANGEMENTS. Don’t wait until you arrive at the studio for a session to settle on an arrangement. Spend the time doing preproduction with a producer or with your bandmates. Make a blueprint for each song, map out every part of the song so everyone has a clear understanding of what needs to happen, especially when it comes to overdubs. No part left behind… Of course there are exceptions to this, if your band is improv based, you may feel confined by arrangements that are set in stone. Figure out what works for your band and be sure everyone understands the parameters.  
• TEMPOS. Make demos and settle on the tempos. Making this decision prior to arriving in the studio can speed up sessions and help avoid miscalculating the tempo. 1 BPM too fast or slow can be the difference in a take that feels just right.  
• PRODUCTION. What are your goals for the recording. Is this a fully realized recording of your song with all the textures and atmospheres you’ve been dreaming about? Is it an accurate representation of what your band sounds like live? Is it simply a compelling acoustic recording? Talk about this as a band and come to a consensus. 
• SOUNDS. Have you been listening to some recordings you absolutely love?  Do you love a specific drum sound? Talk it over with your bandmates and share some example tracks with the producer. This can go a long way towards reaching your sonic goals. 
• BUDGET. Take the time and work on a realistic budget that everyone can agree on. Be sure to communicate this with the studio. You have goals for your recording session, be sure that your goals align with the budget so you have a fun, stress free experience.  

Communication between bandmates can be the difference in and out of the studio. The friendships that come from these experiences can last a lifetime, especially when you take the time to do it right…