How to Prepare for the Studio

While preparing for a recording session may seem daunting, it's essential to remember that the recording process is not only about achieving your vision, but also embracing the joy of creation and being open to the journey. This guide outlines some steps you can take to prepare effectively for your recording sessions and release so that you can focus on quality, efficiency, and adaptability during the process.

Recording Process Overview

Pre-production:

Demo Recording: Record rough versions of vocals and guitar to establish the basic structure and feel of the songs.
Song Arrangement: Finalize song structures, tempos, and arrangements based on the demo recordings.
Preparation: Ensure all instruments and equipment are in working order, and set up recording spaces.

Production and Multitracking:

Tracking Basics: Record the foundational tracks (drums, bass, rhythm guitar) to establish the core of each song.
Overdubs: Layer additional instruments and vocals on top of the foundational tracks to build depth and texture.
Compiling Takes: Select the best performances from multiple takes for each part to create a cohesive final track.
Editing: Clean up any mistakes or inconsistencies in timing, pitch, or tone to achieve a polished sound.

Post-production:

Mixing: Balance the levels of each track, adjust panning, apply EQ, compression, and other effects to enhance clarity and cohesion.
Automation: Fine-tune volume, effects, and other parameters throughout the song to create dynamics and interest.
Mastering: Prepare the final mixes for distribution by applying overall EQ, compression, and limiting to optimize sound quality and ensure consistency across all tracks.
Quality Control: Listen to the final master to identify any remaining issues and make any necessary adjustments.

How to Prepare for Your Session

Rehearse and Familiarize:

Spend ample time rehearsing your songs individually and with your bandmates. Ensure everyone is comfortable with their parts and the overall arrangements. If you plan to multi-track with a click, be sure to establish BPMs for each song and practice at that tempo.

Record demo versions of your songs to identify any areas that need improvement and to solidify arrangements before entering the studio.

Prepare lyric sheets and chord charts for each song to ensure smooth recording sessions and easy reference for everyone involved.

Gear Check:

Make a list of all the equipment you'll need for recording, including instruments, amplifiers, pedals, cables, and accessories. Double-check that everything is in working order and bring backups if possible.

Ensure all instruments are in good condition and properly tuned. Replace any worn-out strings, drumheads, or other parts as needed.

Studio Logistics:

Communicate with the producer/engineer about your artistic vision, goals for the recording, and any specific preferences or requirements you have. Be open to their suggestions and expertise.

Coordinate with the studio regarding scheduling, equipment availability, and any special requirements for your session. Discuss studio rates, session length, and any additional services needed.

Compile reference tracks or playlists of songs that capture the sound or vibe you're aiming for. This can help guide the recording and mixing process.

Rest & Relaxation:

Get plenty of rest leading up to the recording sessions to ensure you're physically and mentally prepared. Avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, as it can affect your performance.

Approach the recording process with a positive mindset and a willingness to collaborate. Stay focused, patient, and open-minded throughout the sessions.

Distribution to Streaming Services

Release Strategy:

Plan the release date strategically to maximize visibility and impact. Consider factors like promotional campaigns, album release parties, and tour dates.

Typically, it's advisable to upload the album to the distributor at least 4-6 weeks before the planned release date to allow sufficient time for the distribution process, pitching to playlists, and promotional efforts.

Digital Distribution:

Choose a digital distributor (we recommend Distrokid) to distribute the album to streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more.

Prepare metadata including song titles, artist names, songwriters, producers, and release date according to the distributor's guidelines

Make sure your single or album artwork meets minimum requirements for resolution and file type before uploading.

Upload the master tracks and metadata to the chosen distributor's platform and follow their submission process.

Studio Policies

1. Booking

Client agrees to pay for studio time at the rate in effect at the time of booking.
Payment can be made with cash or paypal. A non-refundable 50% deposit is required to confirm all bookings. The remainder of the studio bill should be paid in full on the first day of your session. Rates are subject to change without notice. Minimum session time is four (4) hours.

2. Cancellations

Cancellation of a recording session or other scheduled service by Client with less than 24-hour notice will result in the forfeit of deposit and full payment will be required to book further sessions. If the Studio must cancel a session due to illness or other reasonable cause, the Studio will reschedule the session for the earliest available time consistent with the needs of the Client. In the event neither the Client nor the Studio can agree upon a date and time for a session, the Studio will refund the deposit.

3. Set up, time, and breaks

The Studio will provide studio time and the services of a recording engineer for the duration required by the Client. Any additional services, including, but not be limited to, mixing, mastering, creating additional tracks, and adding to or modifying tracks when done outside the studio time agreed to may require additional fees.
The session clock begins at the scheduled time that both parties agree upon. If you arrive early and the studio can accommodate an early start, then the session clock will begin at that time. If you are late for any reason, you will be charged from the scheduled session start time with no exceptions. Please call if you are going to be late!
Studio time includes setup time, break down time, and any breaks taken by the artist(s) or engineer. The engineer will be allowed a break of up to 15 minutes every 2 hours to alleviate ear fatigue. The engineer will be allowed one 30-minute meal break per session and an additional meal break for sessions lasting longer than eight (8) hours. All such time is on the clock.

4. Session musicians

If the Client requires the service of session musicians or backup singers, the client will be responsible for arranging for and paying said musicians or singers. If the Client requests the Studio to arrange for session musicians to be at the recording session, the arrangement will be between the musician and Client. The Studio will not be responsible for the failure of musicians to show up on time nor for the performance of the musicians. In most cases, payment for such musicians will be expected at the time of services. The Studio recommends signing a separate agreement with the session musicians or backup singers.

5. Intellectual property and mechanical licenses

The Studio shall not release recording files or copies thereof to the Client or Client’s representative until all monies due to Studio have been paid. Until full payment has been received the Client’s recording files will be left on premises becoming the property of the Studio. Upon complete payment of all monies due by Client, the Studio will transfer all recordings and ownership of sound recording copyrights to the Client. All songwriting copyrights will remain with the author of the work.
Client shall be responsible for obtaining all mechanical licenses for music for which the Client does not own the rights. All such licenses must be obtained prior to duplication or replication.

6. Stems, files, and backup

The Studio will endeavor to backup Client’s recording files to another hard drive after each recording session. Onsite hard drive storage of recording files will be maintained for at least one month after the last recording session. After that time, files may be permanently deleted unless other arrangements have been made. Files for ongoing projects or regular bookings will not be deleted.
The Studio shall endeavor to secure all recording files made by the Client, and left or stored on the studio premises, but the Studio is not responsible for loss or damage. In the event of loss to or damage of Client’s recording files due to wilful negligence, Studio shall be responsible for replacement of no more than the value of the studio time to date devoted to said recording files.

7. Studio rules, property, and safety

In the event that studio gear or property of any part of its facility becomes damaged due to negligence, accident, or willful act, the client agrees to provide monetary compensation in the amount of full replacement value of the damaged item. Damage to the studio property of any kind that are a result of anyone in the client's party or group will be assessed to the client's account.
The Client releases the Studio from any harm or damage that may occur to any person in the Client’s party or to equipment belonging to the Client.
The Studio shall endeavor to secure all property left on premises by Client, but is not responsible for any damage or theft that may occur.

8. Media

The Client agrees to allow its name, photographic image, and/or musical samples to be used on the Studio’s website and/or for other promotional purposes. The Studio will not sell or allow downloads of the Client’s music without prior agreement.
If the client mass produces an album or EP in the form of a compact disc by means of duplication or replication, the Studio requests two (2) copies to be provided to the Studio at no charge. One copy will be displayed at the Studio’s prerogative and one copy will be added to the Studio’s library.

By booking time at the Studio, the Client agrees that they have read and understood the terms and conditions of this Agreement and do hereby agree to the provisions.