What’s up everybody? ‘Tool here back with another post mainly for recording artists. A customary code of polite behavior/action better known as etiquette will be the topic. I’ll show you a few things to get the most out of your recording and mix sessions. Show Up On Time
Respect people’s time. In the music industry, as most others, time equals money. There’s no such thing as fashionably late to the studio, and keeping someone sitting around is inconsiderate. Call ahead of time to inform someone of your lateness, reschedule for another time or if you’ll be absent. Investing your own money can be tough. Wasting it because you did not show up or were late is negligence. Some studios require a small down payment as a security fee. Similar to real estate when renting a new home, they need an upfront fee to lock you in that time frame. Considering that people do forget their appointments while more simply ignore them, the studio reserves the right to keep the retainer fee. This is a security measure. If you do not show up, then that time is lost where the studio could have made more money. Preparation Knowing what you will do before arriving will eliminate any loss of time. Come in with the intent of getting as much quality work done within your time frame. If you choose to write a new song, play video games, or take multiple “breaks”, you’re still on the clock paying. Respect what you came to do. Have the material you wish to work on ready before you arrive as much as possible. If you need any accommodations, ASK! Is it an instrumental or a tracked out session? Do you have a band or orchestral arrangements or need certain microphones? Take care of as much as possible on your end and the engineer will handle the rest when applicable. Don’t assume you can show up to the studio and download content from your email or YouTube. Most facilities do not allow internet connection on the console room computer. This prevents viruses and acts as a failsafe in case someone leaks material. Have a flash drive or external drive ready to take to the session with you as well. Artists, this recording and mixing stuff takes time. If you record for 45 minutes then want a ten-minute mix, that’s what your song will sound like (and that’s not a good thing, AT ALL). If you’re investing in your music, that means that you most likely want good results, so let your engineer work without you standing over their shoulder tapping your watch. No one works well that way. If you think things are taking far too long, politely ask the engineer what they’re working on, and ask for an estimate of completion. Because… Communication Is Key No relationship works without communication (at least that’s what “they” say) and the interaction between an artist and engineer is most definitely a working relationship. Artists, learn some engineering terms so you can guide your engineer to what you want. Few things in life are more frustrating than hearing, “It doesn’t sound “______” enough.” No one knows what you’re talking about when you say that, plus we don’t have a “_____” plugin. Making records is a collaborative process, and if it doesn’t come out the way you want because you didn’t speak up, you have no one to blame but yourself young Jedi. You Break It, You Bought It That coaster your beer is on — the one with the flashing lights and buttons — is actually a preamp that costs a thousand dollars. Those headphones you dropped on the floor after you knotted the cord all up? $150. All the fancy stuff in the studio engineers use to make your records sound good don’t come cheap, and it’s hard to keep making you sound good when the gear is malfunctioning. If you have to wonder if it’s ok to put your drink, food, etc. somewhere, you probably shouldn’t, or at the very least — ASK. If you do happen to damage something, let the engineer know. Accidents happen, and can be worked out. In closing these are a few tips to help get the most out of your sessions. All engineers are different, and some of these will change or even be omitted in some cases. The key here is to know it’s out there, so don’t act like ‘Tool never told you!
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instrumentoolI have a passion for teaching and writing. Some of my many thoughts are here. Archives
November 2020
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