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March 14, 2006
Performing in the Studio – Part 1
I don’t have much time to write this week. I’ve got a lot of work waiting for me in the studio. But that’s how it is for the PSG. I wouldn’t be much of a PSG if I never did any actual studio work!
So here’s the first part of an article I had published a few years back about performing in the studio. If you haven’t done much recording, or even if you have a little studio experience, I think you’ll find this helpful.
Veterans of live performance and studio performance know that these are two completely different musical disciplines.
Recording, whether a demo, a single, or an entire album, can be the most exhilarating experience of your musical life, and also the most frustrating.
Don’t let that statement scare you off of recording, there’s nothing like experiencing the intense creative energy that often accompanies studio work, but for a musician used to primarily performing live, it can take a little getting used to.
Recording Your Playing
Most performing songwriters are also guitarists or a keyboardists, as well as singers, and are used to playing and singing at the same time.
In most studio situations, playing and singing are done separately, and that may take some getting used to.
There are exceptions of course, while Elton John usually records his piano and vocals separately so he can better concentrate on each, his counterpart Billy Joel finds that he sings with more fervor and passion if he plays along with himself.
The majority of artists record their playing and singing separately.
Ideally, you will have practiced your instrumental parts and vocal parts separately before going in to the studio.
In most situations you will begin by recording basic tracks.
If your song calls for a full “band sound” this would mean starting with drums, bass, keyboard and / or guitar.
This can be done with live musicians, or it can be done by an arranger / programmer, using MIDI and sequencing to create the sound of a full band.
If you’re a player / singer, then you may be a part of these basic tracks, either as part of the band, or by dubbing your instrument parts on later.
If you are new to recording, you may find that your playing is not “clean” enough for recording at first (This happens most often with guitarists. Depending on the studio’s set up, keyboard players can record their parts on a sequencer, and have them “cleaned up.”).
Don’t get discouraged, if you keep at it long enough, you’re studio playing skills will soon match your live playing skills.
Tomorrow I'll deal with recording vocals.
Listen to some examples of our work!
http://www.solocreativemedia.com/new_demo.htm
Posted by leon at March 14, 2006 11:26 AM