This was sent to me by a successful producer who wanted to share his recording studio knowledge. I whole heartedly agree with them, so here the are:
The Top 5 Biggest Recording Studio Mistakes of All Time….
#5 – Not practicing your lyrics before your studio session
This should go without saying, but if I had a dollar for every rapper or singer that had stepped into my recording studio unprepared I’d be Bill Gates himself. Take the time the night before to practice and perfect your lyrics! This will save everyone time and frustration as no one enjoys an artist fumbling and tripping over lyrics for hours at a time (It also makes you look like a bafoon in front of your groupies!). And lastly, If you’re paying by the hour than you’ll simply accomplish much more and get your monies worth.
#4 – Inviting the whole block to the studio
I know its very tempting to invite all your boys and homegirls to witness you making magic in the studio but truthfully this is one of the worst things you can do as it’s a major distraction for you, and your engineer. I’ve watched clients book 4 hour sessions, arrive drunk with 5 or 6 homies who have nothing to do with the song, and in the 4 hours they’ve only recorded 2 verses and pissed away the rest of the time laughing and bugging out. Cut this down to just one or two key people who tell it like it is and let the rest of the block hear it on the mixtape, or better yet.. They should buy your CD to support you instead!
#3 – Needing to be buzzed before recording
Many artists (especially rappers) have fallen into the habit of needing to get high or tipsy before recording, but this habit will only continue to grow like weeds (Pun intended). I totally get that smoking or drinking can help ease the nerves and get you into a zone but this can be dangerous if over abused. I’ve watched many artists piss their careers down the toilet after becoming addicted to this habit. At 1st they just needed a few pulls, then after that wasn’t enough they needed a whole blunt…. At this pace, what drug are you gonna need when it’s time to perform in front of millions if you ever get on? This is how many celebrities rise and fall right before our eyes. Be careful with this.
#2 –Bringing Free/Tagged Beats to A Professional Studio
I’ve watched dozens of artists jump on soundclick, download a free beat then bring it to the studio and ask me to edit out the tags (The B B Beats Planet Voice).. Not only is this wrong, buts its stupid.. because the time they were paying me to edit out the tags winds up costing them the same if not more than the price the producer is charging for the Lease/TAGLESS beat. Real Talk! You should respect the producer and leave his/her tags in, or if you really enjoy their music than show your appreciation by paying for the beat. Don’t be one of those freeloading bozo’s out there.
And the #1 winner……………
#1 – Thinking you’re a “Know It All” Super Star, when everyone knows your not!
Leave Your Ego At The Door ! Nobody likes a “Know it all” showoff nor will that attitude help your song in the studio. When collaborating with other musicians stop being the man (or woman) for a minute and be open minded as the other individuals are simply trying to help you improve your work. Every single time I shut my big mouth and listened instead, 99% of the time great ideas were pitched to me by my colleagues.
There you have it, the “Top 5 Biggest Studio Mistakes Of All Time”
Hey “Verse”
Some pretty good content here. Some of these things maybe obvious.. but they are not always so obvious.. People that are successfully.. will have their lyrics perfected weeks before the recordings.. Music should run through their veins, and strive to perfect their work.
The part about getting high/drugged before a show.. is something I didn’t think about in this light.. Its true it would help, but what I got out from what you said was, it will only hurt yourself in the long run, if you can not be sober in front of your loyal fans..
And yes.. bringing your buddies to the recording studio is a big waste of money lol. There are just some things you can not cut.. spend the time to have a producer or buy a beat from someone. Make your content unique..
Anyway.. Good read.. Peace out.
Posted by Scott | August 2, 2012, 5:17 PM