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Top 10 tips for alternative, indie or punk bands entering the recording studio:
Prepare your equipment: Before hitting the studio, make sure your equipment is in tip-top shape. Change those strings, check intonations, tune your drums, and give your amps a tune-up. Trust us, you don't want any technical difficulties holding you back from creating your masterpiece.
Share demo recordings with the producer: Give your producer a sneak peek of your songs by sharing demo recordings before entering the studio. This will give them a clear idea of the direction of your recording and production, and help them understand your vision for the final product.
Research production references: Research other alternative, indie or punk bands and production techniques that you like and share them with your producer. This will help them understand your desired sound and aesthetic.
Be as specific as possible about the sound and vision you want: Be as specific as possible when it comes to the sound and vision you want. Think about the specific sounds you want for each instrument, such as the drum sound, bass sound, guitar sound, vocal sound, and effects. This will help your producer achieve the desired sound, and give your recording a unique character.
Production preferences: Decide whether you want to use external production, such as synths or effects, or keep to a more organic or live sound. Consult with your producer or engineer to figure out what fits your song and band best.
Keep an open mind: Be open to experimentation and new ideas in the studio. This will help you form an original sound that stands out from other bands, and make the recording process more exciting and creative.
Combining influences: Use your influences to form an original sound that sets you apart from other bands. This will make your music unique and memorable.
Communicate effectively: Make sure to communicate clearly with your producer or engineer early on during the process, and throughout, to let them know your vision for the recording. This will help them understand your goals and achieve the desired sound.
Take care of your voice: If you are the singer, make sure to take care of your voice leading up to the recording. This includes avoiding alcohol as much as possible, and avoiding diary. You can also drink honey and lemon water, or do some deep breathing with steam and a towel over your head. This will help you deliver the best performance possible.
Have fun: Remember that recording music should be fun, so make sure to enjoy the process and don't take it too seriously. This will create a positive atmosphere and lead to a better final product.
Bonus tips:
Get your lyrics in order: Before entering the studio, make sure your lyrics are written down or typed out and share them with the producer. This way, you can ensure that your message is clear, and if there's anything that could be said better, you can discuss it before hitting the record button.
Rehearse like a pro: With all the editing tools at our disposal, some might think rehearsing is a thing of the past. But trust us, showing up to the studio expecting to wing it is a recipe for disaster. Practice like your career depends on it, because it just might. And remember, you're allowed to change things up in the studio, but the more prepared you are, the better.
By following these tips, alternative, indie or punk bands can prepare themselves and the studio team to create a powerful, energetic, and unique recording that showcases their full potential as a band. With the right mindset and preparation, you can ensure that your music is captured in the best possible way, and you'll be ready to take on the world.
Slip into your Lower Your Shoulder gear, channel your inner punk and let the angst flow through you. Not only will you look and feel like a rebel rockstar, but it might just give you that extra edge to make your studio recordings truly legendary.
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