What's it like making a record with me?
Every record is different depending on their specific circumstances, but I generally like to think of the process in 8 distinctive steps:
1. Pre-Production - This is where we decide what the record will attempt to become. We’re compiling songs, listening to references, recording demos and working through arrangements. We’re also talking about how you want the record to feel both specifically (song-by-song) and globally (as an album). This is also where we talk about which musicians we would like to bring on as the team for tracking your record. It’s an exciting step!
2. Tracking - We’ve gone as far as we can in pre-pro, and the real fun begins! We’re now working together to carefully craft each song. Perhaps we’re tracking live in a studio with players feeding off of each others’ musical decisions. Perhaps it’s just you and me building the tracks together in my studio. In my experience 80-90% of the record happens during this step.
3. Check the Pulse - Are we still excited!? How are we feeling? Is there anything we’re unsure about or need to revisit? Here is the time to check in with yourself and ask “Do I still connect with the song up to this point?”. If you find that it’s hard to trust your feelings about the recording at this step of journey, then this would be a good time to remember to trust the process.
4. Vocals - This might be my favorite part of the recording process. I’m very meticulous when it comes to capturing vocal performance. Through the voice, the song is given meaning and purpose. The voice is asking me to believe something - That is why it is my privilege and obligation to make sure we get the best vocal performance that captures the essence of that belief.
5. Overdubs/Editing/Pre-Mix - After tracking and vocals are finished, we move into a process where we take what we’ve done and try to make it better. Whether it’s leaving it alone, pre-mixing the existing pieces from tracking, muting some things and replacing or adding others, the purpose of this step is to maintain the integrity of the song while attempting to make it more compelling. It’s important to take the time and space to “mix as you go” and figure out if all the pieces gel together in a way that moves you.
6. Send off to Mix - We’re now sending the song/songs that we’ve labored over with all our creative energy to a mix engineer. The mix engineers that I work with know that I really like my rough mixes, so one of the things I’m wanting out of this process is to feel the same feelings as before but with more vibrance and clarity. Whether that mix engineer is me or someone else, the goal is to preserve what the artist and producer have already worked so hard to achieve and to try and up the ante.
7. Send off to Master - After we’ve all agreed on the final mix, then it’s time to send the file to a mastering engineer who will apply the final touch - lightly compressing and EQ-ing the mix so that the existing feelings become even more cohesive and more compelling. This process also allows the recording to become more palatable across all listening mediums - from AirPod Pro's to the speakers in your 2004 Toyota Corolla.
8. PARTAY!!! - You have your mastered audio files ready to submit for distribution, and we’re officially done with the production process!!! Now, it’s up to you to release and promote what we’ve worked so hard to create. In the mean time, this is the perfect time to toast the record and wish it a long and happy life! :)
2. Tracking - We’ve gone as far as we can in pre-pro, and the real fun begins! We’re now working together to carefully craft each song. Perhaps we’re tracking live in a studio with players feeding off of each others’ musical decisions. Perhaps it’s just you and me building the tracks together in my studio. In my experience 80-90% of the record happens during this step.
3. Check the Pulse - Are we still excited!? How are we feeling? Is there anything we’re unsure about or need to revisit? Here is the time to check in with yourself and ask “Do I still connect with the song up to this point?”. If you find that it’s hard to trust your feelings about the recording at this step of journey, then this would be a good time to remember to trust the process.
4. Vocals - This might be my favorite part of the recording process. I’m very meticulous when it comes to capturing vocal performance. Through the voice, the song is given meaning and purpose. The voice is asking me to believe something - That is why it is my privilege and obligation to make sure we get the best vocal performance that captures the essence of that belief.
5. Overdubs/Editing/Pre-Mix - After tracking and vocals are finished, we move into a process where we take what we’ve done and try to make it better. Whether it’s leaving it alone, pre-mixing the existing pieces from tracking, muting some things and replacing or adding others, the purpose of this step is to maintain the integrity of the song while attempting to make it more compelling. It’s important to take the time and space to “mix as you go” and figure out if all the pieces gel together in a way that moves you.
6. Send off to Mix - We’re now sending the song/songs that we’ve labored over with all our creative energy to a mix engineer. The mix engineers that I work with know that I really like my rough mixes, so one of the things I’m wanting out of this process is to feel the same feelings as before but with more vibrance and clarity. Whether that mix engineer is me or someone else, the goal is to preserve what the artist and producer have already worked so hard to achieve and to try and up the ante.
7. Send off to Master - After we’ve all agreed on the final mix, then it’s time to send the file to a mastering engineer who will apply the final touch - lightly compressing and EQ-ing the mix so that the existing feelings become even more cohesive and more compelling. This process also allows the recording to become more palatable across all listening mediums - from AirPod Pro's to the speakers in your 2004 Toyota Corolla.
8. PARTAY!!! - You have your mastered audio files ready to submit for distribution, and we’re officially done with the production process!!! Now, it’s up to you to release and promote what we’ve worked so hard to create. In the mean time, this is the perfect time to toast the record and wish it a long and happy life! :)
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