Recording is a time-intensive experience, and problems that arise often seem magnified. No one wants to wait for an hour while the guitar player runs to Guitar Center for new strings. So, to keep things going smoothly and efficiently, here are some things to do in preparation:
1. Practice! Youd be surprised how many bands come into the studio obviously unprepared. If you cant play through the song without making mistakes, then youre not ready to record yet. Take the time to practice the songs you want to track thoroughly. This isnt to say that you cant be creative in the studio, but its a lot cheaper to be creative on your own time.
2. Make sure your songs are finished. Going into the studio hoping to finish lyrics or parts on the spot is a recipe for dissatisfaction. You may be inspired by the pressure, but youll inevitably listen back to it later on and think that you could have sang it better, or that you dont especially like this line or that phrase.
3. Record yourselves. Its very useful to record your practice using a simple tape recorder. The finished product wont sound very good, but youll be able to hear if youre off time, or off key. It may also...