Making the most of your recording:

Tracking:

practice, Practice, PRACTICE – You'd think this goes without saying, but you should be able to play your parts without even thinking about it. This allows us to get the best take instead of a take.

Maintain Your Instruments – The recording process all begins with the input into the system. Make sure you change all of your drum heads, clean your cymbals, setup your guitars and bass, restring your guitars and bass, make sure your inputs are fully functional, (for singers) get a good night sleep and don't record unless you're healthy. 

Be on Time – The clock starts at the we agreed upon time, not when you arrive. Being late takes time away from you in the studio.

Don't Try To Cram – Ambitious, yet foolish. Don't try to do too much in one session. When you become tired or burnt out, don't try to be a hero. Take a break or save it for your next session.

Have a Plan - Talk to other members of your group and me about what it is you're trying to accomplish and when. This helps you save time and money in the studio. 

Fix it in The Mix - Okay, but never count on it. I can do a scary amount of editing in post production, but if you're all mic'd up and we are here, let's just get it right. While almost anything can be fixed-up in this day and age, nothing beats a solid take!

Take Breaks - It's always better to have two four-hour chunks of great recording than eight-tired, mediocre hours.

Be Sober - Taking drugs or drinking and performing, ESPECIALLY in the studio, do not work out. Don't do it. None of the cool kids do it.

Make Payments on Time - I don't require all money upfront. In fact, I'm rather flexible as I understand how it is to be an artist looking for high quality production. Prior to the commencement of our work together, I will discuss payment with you. 

Learn to Play to a Metronome - Playing to a metronome will dramatically increase the outcome your project. 

Mixing and Mastering:

Make Sure You Are Finished Recording - Kind of self-explanatory, but it definitely cuts down on mixing time. 

Provide a Reference Track – There are different styles of mixing and overall feels of a track. Providing a reference track of an artist you want to sonically sound like helps me get a better understanding of what you are going for, especially if you tracked the project elsewhere.

Listen on Multiple Speakers – It is always good practice to listen to the mixes on an array of speakers and headphones. Make sure to listen in a car.

Make an Edit List – Anything you want to hear differently, make a detailed list and I will make the revisions.

Have a Track Listing - This is where everyone gets hung up, making the order to your songs. It's best to start making your listing as the mixes come out. You can always ask for my two cents.