The Song Recording Process

You like to sing and/or you like to write, and you want to make a recording. It’s a good idea to ask yourself some questions before you begin. The answers to these questions will determine how much money you need to spend and how much time you should commit to the process.

Do you want a simple recording for family and friends?

In this case, try to find someone who can make a simple recording with a microphone and computer. Record the instruments first, then the vocal(s). Hopefully, they can tweak on the tracks to make the volumes sound even. Then, you can make copies of the cds on your computer. Unfortunately, you would probably not be pleased with making a recording using a tape recorder. It just sounds really bad. It’s okay for your own purposes (You don’t want to forget the song!) or for a practice session, etc.

Do you want a good demo to pitch your song to a publisher?

No matter what people may say (including publishers), the better the demo, the better chance you have of getting a song cut (recorded or printed). Of course, you don’t want to “overproduce” the demo. The artists and the publishers want something that they can craft to their own liking. Try to stay in the middle of the road stylistically or make different demos of the same song (one, country; one, pop, etc.) This works well if you are pitching to a particular artist. Record your demo with a good mic, a decent vocalist and good musicians. Make sure the lyrics are understandable. Do not put more than three songs on a demo. For more tips on songwriting, click here.

Do you want to sing in various venues and sell your cds?

Well, if you want to do this, you will want to put some money and effort into the venture. It is possible to make a low budget cd, but, in the long run, you will probably not be happy with it. If you spend only $5000. or less, you may feel like trashing the project within three years. Generally, most duplicators do not want to make less than 1000 copies so that’s how many you’ll have to sell. A lot depends on the person doing the producing and engineering. They may be great.

Jeff recorded his first project in 1987, and it still sounds good! That kind of longevity is what you get if you spend about $15,000. to $20,000. If you are able to sell about 1350 cds, you will have recouped your money. How quickly you are able to do this depends on the number of concerts that you perform, the attractiveness of your product and the size of your audience. Okay, I know the artistic types just glazed over. Let your Dad or someone technical read that part of the paragraph. The size of the crowd can be misleading. Sometimes, everyone there buys one or two cds; sometimes, due to a variety of factors, you sell, three, total. It mostly depends on how much they enjoyed your performance and your music.

An added benefit to making a good recording is the ability to create tracks that you can use in concert. If you play an instrument, you can still play along. It’s nice to have professional string players and guitarists in your pocket. Some artists detest the idea of using tracks, but there are times when it’s necessary. In some venues, they don’t have the sound system components to mic or instruments to play. And it comes in handy when you discover that the “professional” musicians that were supposed to back you up just picked up their instruments a few days ago. You could skip the vocal recording all together and just have tracks made.

What is a producer?

There are various opinions about the duties of a producer, so ask questions before you hire someone. Generally, the producer helps the artist choose which songs to include on the recording, books the studio and musicians, then oversees the recording and mixing sessions. Sometimes, they may even stay involved in the cd jacket design and the duplication and distribution of cds. If they are an audio engineer, they may engineer the recording sessions and mix the tracks themselves.

At this point, a warning is in order. There are many unscrupulous producers, even those who proclaim to be Christians. We have known of several people who gave a producer thousands of dollars up front and received nothing in return. Please be careful. Check references, and don’t pay alot of the budget up front.

In Jeff’s case, because of his skills as a songwriter and musician, he often helps artists tweak on their songs and does a lot of arranging. He suggests instruments to be recorded for certain songs and the stylistic direction. He also plays the keyboard or piano for the recording if needed. Jeff oversees the entire recording and mixing process and sometimes engineers. He coaches the vocalists with diction, pitch, vibe and other creative aspects of sound. He suggests parts and licks for the instrumentalists. He helps the artist to find companies to do their cd duplication and generally encourages the artist in their endeavor.

What is the recording process?

First, the songs are chosen. Then, the instrumental tracks are laid down (keyboard, piano, drums, guitars, bass). Next, the lead vocal is recorded. After the lead vocal, overdubs are recorded. These include background vocals and instruments such as saxophone, cello, violin, flutes, etc. With all these different tracks and sounds, it is really necessary to mix the recording. Mixing involves setting the levels at the proper volume or eq and adding effects. You want the instruments to compliment the vocals and not overshadow them. Most people add some reverberation to the recording. You can be in a closet, a cathedral or a living room depending on the type of reverb. There are other fancy effects which you hear on the radio every day. That’s why a live concert rarely sounds like the cd.

After the mixing, another valuable phase is mastering. Mastering involves fine tuning some of the sounds and tracks so that they will have a richness in a certain medium. For instance, there are different settings for radio play, cds and cassettes. Mastering gives the recording a full, professional sound. It’s well worth the money, because the process is not that expensive. Next, you’ll need a graphic designer who will design the jacket and inserts. They will send the files to the duplicator, who will hire a printer to print the inserts. Then, they will duplicate the cds, put it all together and shrink wrap for a final product. After that, it’s up to you to find a place to store all the boxes and try to get someone to buy the cds!