Will you be using this recording in a press kit or selling it (or both) Who will you be marketing this to? Promoters, agents or the general public. Each of these will require a different recording approach.

Click tracks

Working with a click track will enable you to use the cut-and-paste features of computer recording.  This will save time and money by eliminating the need to record over and over looking for the perfect take. You should use a metronome to get the BPM  speed for each song.

Practice playing along with the metronome.  You may be surprised by how much your songs pick up or lose time. Practice each song the way it will be recorded. Initially, we will record bass, multi track drums and another scratch track with lead vocals and guitar. only the bass and drums will be part of the final recording.  The vocals will be replaced next.  Then we have a basic track that we can overdub on.  Best takes can be cut and pasted onto repeated verses to ensure consistency.

Keep records

Make a note of how the drums are tuned, what strings you are using, what amps and effects you use.  You will need to have these if something needs to be redone later.

Reference recordings

Find a few CDs that you like the sound of. Keep in mind that a home studio recording will never sound like a Pink Floyd record so look for similarly budgeted projects.  Find sounds you don’t like too so we can avoid them.  I will give you a few things to listen to also.

Daily progress monitoring

I will upload mixes as they happen to my online storage account. You will be responsible to download them and listen for corrections you would like made. This is easier than using valuable studio time burning CDs. You will be provided with the URL

Production

There are two ways that I can help with the recording; as producer or as engineer.  A producer assists in the creative process and shapes the total sound of the recording.  An engineer makes only technical decisions with the artist handling all creative decisions.  I do not recommend that first time recordings be self-produced.  Producing is a skill. I am comfortable with either approach.

Using cover tunes

Cover tunes must be licensed from the Harry Fox Agency.  I have an account there. They are $40 to $50 each.  I will not release unlicensed recordings. Cover tunes need to list the writer and publishing company on the CD

Art work

Just like the reference recordings, I will need examples of artwork you like. The same purpose marketing applies to graphics. You must know whom you are marketing this to. Not too many solid colors or anything busy. That is harder to reproduce.

 Reproduction

I can reproduce short runs of CDs but it is cheaper to use an online reproduction service if you want more than 50 CDs  

Liner notes

Please type and email me liner notes.  CHECK THE SPELLING I will cut and paste what you send me into the graphics.

Online sales/ web site

When you have completed your CD, I can arrange for online sales and downloads Set up fee is $35 at CDBaby.com

Press kits

I will provide you with examples of good and bad press kits. I will make the first one and give you the files.  You will be responsible for making copies. I will need a photo. Take a professional photo at Picture people around $25.  Do not try and do it yourself, that is the first sign of a hack. Do not wear black or white.  This affects how much the photo can be manipulated by art directors in the press.  Photo should use a plain white background.  Do not wear anything with lettering in case the art director

wants to reverse the image. I will give you an example of bios.  Write one of your own and e-mail it to me.

The creative process

Have everyone contribute ideas on little tricks that may be used somewhere,  you don’t need whole songs. Think of riffs stops, hits, walk-ups, intros, harmonies etc. They don’t have to go for any specific song; we can find a way to use them later.  Try songs faster, slower using different singers, doing a part accapella, doubling a part; anything to give your songs detail.

If you are prepared, we should be able to do about a song an hour for basic tracks.  About the same for overdubs and mixing if it is not too complicated.

Good luck and have fun

 Bill