Features
Prepping Your Songs for the Studio (Part I)
Posted: 09.15.2009
by Eric Fuller
Originally posted on mobtownstudios.com
If you’re a musician who’s spent much time in the studio, you’re well aware of the myriad ways the studio experience differs from rehearsal and a live setting. These differences arise out of the studio’s microscopic (or microsonic, if you will) view of music, which diverts attention away from spontaneity and emotional expression.
Some musical elements notoriously stand out in the studio: audio bleed, tempo, precise playing, being in tune, etc. But others are not as well known. In particular, and to the surprise of many artists, the songs themselves may not work in the studio like they work conceptually or even live.
Because each song is a unique creature, it’s difficult to list universal tips for reworking them in the studio. Instead, think of songs as living, breathing beings that react to drastic changes in their environment. Be flexible enough to hear where an arrangement might be well-served by subtle changes like removing a measure or adding a turnaround.
The following are examples of how songs might be forced to evolve in the studio.
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