Whether you’re heading into the studio for the first time to lay down your inaugural EP (or perhaps even your debut album) or you’re a seasoned pro, it’s an exciting time for you and your band. It’s an opportunity to lay a marker down in music history and leave your brand’s footprint embellished on the metal scene forever. It’s not all glitz and glamour, though; it takes long hours to perfect each track, and long, anti-social working hours are likely to get your recordings finished on time. With that in mind, here are a few top tips to keep you and your band fit and focused for your recording sessions away from home.
Make the most of your downtime
Whether you’re recording in some of the well-known joints in Sydney such as Studios 301 or The Grove Studios or you’ve headed over to the UK to lay down some tracks in one of London’s top recording studios like Abbey Road or RAK Studios, it’s important to maximise your time outside of the studio. If you’ve travelled to a new city or even a new country to record your music, it’s a great idea to get out and about and see the sights to break the monotony of the four walls of the studio. It’s a great bonding experience and can inspire you when you head back inside to record.
Eat proper meals
It’s impossible to emphasise enough the importance of maintaining your energy levels. As we’ve already said, recording tracks and albums is not an instant process. It can take 12-hour days to get each song mastered. A great way to avoid skipping mealtimes and keeping your focus is to have food delivered to the door of your studio. If, for instance, you’re recording in Syndey’s Studios 301, there’s everything within reach. From burgers in Melbourne to deep-fried American goodness to juicy jambalayas and wholesome vegetarian dishes, you don’t need to go with junk food at all. All of these are cooked freshly at restaurants dotted around the Harbour City and can be ordered online and transported to your studio without having to move a muscle. You’ll find similar services in most cities around the world, no matter where you’re recording.
Keep hydrated
Photo Credit: Konstantin Stepanov on Flickr
Metal bands engaged in high intensity activity throughout a day in a recording studio are at risk of dehydration. According to a study in the U.S., 7% of people don’t drink any water at all during the day. Dehydration can reduce your physical performance, leaving joints achy and muscles weaker; not what you need if you’re drumming or playing the guitar. Keep a bottle of water by your side at all times in the studio to keep yourself topped up.
Respect the studio’s producers, sound engineers and assistants
Remember: the studio’s producer, sound engineers and assistants are all on-hand to help your band set up and get the very best out of your equipment. When you and your band are playing at home, you’ll know exactly how you want things set up. But when you’re recording away from home it can be a little harder to find the right balance. Show respect to the engineers and assistant as they help you to get the best sound from their equipment.
Keep cool and enjoy the experience!
Finally, it’s important to remember that a studio should be a mecca for any talented musicians. It’s your chance to be inspired and creative. Don’t take things too seriously inside the studio; relax and enjoy the experience as you never know when the opportunity will come again.
