How to Prepare for a Recording Session Like a Pro
Mix Artist Studio Newsletter April 2025
Dear Artists and Music Creators,
Who spotted our April Fool's joke? Quite a few people contacted me about the IAFPI tech breakthrough, but today I'd like to clarify that it was all just a silly April Fools joke. I hope you had a good chuckle :-)
Back by popular demand: Play. Perform. Record. returns!
Last month, Mix Artist Studio introduced Play. Perform. Record. A chance for one selected artist to record at 50% off, and the responses were overwhelming.
That's why I've decided to turn it into a regular feature and open applications four times a year for a month. Stay tuned for the next opportunity to apply!
Up and Down - Studio Pricing Updates
In last month's newsletter, I announced that our studio's Day Rates will increase on July 1st, 2025.
Today, I'm happy to announce that Mix Artist Studio's fixed-priced Complete Production Packages will decrease, effective immediately.
So, there's never been a better time to book your studio session.
The key to a great recording session? Preparation.
We all want to have a great time at the studio, be productive, get amazing results, while also having heaps of fun: Creativity, flow-state and positive vibes.
Without good preparation, recording sessions can quickly become an uphill battle. Here’s how you can make sure yours stays creative, fun, and productive:
Pre-Session Preparation like a Pro: The Key to an Effortless Recording Session
Recording in the studio is different from playing live—there’s no crowd energy to mask minor mishaps, your playing is under the microscope, and the smallest details become noticeable. The better prepared you are, the more time and money you’ll save, and the better your final recording will sound.
Together: Chart the Arrangements
Before stepping into the studio, sit down as a group and map out your song arrangements
- Name each section of the song (verse, chorus, bridge, solo, outro, etc.)
- Determine how long each section should be - especially instrumental breaks and transitions
- Decide who plays what during each part to avoid unnecessary overdubs later
Having a clear roadmap means fewer mistakes, faster takes, and a tighter performance
Together: Rehearse with Awareness
Rehearsing as a band is crucial, but how you rehearse can make or break a recording session. Try this two-step approach:
- First, focus on your own playing—get your part locked in.
- Then, play again while listening to everyone else—adjust your playing to complement the whole band.
A great recording isn’t just about playing your part well—it’s about making each other sound better!
Individually: Practice with a Metronome
If you’re not used to playing to a click, take some time to practice on your own with a metronome before the session. This is especially important for drummers, bassists, and rhythm guitarists who form the backbone of the groove. The tighter the timing, the better the recording!
Individually: Service Your Instrument
Don’t let a technical issue spoil your session! Before your studio date:
Guitars & Basses: Replace old strings, check intonation, and have your instrument professionally set up if needed. Put on new strings 48h before the session - not on the same day!
Amplifiers: Check that your amp is functioning correctly, with no crackles or signal dropouts.
Drummers: Replace worn-out drumheads (especially snare and kick) and tune your kit for studio clarity. Oil squeaky pedals, bring spare sticks!
Keyboardists: Make sure all pedals and connections are working properly.
Together: Discuss Recording to a Click, Yes or No?
It's always beneficial to have a pretty clear idea of the tempos (BPM) before you go into the studio. But most importantly, discuss with your band whether to record to a click or perform freely. Ideally, try both in rehearsal.
What are you most comfortable with, and what would bring the best out of your music?
Here at Mix Artist Studio, you have all the options:
- We can record you to a click with one steady tempo.
- We can program tempo/meter changes for you if your songs need to speed up or down.
- And we are also happy to work freely without a click.
Please do NOT think about what's easier for the DAW operator. Wanting the option to work on the grid to copy/paste sections does NOT mandate recording to a click (!)
But it does require exceptional DAW operator skills, and some edits might take slightly longer.
What counts is choosing a method that feels comfortable for you and serves your music well. So, what is the best workflow for you and your band?
Together: Make a Production Plan
Map out the timeline of your production. How many days do you need to lay down the bed tracks? How many days do you need for vocals? What additional instruments do you want for each song, and when do you need to invite the guest musicians? A production plan can have a certain degree of flexibility, but it will give you a good indication of how you're travelling and whether there is time for additional shakers or whether it's time to move on to the next song.
Share your production plan with me early - I’m always happy to offer advice and help you get the best out of your session.
The more you prepare, the more magic we can capture. I can’t wait to see what we create together!
Get in touch! Get things started!
I’m looking forward to making music with you!
