Preparing for my music recording session at the studio vol. 1

Whether you are completely NEW to the recording scene or are more seasoned, it is always super important to be prepared for your session. Here’s some tips from 10+ year chief (lead) audio engineer and producer from St. Louis’s most trusted recording studio, Shock City Studios, Sam Maul.

PRE-RECORDING SESSION: The Arrangement of your song is KEY

  • make it unique by adding varying and new inversions, extensions, and cadences

  • think of the “sonic space”: left, right, front, and back “3D sapce” during songwriting and arranging.

  • add complexity to your song

  • find moments to add emotional tension and depth

These tips will help your song to STAND OUT by having a full, polished, and tasteful sound.

ADDITIONAL TIPS: Focus on the Process

  1. make a raw demo at home

  2. listen back and analyze your demo

  3. play around with new ideas

  4. find and work with a collaborator(s) if needed (there’s NO shame in this!)- focus on the end product!

  5. bring your product/song to the studio and record!

Remember- the more prepared and polished your song is, the more efficient your time at the studio will be. While the engineers can always help with production, you want to have a SOLID product (your song) before stepping foot in to the studio.

Gen Lobonc BillhartzShock City School of Music