I just finished tracking my debut EP at Epik Productions in North York!  This was my first time in a professional studio, and I learned a ton along the way.  I thought I’d share some of my learnings :)

Jessica Speziale’s Studio Considerations

1. Timing

I definitely took the ambitious route with the amount of time I spent recording.  Along the way, I learned how much time it takes for each instrument on average:

• Most sessions budget half their time for drums.  Our drum set-up alone took 2 hours, but I hear often it takes longer.  Depending on if you want different drum sounds on each track, it’s important to budget for this, too.
• For acoustic guitars, budget about an hour per song.  This will allow for doubling or trippling parts to get that fat sound and for working with different textures and effects.
• For electric guitars (my personal downfall), budget 1-2 hours per song.  Same deal as acoustic: you’ll be doubling, trippling, etc.  Picking the right guitar amps/tones/qualities is key here!  So give yourself time
• You also want to set aside some extra time for editing the tracks as you go along and to allow for creative genious to flourish!  Who knows, you might end up with some awesome new instrumentation…

2. The order in which you record

This one isn’t going to make or break your album per se, but it can save you resources and hassel if you put some thought into it.  Typically you lay drums first, then bass, then guitars and finally vocals.  I did mine totally backwards and it cost us about a day..not bad, but not ideal, either.

3. Send thank yous!

Liner notes are key - but a thank you note to the keys players on your recording will really stand out.  Everyone’s worked hard for your project, and it’s important that it’s recognized :)  Make sure to build this one into your schedule and budget.

4. Everyone gets a copy

Besides everyone on the project likely wanting to know how the finished product went down and it being a common courtesy, send the finished recording to everyone on the album!  There are a multitude of promotional advantages, too ;)

These are a just a few stand out things for now.  Anyone have something to add that I missed?

Photoshoot with Gillian Foster, May 2011.  Listen to my music here.

Studio time starts TOMORROW!!!!!!  Sign up for the newsletter for daily blogs about our recording adventure :)  Also, sign up and win a free copy of my new EP when it’s done!  One lucky subscriber is getting one :D  The draw happens September 1st!

-Jess

Alright, so we’re over the 6 month mark for this year, so these Resolutions should be firmly underway!!  Let’s check it out:

Resolution #1: Ramp up my music career

Studio in T-minus 25 DAYS!!!  Things are looking great on that front.  This week is going to be a big pre-production week figuring out tempos, hand percussion, and back-up vocals.  I really hope I have time to get a piano player lined up…but something tells me I won’t :(  Things got way too busy this summer.  All good things, but not according to plan.  I’m working through a theory book with my vocal coach and we’re almost done grade 5 level studies performance-wise!  Additionally, I have submitted a FACTOR grant application (and the business plan’s marketing plan in now done!) and I have a meeting with a potential manager in September!!  Whut?!  Almost all of my goals have been worked on ;)  Holla.

Resolution #2: Make health and fitness a priority

This one’s been a toughie.  So, I’m getting tough.  It’s time to focus: I’m going back to bootcamp!  Clean eating for 12-weeks, food journaling to stay on track, going back to class at Fierce Fitness, and weekly meetings.  :)  Bootcamp is already kicking my ass back into gear - and it feels awesome!!  Plus, it’s easier this time around…huh.  Nice!  Lifestyle changes are underway.  20lbs to go…

Resolution #3: Take better care of my home

My house looks great!  Sadly, it has little to do with me and a lot to do with my new housemate.  That said, I’m never really home so my house stays in about the same condition from my side.  lol  I did a huge clean last weekend, and I know my initial goals are completely unattainable with my music/social/love schedule.  But hey, so long as the house is clean, right?  My new goal is a big clean like that every two weeks.

Resolution #4: Stress less

Not bad on this, actually!  I’ve been very relaxed - getting out of the city every couple of weeks, being less planned and more spontaneous…I would really like more yoga and meditation, however. 

I’d say we’re about halfway there on most of these goals!  Unreal seeing all of these come to fruition.  How are your Resolutions going?