HOW TO APPROACH YOUR BAND RECORDING
As a band there are a few different ways to approach the recording of any given song. There are advantages and disadvantages to all so let’s take a look…
The band records all instruments and vocals together in one take, with or without click. Song finished, ready to mix! The advantage of recording together as a band is that the energy of a band playing together can be transmitted to the recording. The disadvantage is that if someone is pushing or pulling against the rest of the band or the click it can put everyone out of time.
The band records each part one-by-one, usually starting with laying down a guide instrument (often a guitar) to a click track. Each successive part (drums, bass, guitars, vocals, keys, etc.) is then recorded as an overdub. The advantage of this method is that it allows the musicians and the producer to focus in on one instrument at a time and make sure that the part is as good as it can be. The potential disadvantage is that the energy of the performance can be lost. It can be particularly difficult for those instruments that are recorded first as they have less of the rest of the parts to play along with.
The band has produced a home recorded demo of the song to a click track. Each instrument track is exported and imported into Pro Tools at the studio. Each instrument is then replaced (re-recorded) in the studio. This can be a good way to work but it is dependent on the capacity of the band to record a quality demo at home.
The reality is that in most cases the process will be a hybrid of the first two methods. This would mean setting up to record together as a band. The band will then do anywhere between one and ten takes of the song and then choose the best one. This take is then assessed to see which parts of which instruments need fixing (by dropping in short sections) or re-doing. The final vocals are often left until last so that the vocalist has the full track to sing to.
At Everland we have no prejudice or preference for one method or other. It’s simply about working out which one best suits the band and the particular song. We have the capacity to record drums, bass, two guitars, keys and a vocal at the same time with complete isolation between instruments.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for a no-obligation pre-production meeting. We always happy to show off the studio and to have a chat about the best way for you to record.