WHAT TO EXPECT
Thanks for choosing Small Pond Studios. What to expect when you want to record with us.
Before Recording
We want you to have a great experience with us at Small Pond, so be sure to provide us with your name and contact information. We will need a brief summary of your project goals, the scope of your project, your budget and expectations you may have of us. We will give you an estimate commensurate with your project's scope. Housekeeping items such as payment schedule, methods will be discussed.
About Recording Day
The first recording you’ll do is a quick demo or “scratch” track of your instrument and vocals together, recorded to a simple drum beat or metronome. We are looking to capture the basic chords, structure and melody of your song. If you are a solo singer/songwriter, this is probably exactly what you already do as your natural performance. The purpose of the demo is to give you and the producer a template, or the scaffolding, that you will use to create any extra parts for your song.
Basic Song Production
You’ll now work very closely with our producer to create any new instruments and parts for your song that you might want, probably starting with the drums and bass. Don’t worry, they can do all the technical work, and help with musical parts if needed.
You have ultimate control and as much creative input as you like
Recording Your Instruments
You probably play the piano or guitar, but whatever you play, we’ll be looking to record it properly after some of the song has been laid down.
At this point, the song may have developed a slightly different feel to it, and that may alter your performance style. This will add cohesion or glue to the performance, making it feel more real and authentically performed with a band.
Many first-time recorders worry about delivering the perfect performance. Relax; you don’t have to get it perfect first time.
You’ll be given the time to have as many goes or ‘takes’ as you need, with your producer offering advice and direction between takes, where needed. They will then create a final edit that will likely be a mixture of the best bits of all of your takes.
Advanced Song Production
You will then work with your producer to add layers, textures and lead parts on top of the performance you gave. You can add as many as you like or need; your producer will guide you. You may perform these yourself, or agree on parts played or created by your producer. Don’t be afraid to try things, even if they are eventually discarded. It’s a very creative and fun part of the process. Your song will be really taking shape now! Editing, rough mixes, correcting timing and performance issues will be addressed.
Vocal Recording
Once the music has been created, it’s time for vocals. Similarly to your instrumental performance, you’ll be given plenty of time to take as many goes as you like.
Every singer is different, and this process is the most individualised part of the process. Some like to sing their song in whole takes, others like to sing it part by part.
Some people love lots of effects on their voice, some do not. Your producer will have lots of tricks and tips to quickly find the right method for you.
You’ll be performing in our live room with headphones, which can feel a little weird at first. Your first take or two will be test takes for the producer to set things up correctly for you.
Relax here and use this time to get comfortable and warm up your voice. Remember, you do not have to find that one magic, perfect take.
Once we have a wide selection of lead vocal takes we may discuss the idea of adding backing and harmony vocals. These parts, often overlooked, really add to the overall effect and professionalism of the song. Don’t worry if you’ve not considered these parts, once again your producer will guide you with a few ideas to get you going.