How long will it take to record our EP, full album, four LP boxed set?
The length of the recording (and mixing) process depend on a number of variables.
- How involved are the song arrangements? Are you adding a lot of overdubs,
extra vocals, kazoo solos, string sections? Each addition to the arrangement
takes more studio time as we will want to get each part done right.
- Are you well rehearsed? Are the songs fully developed? Working out song
parts or adding new parts in the studio will, of course, take more time. It is
good to make sure you as rehearsed and prepared as possible beforehand.
- Is the whole group able to arrive on time and be available for the full
session? Make sure all of your schedules are on the same page, you don't want
to be rushed because a band member has to be at work before the session is over.
In general, it is always better to have a little extra time in your recording
session than have your music affected by being in a rush to finish.
Recording live v. Recording in parts?
If you are wanting to record live as a group, there are a few things to
prepare for. Unless your singer does not play an instrument,
vocals will sound better in this studio setup if they are
done later on or after the instrument arrangements are recorded. This means
that your group will benefit greatly from practicing without the vocals
before you are here and ready to record. You may need to wear headphones
depending on the live instrumentation of the project. Playing live can
give a unique and energetic feel to a recording, like that of a live performance.
Many projects have been done this way with great success.
Recording one part at a time can be desireable for groups looking to give
specific attention to each individual performance. Typically, drums are
recorded first with the band playing along and creating 'scratch tracks.'
Following the main percussion parts, scratch tracks are replaced with more
carefully performed and recorded takes. Recording this way will require that
you wear headphones and it may be helpful to utilize a click track. Recording
in parts can help to achieve recordings of great detail and sophistication.
Because this process can take longer than recording live, it is recommended for
groups able to spend more time working in the studio.
What is a click track? Does it hurt?
Basically, this involves you playing your song's rhythm parts along to a
metronome or rhythmic click sound adjusted to the tempo of your song. Playing
with a click track can be, at first, unnatural. However it may be very helpful, if not
necessary, to have this reference for you and/or other musicians to add parts
to a song later on. If there are drums in the project, it is recommended that
you plan to record those parts first. Typically, it is much less work to add
parts to a song that has drums than it is to add drums to a song that has other
parts. Unless you use the 'cowbell setting' on the click track, there is
normally no pain involved.
What should we bring?
You should bring everything that you would usually have to practice or perform
including instruments, amps, sticks, strings, effects pedals, cables, etc.
(except for a P.A.)
Are there amps/instruments/other gear at the studio that we can use?
Yes, there are, but it helps to get things ready before the session, so
please ask ahead of time if there is any gear that you know you will need to borrow!
What is the difference between recording and recording a demo?
Some bands use their studio time to create a demo for sending to venues, labels,
or for giving away. Demos are expected to sound clear and balanced
for a small budget and call for a less involved process whereas a normal
recording project can mean full attention to even subtle detail and
working until everything sounds just right.
Is it a problem to bring a few friends along to hang out for the recording?
While it may seem that friends can help to encourage your performance or even
lighten the mood, too many people can become a distraction. Also, the
recording and listening spaces are not large and can feel crowded easily and
parking is limited as well. For these reasons I strongly encourage you to keep
friends and visitors to a minimum, if any at all. Besides, you may need their
fresh ears for critical feedback after your session!
Is it cool to crash overnight at the studio?
Sorry, but overnight accommodations are not available at the studio.
Here are some nearby, quality places to stay,
Jack Daniels Inn (Peterborough), Best Western (Keene), Monadnock Inn (Jaffrey)
Should we bring food and drinks?
Please, feel free to bring food and drinks along, you need to stay energized!
There are always several places nearby that can provide nutrients and
amenities as well including
There is a no alcohol/ drugs policy in the studio.
I've noticed that some of your recordings were not done at Loud Sun, what gives?
That's true. I've had several studio spaces over the years and have also worked
at other studios as well. I still engineer sessions at other studios such as Dead Air
Studios in Leverett, MA where I have access to (and co-own) a Tascam MSR 16 track
1/2" reel to reel tape machine.
The length of the recording (and mixing) process depend on a number of variables.
- How involved are the song arrangements? Are you adding a lot of overdubs,
extra vocals, kazoo solos, string sections? Each addition to the arrangement
takes more studio time as we will want to get each part done right.
- Are you well rehearsed? Are the songs fully developed? Working out song
parts or adding new parts in the studio will, of course, take more time. It is
good to make sure you as rehearsed and prepared as possible beforehand.
- Is the whole group able to arrive on time and be available for the full
session? Make sure all of your schedules are on the same page, you don't want
to be rushed because a band member has to be at work before the session is over.
In general, it is always better to have a little extra time in your recording
session than have your music affected by being in a rush to finish.
Recording live v. Recording in parts?
If you are wanting to record live as a group, there are a few things to
prepare for. Unless your singer does not play an instrument,
vocals will sound better in this studio setup if they are
done later on or after the instrument arrangements are recorded. This means
that your group will benefit greatly from practicing without the vocals
before you are here and ready to record. You may need to wear headphones
depending on the live instrumentation of the project. Playing live can
give a unique and energetic feel to a recording, like that of a live performance.
Many projects have been done this way with great success.
Recording one part at a time can be desireable for groups looking to give
specific attention to each individual performance. Typically, drums are
recorded first with the band playing along and creating 'scratch tracks.'
Following the main percussion parts, scratch tracks are replaced with more
carefully performed and recorded takes. Recording this way will require that
you wear headphones and it may be helpful to utilize a click track. Recording
in parts can help to achieve recordings of great detail and sophistication.
Because this process can take longer than recording live, it is recommended for
groups able to spend more time working in the studio.
What is a click track? Does it hurt?
Basically, this involves you playing your song's rhythm parts along to a
metronome or rhythmic click sound adjusted to the tempo of your song. Playing
with a click track can be, at first, unnatural. However it may be very helpful, if not
necessary, to have this reference for you and/or other musicians to add parts
to a song later on. If there are drums in the project, it is recommended that
you plan to record those parts first. Typically, it is much less work to add
parts to a song that has drums than it is to add drums to a song that has other
parts. Unless you use the 'cowbell setting' on the click track, there is
normally no pain involved.
What should we bring?
You should bring everything that you would usually have to practice or perform
including instruments, amps, sticks, strings, effects pedals, cables, etc.
(except for a P.A.)
Are there amps/instruments/other gear at the studio that we can use?
Yes, there are, but it helps to get things ready before the session, so
please ask ahead of time if there is any gear that you know you will need to borrow!
What is the difference between recording and recording a demo?
Some bands use their studio time to create a demo for sending to venues, labels,
or for giving away. Demos are expected to sound clear and balanced
for a small budget and call for a less involved process whereas a normal
recording project can mean full attention to even subtle detail and
working until everything sounds just right.
Is it a problem to bring a few friends along to hang out for the recording?
While it may seem that friends can help to encourage your performance or even
lighten the mood, too many people can become a distraction. Also, the
recording and listening spaces are not large and can feel crowded easily and
parking is limited as well. For these reasons I strongly encourage you to keep
friends and visitors to a minimum, if any at all. Besides, you may need their
fresh ears for critical feedback after your session!
Is it cool to crash overnight at the studio?
Sorry, but overnight accommodations are not available at the studio.
Here are some nearby, quality places to stay,
Jack Daniels Inn (Peterborough), Best Western (Keene), Monadnock Inn (Jaffrey)
Should we bring food and drinks?
Please, feel free to bring food and drinks along, you need to stay energized!
There are always several places nearby that can provide nutrients and
amenities as well including
There is a no alcohol/ drugs policy in the studio.
I've noticed that some of your recordings were not done at Loud Sun, what gives?
That's true. I've had several studio spaces over the years and have also worked
at other studios as well. I still engineer sessions at other studios such as Dead Air
Studios in Leverett, MA where I have access to (and co-own) a Tascam MSR 16 track
1/2" reel to reel tape machine.