Making a Vocal Track

The vocal track is the single most important part of nearly every mix, and it's sometimes the hardest to capture. It's so important that when you come to record you feel comfortable in the space and with the people around you. Usually I'll record vocals in the afternoon or evening, when it's most likely that you'll sound at your best.

Here are some important things that will allow you to make the most of the session.

First of all, if you've never recorded before, come over and make a quick practice recording. This can be done very cheaply and will give you some feedback about how you sound recorded. It will also enable us to find the microphone most suited to your voice. Most singers find that they sound better recorded than they expect, however there are always some lines of the song or elements of the interpretation that you may want to change. Take the practice recording home, have a good listen, perhaps also have a lesson with your teacher and come back a week or two later.

If you are thinking of recording, do it sooner rather than later. Recording is a part of your ongoing development as a singer. The more you record, the more skilled you'll become. A practice recording doesn't cost much more than a lesson with a good teacher - and you'll learn a lot from it.

If you're an experienced singer, you may also like to make a quick practice recording. It's an important pre-production tool that will ensure there are no surprises later.

Here are some simple ideas that will help to ensure your studio experience is as successful as possible:

• Get a good sleep the night before, but not more than normal.
• Don't eat fatty or sugary foods before the session. You can celebrate afterwards..
• Warm up your voice on the day of your recording
• Bring a friend if it helps you to feel relaxed.
• Ask for everything that you need.
• Believe in yourself and your ability.
• A specialist vocal coach can work with you during your session if requested.
  

If you wake up and you just feel lousy, give me a call and we should be able to change your booking. Having said that, I've never recorded a singer yet who wakes up on the day of the recording and says "I'm so pleased I have a session today, my voice feels in perfect condition to record". In other words, don't let a few butterflies stop you!

Be happy to sound like you. Trying to copy other singers can be a good way to learn, but it can also force your voice to do things that are not natural for you. In the studio, experienced singers often change a few notes of the melody or even the key of a song. What ends up on the CD is what works for them. Record what works for you.