RECORDING BASICS AND ETIQUETTE FOR A RECORDING ARTISTE

A song first manifests as an idea and is often written down or roughly recorded on a phone or
audio device for reference. The artist, usually dissatisfied with the current state of the idea, goes
on to book a studio session with sound engineers. Producers, mix engineers(or both) are usually
involved in the process of making music. This process takes place in a recording studio which
typically houses musical instruments and technical equipment.
The artist is then expected to bring the idea to life in the recording booth. There are certain
conducts that are expected from a recording artiste at a studio session, they include;
1. All devices are to be put on silent or vibrate mode. This is expected from everyone in the
studio, so as to avoid ruining a good take whilst recording. A quiet studio plays a big role
in the quality of the recording.
2. Time Consciousness; In as much as creativity usually thrives on “going with the flow”, it
is necessary to be very conscious of time in the studio. It is important for the artist to note
that they are paying for the sound engineer’s time, especially where the studio does not
belong to the artist. There could be other appointments lined up for the producer/ mix
engineer and lack of seriousness could eat into the time of other clients.
3. Rehearsing before the session is another thing lots of artists fail to do these days. For
instance, songwriting ought to take place before a record session is booked. This gives
the artist time to brainstorm by themselves or with their team and properly rehearse the
lyrics/melody. This is beneficial because a thoroughly rehearsed idea will be recorded
faster and more efficiently.
4. Avoid littering the studio. This is a basic etiquette in any professional setting. The studio
is not a hangout spot and ought to be treated with every bit of professionalism.
5. Be punctual. It is not okay to show up hours after the session is meant to start. It is also
important to show up sober and in a sharp state of mind.
6. Bring a reasonable number of guests to the studio, if necessary. A rowdy session is never
advisable and it is very disrespectful for the guests to invite others to a session they did
not pay for. Simply put, a rowdy studio will most likely distract the artist and sound
engineer, thus disrupting the studio session.
In essence, a recording session requires the collaborative efforts of the artist and producer/mix
engineer to yield good results. This team work demands professionalism and all round respect.
In some cases, some audio engineers firmly operate with studio policies in place. In such a
scenario, it is best to follow such policies to the T.
The etiquette listed above are best suited where the rules are unspoken.
All in all, as a recording artist, composure is non-negotiable.