I've been getting a lot of e-mails lately asking me to write some "how-to" articles. I haven't written that type of article because I feel there are plenty of those around – just pick up any recording magazine and you'll find it packed cover to cover with tips on how to get a better snare drum or vocal sound, or how to become a better recording engineer in general.
Personally, I find the whole "if it needs a bit more 1 kHz, add some 1 kHz" thing to be a bit elementary. I much prefer the Junior High scene. So let's ditch our crayons, sprout some pubes and sign up for some tougher classes. With that in mind, here's my take on "Getting Ready for the Studio 101."
Please don't think I'm going to waste your time telling you to bring things like extra guitar strings, drum sticks, tuners, or to be well-rehearsed. This is Junior High, remember? That stuff is so last year. Instead I want to talk about one of the most important things to think about as you prepare yourself for the recording studio: Your health.
Health is frickin' huge, (hell, your life practically depends on it!) and more times than not is completely ignored both before and during sessions. Coupled with the fact that the recording sessions are often long and grueling, it's no wonder health related issues are the number one reason projects either go over budget or that someone is not completely satisfied with their performance. This really sucks, because everyone's on a budget, regardless of their career stage and I absolutely hate it when artists aren't 100 percent happy with their performance. Of all the things you can do to prepare for the studio – being healthy is the only one that doesn't cost a dime and can ultimately save you thousands.
I really wanted to go past the "drink green tea" kinda crap most people associate with studio health, so I consulted a nutritionist to answer questions I had regarding the fundamentals of being healthy during recording sessions, and how long to prepare ahead of time for optimum results. I took the time to explain to him the 'rock and roll lifestyle' of the artists I record and the issues this lifestyle can bring to the sessions – and I was totally blown away by the feedback I got from him.
The four things he told me to focus on are: 1) Adequate rest 2) Regular, moderate exercise 3) Proper dietary habits, and 4) Healthy relationships.
Sleep. This should be the least difficult of the four. Getting enough sleep is a no-brainer, yet we're all guilty of not getting the sleep we need. Shoot for eight hours of sleep at night and before crawling in bed, try to give yourself a little time to 'unwind' at the end of the day. This may help you get a better night's sleep.
Work out. The exercise regimen he suggested wasn't crazy either – no helmets or protective pads needed, just 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise, five days a week. Go for a 45 minute walk every morning or evening – maybe throw in some push-ups and sit-ups too. Groupie sex counts, but you have to be on top (and still go on a 43 minute walk). Neither of these things requires any special equipment (unless she's into it) or a gym membership, so there's no excuse!
Diet. This is something we can all work on, especially touring musicians. Suggestions are rather simple, too. When you're at the convenience store after the gig, choose water or fruit juice over soda, grab a banana or granola bar instead of chips (or those really gross WWII surplus hot dogs). You'll feel better and save money too.
Relationships. The last point the nutritionist brought up really got me thinking. Not only your body, but also your mind needs to be conditioned to deliver your best performance. Be aware of having your personal relationships "healthy" when you begin you project. I feel this is paramount to boosting what I like to call your 'creative health.' All of the other things can help this as well, but a healthy, happy and focused mind truly does lead to a healthy body and goes a long way towards building a creative atmosphere. Good health doesn't come overnight and there's no magic pill. So for best results, start on this plan about three to five months before you hit the studio. This will ensure there's enough time to undo all the bad you've been doing for the past several years.
Now for the not-so-cool stuff
All of these good habits are for naught if you keep on trying to win the 'rock star of the year award' with all the heavy drinking, drugs, etc. There's no way in hell I'd ever tell you to stop all together, but try some moderation when it comes to these things as part of this regime. Save the heavy partying for after you've recorded the next big hit (and don't forget to call me).
So, why the lecture? I think it all comes down to this: As an engineer/producer, I really, really love what I do and feel I play a vital role in the recording process. However, the instruments, microphones, pre-amps, compressors and recording engineers can only do so much. Here's a little tidbit none of the "how-to" magazines will mention – the difference between a good vocal sound and a great vocal sound isn't adding some 1 kHz, or this microphone or that compressor – it's how the artist is feeling that makes all the difference in the world. All the cool production ideas your hot shot producer has in his repertoire won't do you any good if you don't have the energy and stamina it takes to plow through them and perform them well. There are few more frustrating situations than recording a singer who has fallen ill or watch as the energy drink-induced "energy" wears off at the most critical point of the session. The most important thing about recording is capturing the right feeling, the right vibe and the dynamics of the songs being recorded. All of these subtle emotions take a ton of physical (and mental) energy to define and perform correctly, so be sure to do what you can in order to prepare your body (and mind) for the abuses of the studio. Oh yeah, and bring some extra sticks and strings too.
Well, I've lectured enough – I'm going to grab a beer and a groupie.
www.chrismara.com
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I would like to thank Shawn Callahan for his invaluable nutrition input. I just scratched the surface on this subject; if you'd like to learn more about what Shawn had to say, just shoot me an e-mail. He also suggested a multi-vitamin called "Life Essence" that can be found here: www.pureessencelabs.com/index.php.
I also highly recommend seeing the movie Supersize Me.
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