The purpose of this page is to give you some tips on recording basics.

• Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the recording process, it is a good idea to review the how, what, where, when & why before beginning a new project.

Technology has made it easy for anyone who puts in a little work to get their creations out to the public.

• The Internet and the Personal Computer has made it easy and affordable to connect with people all around the world while sitting in the comfort of our home.
• As a result, this has created a relatively recent revolution in the music industry.
• The major labels have lost control over the release and distribution of music to the public.
• Independent musicians all over the world have already taken advantage of this phenomenon. They are living the life they want, making a full-time living doing what they love. Sharing their music with the world.

The Internet Opened the Door. It is up to You.
Have the Courage to Enter the Expanding World of Independent Musicianship.

So you’ve made the commitment to yourself. CONGRATULATIONS!

Now review the following as you begin your next recording project. This list is not meant to be all-inclusive. It does give you something to think about.

What are your goals and objectives?

• Why do you want to record a CD?
• Is this a hobby or do you want to make a living?
• Are you going to manufacture just a few copies for friends and family?
• Do you desire becoming a household name?
• Are you passionate about your music?

What are the steps to create a CD?

• Financing your project – Once you have set your goals and objectives go over your finances before you begin to spend any money on your project.
  • How are you going to pay for your CD?
  • What is your recording budget?
  • What is your art budget?
  • What is your manufacturing budget?
  • What is your touring budget?
  • Do you have any other merchandise you need to budget for? Examples: tee shirts, hats, jackets

• Choose songs to record - Fans want a CD where all the songs are good.
  • If you only have one or two good songs on a CD, Fans feel cheated.
  • Also, how many CDs will you sell with just a couple of good songs on your recording?
  • Technology allows people to purchase just your one or two good songs as digital downloads.

• What recording requirements do you have?
  
  • Are you recording solo or with a band?
  • How many different instruments do you need to record your CD?
  • Are you going to use live musicians?
  • Are you going to use virtual instruments/samples?
  • Are you going to use a combination of both?

• Time to choose a studio
  • Do you need a large studio or will a project studio suffice?
  • Does the studio have isolation rooms for drums and vocals?
  • Does the studio provide mics?
  • Do they have the right type of mics? Drums, instruments, vocals?
  • Do you have to provide your own mics?
  • How much does the studio cost?
  • Do they charge by the hour or can your block an entire day? How about reserving an entire week?
  • Do you get a discount for booking big blocks of time?
  • Are you going to use a producer?
  • What is the role of the producer?
  • Do you need to hire studio musicians?

• Preparation before going to record
  • Practice, Practice, Practice!
  • Be completely prepared before going to the studio. Know your parts.
  • All arrangements should be done before arriving at the studio.
  • Be as perfect as possible.
  • Know what songs you wish to record.
  • Studio time is far too expensive to be practicing, arranging or writing new material.

• Manufacturing your CD
  • Now your music is recorded. How are you going to manufacture your product?
  • Are you going to use Duplication?
  • Are you going to use Replication?
  • What is the difference between the two?
  • Do you need a UPC Symbol?
  • Are you going to shrink-wrap your product?

  STOP! Explore the many reasons to get your CD mastered.

  • Before you manufacture your newly recorded CD.
  • OR if you haven’t already had your CD mastered.

It’s not as expensive as you might think. It could be a real benefit to you and your project.

Artwork – often forgotten about

• Prepare artwork in advance!!!!!!!!! Preferably before going to the studio.
• Do you need to have pictures taken?
• Are you going to use stock photos?
• Is someone going to paint a picture for your CD cover?
• How is your CD going to be laid out? 4 panel, 6 panel, 8 panel?
• Are you going to provide lyrics in the CD jacket?
• Do you have people to thank?
• Do you have a list of credits to include on your CD?

Make sure you give proper credit to everyone who has participated in your project.

We wish you much success as you begin the recording process.

If you have independently recorded a CD submit it now and gain more exposure for yourself and your music!