Recording: The Performance Killer!

The recording process is a very unique one. There are few TRUE studio musicians out there as most craft their ability for performance and thrive on being in front of an audience. But when put in an empty room and asked to play with passion and perfection, even the greatest artists falter. Part of our job as the engineers and producers is to try and help our performers "manufacture" or "create" that same live energy. In one recent session with a group of vocalists from a high-energy performance group, the producer and I were tracking a section repeatedly attempting to get the sound we wanted. About half-way through the session, a group of guests there to learn from the recording ensemble came in to watch them work in the studio. Once the ensemble knew they had an audience in the control room, the energy level went through the roof (and so did my pre-amps for that matter...) and we were able to get a great recording.

Solo is often the hardest. Sitting there. All alone. In a stuffy studio or on a lonely stage. A pair of headphones with a nerdy voice telling you "ok we are rolling". Knowing that each little move, each little mistake, each tiny sound will be forever saved.. It is quite unnerving! Any performer who is new to the world of recording will likely find a new respect for the studio musicians of the world after the fact. Finding a way to harness the same energy, ability, and creativity of live performance and transferring it to your little world in the studio is the goal of any studio artist or producer. Some strategies that have worked in the past have been:
-Giving a vocalist a prop mic to hold while they track
-Turning out the lights or dimming the room to give an intimate feel
-Bringing in people to act as an audience
-Giving HONEST feedback (like an instructor)
-Recording tunes one section at a time so they can be focused on
-Playing along with a previous take
-Telling them to just do a practice take and that we won't record (even though I ALWAYS record.... muhaha!)

One of our most common clients is that of demo and competition recordings for both video and audio. As both me (Gordon) and Erik are alums of the music department at Western Michigan University, we have a fair amount of upper (and lower) class-men who are looking to capture their best sound and performance to use for competitive auditions and award-based competitions. We have had the privilege to work with some of the finest young talent in the country in a variety of styles of music and, we are happy to report, many of our recordings have gone on to win their artists awards and placement. Getting these incredible performers to play their best EVEN in the recording setting is something we take pride in. 

I would love to hear how other artists and/or engineers find ways to get the best performance in the studio? Any unique strategies? Anything you do to calm and focus yourself and your ensemble?