Advice on a recording project

[djangoblackbird]

Hey everyone,

I'm going into the studio to record my first EP of my quartet music (two horns, bass and drums) and I'm faced with a bit of a conundrum. The two dates that my engineer can do the first 5-hour session are the 6th and the 26th of January.

I'd like to have the recording done and mixed sooner rather than later, because I've been itching to get out onto the scene here in NYC with my own music, especially since a lot of the other music projects I've been involved with have fallen off. However, the music I've written is a little complex. Not tremendously so, but there's some 5/4, some mixed meter stuff, some non-diatonic changes. So there's the urge to set it later to shed the material really hard. But then I'm thinking, how much more revolutionary am I realistically going to be with the music 20 days later than the 6th? Maybe a decent amount, but I also don't want to psyche myself out either.

I know none of you know me as a musician, so it'll be difficult for you all to say, but I want to know some of your thoughts.

[engelbach]

Originally Posted by djangoblackbird

Hey everyone,

I'm going into the studio to record my first EP of my quartet music (two horns, bass and drums) and I'm faced with a bit of a conundrum. The two dates that my engineer can do the first 5-hour session are the 6th and the 26th of January.

I'd like to have the recording done and mixed sooner rather than later, because I've been itching to get out onto the scene here in NYC with my own music, especially since a lot of the other music projects I've been involved with have fallen off. However, the music I've written is a little complex. Not tremendously so, but there's some 5/4, some mixed meter stuff, some non-diatonic changes. So there's the urge to set it later to shed the material really hard. But then I'm thinking, how much more revolutionary am I realistically going to be with the music 20 days later than the 6th? Maybe a decent amount, but I also don't want to psyche myself out either.

I know none of you know me as a musician, so it'll be difficult for you all to say, but I want to know some of your thoughts.

Go with the later date.

Between then and now you may discover more about the music that you would be sorry you missed if you rushed it.

[jazz oud]

Go with the later date. Do as much rehearsing as possible prior. Every hour you spend rehearsing will likely save you at least as much time in the studio, and the benefits multiply the more you rehearse.

Rehearse all the tunes start to finish on your own in the shed, paying as much attention to detail as possible; record yourself, listen back and give an honest critique of the strengths and flaws. If nothing else, it will allow you to focus your attention while in the studio on what needs it.

Assume that your performance in the studio will be no better than your performance on your worst day. Focus your attention on things that will raise the level of your worst day.

Try to minimize the role of luck in getting a good recording.

That said, good luck!

[engelbach]

Originally Posted by jazz oud

Assume that your performance in the studio will be no better than your performance on your worst day. Focus your attention on things that will raise the level of your worst day.

That's a beautiful piece of wisdom!

Your detailed, insightful posts are a major asset to this forum, JO.

[tpt1]

Dan, this is awesome! You already got sage advise so all I can say is that I can't wait to hear the music. Best of luck.

[jazz oud]

Originally Posted by engelbach

That's a beautiful piece of wisdom!

Your detailed, insightful posts are a major asset to this forum, JO.

Thanks, Jerry, but I can't take credit for that one--passed on by one of my teachers years ago. I always felt it was very helpful to put some perspective on one's "real" musicianship level, the level that you can guarantee every time.

[tpt1]

Originally Posted by jazz oud

Thanks, Jerry, but I can't take credit for that one--passed on by one of my teachers years ago. I always felt it was very helpful to put some perspective on one's "real" musicianship level, the level that you can guarantee every time.

consistency is so important in what we do.

[djangoblackbird]

I'm going with the later date. Thank you to JO and Eng for your input; Oud, I have to contend with Jerry on that statement being a truly amazing piece of advice, even if it's secondhand.

I'm still accepting comments, tips, pieces of advice, etc. about the recording process, so keep 'em coming if you've got 'em!