Top 10 Essentials for Vocalist prior to Studio Recording

Many vocal artists have a desire to record in a studio at some point in there musical career. Without having the proper experience within a recording studio environment this could be a dreadful process for both the vocalist and session engineers. In order to prepare the vocalist for this experience I have compiled a list of 10 essential things that should help prepare properly and be fully capable of making the most of their studio experience resulting in a top quality recording.

1. Perfect practice, perfect practice, and more perfect practice!

Many individuals say that practice makes perfect but I honestly disagree. "Perfect" practice makes perfect in my book. You can practice, practice, practice, but if it is incorrect practice, the performance will be incorrect. At PAMAN we strive for our artist to practice perfect by addressing incorrect practices and habits in rehearsal. By bringing the artist into a place of awareness of there mistakes, the artist are able to use that knowledge to take their performance to the next level after correction. Find a great vocal coach that can assist in helping you strip away the bad vocal habits.

2. Know your lyrics!

Knowing your lyrics well gives the vocalist confidence needed to help deliver the song. Not knowing your lyrics will cost you time and money within the studio in the end.

3. Know what you want before you began!

Have a vision of the complete project in mind as you prepare to take the project into the studio for recording. Be able to express to the producer and engineer exactly what sound and you are looking to accomplish with the project. Find engineers that have mixed within that particular genre you plan to record.

4. Warm-Up your voice

Vocal warm-ups are so valuable to vocalist that want to record because it brings you voice to a point that expresses you maximum vocal potential. Not warming up will cause distress to the voice and will more than likely cause the listener to feel uncomfortable.

5. Drink lots of water/fluids

Your voice is an instrument and it needs proper hydration to perform to its maximum potential. Try to stay away from dairy products (these tend to not be good for the vocal chords prior to recording).

6. Leave Crew and Friends at Home

Unless these individuals add to the creative process, I would reccomend that you have a closed session. The less distractions the more productive the recording session. Which brings me to my next one.....

7. Prepare Mentally

Your mind must be in connection with the voice, text, and the audience. Use your spiritual guidance to help you reach a place of peace and comfort. Recite your lyrics without reading the lyric sheets.

8. Take a break when you need too

The recording process and be very redundant and this could cause the voice to become exhausted. If you sense that this is occurring do not hesitate to take a break.

9. Be polite and show courtesy

Vocalist get stereotype as being divas and inconsiderate at times. This is not a time to demand things and service because it is your recording session and you got the big head cause you think you have the next hit. Show appreciation to your producers, engineers, musicians, etc. They are their to help you in this process so do piss them off and spoil the mood with the session; Not good at all!

10. Do not be afraid/nervous

This should be a great experience, so do not let your nerves get the best of you. Be confident, which comes with proper preparation and know exactly what you desire musically from the project.