"I'll Figure It Out In the Studio."... No You Won't!

One of the biggest challenges I’ve noticed with recording artists in the studio is a lack of preparation.

Failing to be fully ready before entering the studio can lead to a range of consequences—some obvious, others more subtle and behind the scenes, which the artist might not even be aware of. Let’s break down different aspects of the recording process and explore what can go wrong when preparation falls short.

Vocals

For non-instrumental music, vocals are often considered the most critical element of a song. They’re what listeners connect with, sing along to, and analyze most closely (aside from musicians, of course). Here’s what can happen if your vocals aren’t polished:

• Loss of emotion – If you’re struggling to remember the melody or lyrics, your performance can come across as flat and uninspired.

• Increased tuning costs – Poorly executed vocals often require more tuning, which can range from $50 to $150 depending on the extent of the work needed. A well-rehearsed performance means less tuning and a more natural sound.

• More editing required – Producers and mixers may have to spend hours fixing timing issues, and in some cases, a re-sing might be necessary. If they’re forced to settle for a subpar take, it compromises the quality of the final product. Editing vocals can also incur additional fees, typically $50 to $150.

• Extended studio time – Going over your allotted studio time drives up costs, especially if you’re working with a high-end producer or studio.

Drums

Drums are the backbone of most songs. If they’re off, the entire track can suffer, no matter how strong the other elements are.

• More takes needed – Like with vocals, unprepared drummers may require multiple takes, increasing recording costs.

• Extensive editing – Poor timing or performance often necessitates significant editing, which can cost $50 to $200. However, editing doesn’t always solve the problem—sometimes the drums are so off that re-recording is the only option. Bad timing can be jarring for listeners and ruin the overall vibe of the song.

Other Instruments (Guitar, Bass, Keys, etc)

The same issues apply to other instruments as well. I’ve often had to abandon recording sessions with bands and bring in other musicians to play the parts correctly. This not only increases costs but also eats into valuable studio time. The more time spent fixing technical issues, the less time there is for creativity and refining the song.

Final Thoughts

The goal of this blog is to help you, as an artist, record the best possible version of your song. I genuinely want you to create something incredible—a track we’re both excited to share with the world.

Don’t waste time and money fixing problems that could have been avoided with proper preparation. The solution is simple: practice, practice, practice!

If you need help with any aspect of your song please reach out to us below! We would love to chat with you about your music: