RECORDING GUIDELINES

Recording is an amazing process. I fell in love with the whole adventure at my first session in EMI Studios, Sydney age 11. These days great recordings can be achieved in many varied ways. Getting a group of terrific players in the one space seems to create the best magic but so much recording is done in small spaces like bedrooms and with the aid of either sampling, MDI or virtual (computer) instruments. Recording parts in different locations seems to be gaining popularity and many of my clients send me tracks to add strings etc from all over the planet. The most fascinating thing about recording is how diverse someone's approach can be from another and with this comes new and exciting ways of creating and sculpting sound.

Whether it's your first time in the studio or you've got years of experience, creating a good recording is not as easy as it sounds (no pun intented). Inadequate recording spaces, mic choice and mic placement and just simple things like lack of preparation or musical expertise are just some of the problems challenging us all as musicians.

Some simple steps to achieving your vision are:

1. Preparation. (A) Create simple charts if you wish the musicians to make up parts and write out lead lines for any meldoies etc you need to be played. Check out our samples on this page. (B) Learn your parts before you start recording to the best of your ability. (C) Be open to suggestions as the best music is a conversation.

2. In the studio (A) Your instruments should be of good quality, in good order and in tune. (B) Make sure your headphone mix helps you be creative. (C) Work out a schedule and stick to it.

3. Mixing and Mastering: These processes are best done by you and the engineer. You can always play "rough" mixes to other people for their suggestions etc. Have a list of changes and where (mins/secs) for each track. Mastering should be separate from mxing and "another set of ears" is a good idea.

Producer Mike Stavrou has written a wonderful book on the subject called MIXING WITH YOUR MIND. Click on the title for more info.

Marcus Holden has appeared on well over 500 recordings from country to classical, jazz to gyspy, string sections and orchestral soloist, rock, blues, world music and beyond.

He has performed at the Lincoln Centre, New York and the Roy Thomsom Hall, Toronto as a soloist and featured on recording by many of Australia's leading musicians and artists. Click here for more info. You can email us or phone +61 407 404 443

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Bloody Dog Studio is a comfortable place to record. Big enough for tracking drums etc, but small enough to be affordable. It's also great for recording vocals, strings etc. With access to many talented musicians including singers, string players, pianists, accordionists even tuba players Bloody Dog Studio is a customised recording space that makes you feel right at home.