The art of producing and recording Music.
By Ari Mendes
I’ll start this series of articles by talking a little bit about myself. I’m a guitar, bass, drums and percussion player who has been involved with professional recording for the past 37 years, as a musician, arranger, producer and engineer. Had a studio in Boston for 18 years, but recently relocated to beautiful Port St Lucie, Florida. More info on my site,
The recording industry has gone through a lot of changes in the past 10 years, thanks to the digital revolution that made recording technology more affordable to anyone who wants to master it. By the way, digital recording (also known as non-linear recording) is an excellent and very flexible way of handling audio (and video, for that matter), but we still rely on a lot of good old analog tube and vintage processors to be able to get that “warm”, familiar sound that translates into a pleasant listening experience. It’s the practical, intuitive way that recording with a computer gives you, associated with the discerning use of traditional hardware devices like tube compressors, pre amps, etc, that gives you that polished, world class sound.
The best of both worlds. I’ll end this introduction with a warning: not all digital is good, and the handling of analog processors in a proper way takes a long time to be learned. So let’s not forget: with the exception of voiceovers, music is first, everything has to start with a song. We can make music with our voice alone, our bodies could be even used as a percussion instrument. If we don’t have music, we’re only recording a series of meaningless sounds… And last but not least, the most important thing, you got to love it!!
Ok, down to the business of music production and recording arts.
First, the studio is a RECORDING studio, not a rehearsal studio. Being prepared both musically and technically will not only save you money, but most importantly, you’ll play better, with more confidence. Granted, that will help you sell more records.
Name the names.
Let’s define who’s who in the studio.
Arranger: In a band situation, It’s important that the members assign a leader to voice the band’s decision. There’s nothing worse than a bunch of guys saying different things to an engineer in the middle of a creative process. Discuss your objectives beforehand, assign a leader and discuss your goals with the producer before you go in the studio.
In the solo artist scenario, both the artist and the producer normally hire the arranger. Some producers double as arrangers, and vice versa.
Engineer: The engineer is not only the guy who turns the knobs. He’s is the guy who, by making the right choice of recording equipment (microphones, equalizers, pre amps, acoustical placement, etc..) , will make your “dream sound” come true. He’s the guy who can translate abstract concepts like, phat, bright, big, deep, etc, into turning the right knob. Like, can you make my guitar sound like a palm tree in August? I’ve heard that one many times…And I found the sound that made the client happy! Also, oh boy, are there so many knobs in a studio! Some producers are also great engineers. Hint: show your engineer/producer some of your favorite CD’s, as a sample of what you would like your project to sound like. This will save you a lot of guesswork.
Very important; If your engineer asks for silence, he’s very serious about it. Better take a coffee break (bring your engineer some…), and let him do his thing. You may not understand what he’s doing, clicking that mouse so many times, or repeating that section 100 times. But believe me, he’s working on your behalf.
Assistant : Very often regarded as the “go get me some cigarettes” kid, make no mistakes here. Assistants are a very important part of the recording process. They’re basically an engineer in the making. They give the engineer logistical support in a variety of things that are key to a pleasant session. And yes, they will get me my coffee…
Last but not least, let’s not forget the studio manager, responsible for all scheduling, the maintenance people, and the secretary. Everyone is important, no matter how low or high they are in the food chain. Be nice to them, that could make a whole difference when some big artist asks the cleaning person if he or she knows a good band. It happens!
In the next issue we will discuss the practical steps of recording in detail. Pre production, recording, mixing and mastering.
Ari Mendes can be reached at producer@amenstudio.com , or at his studio, 772 5010697.
Peace!