My biggest recording weakness is failing to complete audio projects, and this year it has changed and will changed. My biggest failure is not completing two albums of two bands that I was in 5 to 10 years ago. These are some rules and strategies that I am doing now to overcome my weakness and thus make completing audio projects efficiently a strength.
- Do all or most of the editing during recording process while the band is there. Don’t leave editing for later.
- Get the tone, performance, and being in tune all right during tracking.
- Capture amp tone and DI signal of the guitar in case the tone isn’t right during tracking.
- Always have a completed goal recording in the session to compare my current project to.
- Check EQ with an audio analyzer.
- Only take on small recording projects and complete those before moving on to bigger projects.
- Set goals for each day of recording and mixing.
- Know when to call it good enough and move on to the next task.
- Understand that past struggles and failures have been learning experiences.
- Persevere. Never give up. You can do this.
- Make due with the gear you have.
- Continue to buy gear; especially gear that will make the process easier and faster.
- Communicate clearly with the band what type of project they are doing. Is this a fast demo or take lots of time well polished recording.
- Have fun and take breaks.
- Have work and life balance.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help or a second opinion.
Now I have this list done so I can easily check it and stay on task. If all goes well, I should be releasing lots of music in the short future.