I think this is a lesson for all inexperienced folk using a studio for the first time. Here are some common sense tips from someone who is no stranger to a studio.

Only record songs that you feel are ready and worthy of recording.....and do not look to make money from them...in most cases it will cost you a lot of money with no return.

If a studio or some company contacts you offering to promote you or record/pitch your songs for a fee...chances are it is a scam so be very careful....my advice is run fast.

Once you decide to record songs choose carefully the studio ...try to get references and recommendations from folk you know who have used the studio.... make sure you know the full costs up front and that they will give you the services you want at a realistic price.

Always plan your time.....practice your performace and know your songs inside out so that when you go into the studio you can concentrate on the performance.....it is not the place to practice.

Always listen to advice from the engineers but remember you are the customer and they are only there to give you exactly what you want so do not accept anything you are not happy with or be frightened to ask for a adjustments in levels or mix or change instrument sounds etc....things can be adjusted post record quite quickly and easily....never be frightened to ask for another take if you are unhappy.... it is all down to taste and preferences so their settings might not be to your ear but they can be changed quite easily.

As well as the final mixdown always get ALL the original recorded tracks, preferably in wav form.....I usually find a memory a memory stick is best...and keep a backup.....these can be revisited and changed or adjusted in the future...or even taken to another studio.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/songInfo.cfm?bandID=687727&songID=5238055