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Hey all I am heading to studio for my first demo this next month. Songs are in place but lovely Mike Dunbar asked me some questions I don't think I am prepared to answer.... Like do I want or need bg vocals, what instruments I want etc... I really have no idea what I'm supposed to say as this is first time I've done this and really have no clue and since I don't play I don't always have a full vision in my head about how the song should absolutley sound so if anyone has some suggestions for how I can better prepare and what else I need to think of please let me know. Thanks fellow friends

Hi April,
To know what instruments you want to use, figure out what genre you want the song to be and which instruments fit it best; whether you want the music to be soft or driving, do you want your vocals to be out front or blend with the instruments etc.

For your vocals you need to know the genre again, if it is a power ballad or attitude song etc. you need the strong vocals. If it is a ballad, softer. You should also know where you want the song to build or soften.

Make sure you know the tempo and time signature you want to use so you don't have to redo it. The most common time signatures are for Cha Cha, Swing, Waltz, two step, and standard-4/4. Play around with the tempo until it feels absolutely right.
Good luck with it.

April, I sent you an e-mail.

Joe

April

The best advice is just listen to whatever Mike D says and go with it.

I once wrote a massive article here on EXACTLY this subject, I think like two people responded. I ALWAYS talk about the troubles of the musical - The songwriter (lack of experience) The Musician (lack of commitment)

If your going to work with Mike in person you'll have no concerns or fears.
If you were walking into a strangers pro studio you would be in big trouble, like many many others who just write or mainly write or just write and play acoustic.

Mike D will be along to answer these questions for you if he hadn't already...

The main thing you can do is be PREPARED

1- Only pick songs that are ready & complete especially arrangement wise.
Do not sit in the studio and think about should a chorus come here? or not??

2- Get the tempo straight now, know what tempo to set the click track to before hand if possible. example "song one" is at 92
Song two is 120 bpm etc.... this will save you the time finding them in the studio.

3- HUGE! get it straight as to WHO is laying down the FIRST tracks on the song. Is it you? That persons needs to know this song really well. The chords, the arrangement the TEMPO and the way it feels/how it's played.

Direct answers
YES you'll need some BG Back Ground vocals, most songs do expect to want & need them.

Yes I'll definitely need - Bass guitar, Drums, weather they are programmed or live that is up to you April, it may cost less to have them programmed. You will need guitar as well.
On the first session you don't have to have everybody and everything. You can add, piano later, leads, back vocals and other specialty instruments. You will be probably laying down the core of your song and basic tracks on day one.

* Figure out and know HOW many songs you will be doing total

* Think about WHO will be singing lead vocals on them

* Think about your budget of course and that can help decide what instruments or how many you can use...

* Always do MORE to LESS. Spend more time attention and money on FEWER songs.

* Your new to this so listen be patient and learn, there is nothing better than learning by doing!

Good luck and HAVE FUN!

I'll just pop in and say -- take examples of songs you like in the genre you write in to play for Mike. Maybe you don't know what instruments are playing, but you can say, 'I like how this sounds in the verses' and 'and then I like the sound of the bridge in this' (I'm not talking about copying the melody, I'm talking about the style, instrumentation, mix).

If you are planning to pitch the songs, then knowing what genre/subgenre they belong in, and what the 'a la' artists might be is important so your demo has the same vibe.

Nice one ,

Mike Caro sound advice as usual. personally I would judge on

What I have heard from the studio in question. Most small studios offer dated old fashioned sounding demo's , because the owner/producers, do not listen to what is selling today.

Problem is people get excited over some song that is not finished
and that is a hard thing to take for learning writers, Yes i have been their myself.

But maybe that's what April wants, we must also consider is the price.

This wont win me any friends, but i'm not here for that, I am a realist, who understands what publishers and A and R want through hard work and experience.

If that demo fails to attract the listener (a Stranger , not a Buddy) during the first minute it will be thrown away.

Hey April,

If you don't play, and don't have an idea of the sound you want, then I think I would probably defer the demo session to a later date, after you've absorbed a bit more musically.

Mike D is real good, but not a mind reader.

If you're going to demo a song, how do you know if the product is any good if you don't have an idea of the concept you're after ?

Patience is probably a virtue in this situation.

cheers, niteshift

I agree with Niteshift and Sub about knowing what you want and being prepared. However going into a studio for the first time is a learning experience and steep learning curve that should be experienced. OK you may not be able to produce a masterpiece first time out but it will give you some idea of how things work...go for it.

Here are my tips.

Prepare everything as much as you you can. Know the song inside out and have at least an idea of how you want the finished article to sound. Remember that songs can be re visited and adujsted in the future or as you go. Parts can be added or taken away at any time and THINGS CAN BE FIXED.
Most experienced studio guys will offer advice, help and guide you through the processs but the final decisions will be yours. Do not be afraid to voice your opinion. Keep it simple to start with perhaps just guitar vocal. That can then have more parts added and built in. Piano, bass, drums harmonies etc all can be put in later.

Hey April,

Good thing you got some good advice here, because I certainly wouldn't be much help...Except to say keep the intro short & get to the song as soon as possible....

Midnite

Hi April:

Follow "The Foot"... LOL! Dunbar won't take you in the wrong direction. Great advice from others as well. It all begins with the genre you are doing with your song or album. Please keep in mind that you are going to have to pay somebody to do a demo. It's important to have a "game plan" for what you intend to do with the finished product.

A targeted approach for pitching your song is best... and you need to know what artists are looking for material of this type. Then attempt to learn if they will accept a simple demo with only minimum instruments. That way you can keep your demo more affordable.

Best of luck... and spend more time with Mike Dunbar, picking his brain for what he thinks you need.

Hi April -
Congratulations! Going into the studio is both exciting an nerve-wracking!!! lol! and of course FUN!!
Be as prepared as possible before you get there so you can really enjoy your experience.
GREAT advice from Mike/sub & Nite!
Having just completed a CD project with Mike Dunbar I can say with all confidence your are in good hands! Trust his experience and knowledge to help guide you... your job is to do your homework and know where you are heading ... He'll get you there!!
As Jim said .. every day in the studio is a learning experience you won't forget.
Best of Luck to you .. good luck & have fun
Joanne

ps .. stop by and have a listen to Mike's work
www.cdbaby.com/cd/lurgio2

Hey April,

AS one who has a song involved in your project, I would suggest you do as much "pre-production: as possible. You are close enough to make an early trip to Nashville to meet with Mike, do charts, etc. If you want, I could meet up with you at that time. I will get you the charts and backing tracks you need. As you know, my song is pretty complete. But with you taking your "own swing at it" is just fine and the way it should be.
The biggest thing you should think of in instrumentation is to match the feel of your voice and what your overall uses for the song would be. Most demos here are pretty straight up. Guitars bass, drums, (either live or programmed) some keyboards, etc. They don't call this "guitar Town' for nothing, so I would feature that.
I am not sure about the other songs, but anything I am involved with usually has an edge to it. That is more what is in line with modern country now. You should find some songs out there that you identify with, I think you mentioned Miranda Lambert. You should bring in those songs, and emulate those textures.
And when you are in there, let the pros do their jobs, don't get too much in the way. they are generally on it 100% of the time. But if there is something that doesn't fit what you want, speak up. no one is going to be angry, kick you out or make you quit. The studio, like writing is about communication. Just talk to everyone and let them know what you hear. most of the time they will do it.

You have both Mike and myself to call on if we can do anything for you. Let us know what you need. You are in great hands with Mike.

MAB

Email sent your way.

Colin

Hey April,

Good to talk with you today. Twenty minutes on the phone would have taken five or six emails back and forth, LOL. Thanks for sending the mp3's and the ideas from Colin and Joe. I'll listen tomorrow and get back with you.

By the way, I like Colin's ideas, and kind of like Joe Wrabek's, but I don't know where to find a dead cat, maybe I can get some dead mice from the basement?

You've gotten a lot of great suggestions here. We can talk again after I've listened, then discuss direction a little more. In the meantime, start singing each song once a day. After a few days we'll talk again, then take it up to twice a day. I have some other exercises and "feel keys" you can work on in a while.

All the Best,
Mike

Mike, dead mice will work. It's the thought that counts.

Joe

Thanks for all who weighed in here. I appreciate all the encouragement and knowledge you have bestowed. I trust I am in good hands and am just going for it.

Hey April! Well, looks like all I can do now is reiterate what Mike Caro told you and add a whole bunch of good luck to you! - Take care and have fun!
-Dave