My "apprenticeship" is over...

[DaveBlack]

And I have my first "professional" gig in the studio this sunday. I've done this for a long time at home but never in a professional setting. I know the ropes as far as telling the bands how they should prepare for the recording process but I was wondering if any of you "seasoned" pro's have any "knowledge" that you would have like passed on to you when you started...

please refrain from such tips as "Dont play with matches" and "never stand up in a canoe". I appreciate it guys and I'm overly excited to start making some money doing something I love. It may not be enough to make a living off of but I finally feel like I'm on the right....."track"

 

[joeritson]

I'm no pro, but don't let stupid, cocky band members show you disrespect. Put em in their place dawg (politely, of course )

 

[Styvo]

Get drum samples at the beginning of the session whilst drums are in good nik, monitor at a comfortable level as hours tend to be long ,keep hydrated and keep a good vibe happening.
Your the captain and it's now your ship.
Happy sailing chief.

 

[TRA]

-Try to be tactful when you disagree with the band
-Take small breaks as needed and explain to the band that you are no good if you are preoccupied thinking about a cigarette or dropping a deuce because then you aren't focusing on them
-Stay focused on the big picture of the project. Will the average listener care that about little production mistakes if they don't take away from the performance? Many great recordings are loaded with mess ups that we either don't hear or think are part of the song. Musicality before perfection unless you are recording Fear Factory or Divine Heresy.

 

[DanLights]

nothing to say since I'm still far from pro, except congratulations and good luck with your first gig! do post your mixes in the appropiate forums section when you have them!

 

[Loren Littlejohn]

Make sure to tell it how it is up front. Don't wait till later when everything ends up in clusterfuckidness.

 

[Erkan]

I don't have much to say, just wanted to congratulate you! It must be an awesome feeling dude

 

[DaveBlack]

Great words of wisdom fellas and like I said, I def appreciate it. You walk a fine line between douchebag and brutally honest when you deal with big ego's so it's gotta be tough finding that medium to where you convey your message, but at the same time, you're not pissing off a customer.

However, its certainly my domain and some shit just aint gonna fly. I cant wait to post some mixes.

 

[Metaltastic]

Mega at Matt Foley

 

[DaveBlack]

I don't have much to say, just wanted to congratulate you! It must be an awesome feeling dude

Thank you sir. I dont take it for granted. I know Im very fortunate and lucky to have found someone to take me under their wing and let me essentially conduct my business via his studio. Its an awesome deal so as long as I bring em in, I got a facility. I would rather sacrifice some nights and weekends at the studio rather than having to get a second job at mcdonalds or some shit.