8 Ways We Avoid Making A Recording

Last time, we discussed the reasons why it is so important it is for us to make a recording of our music. While those reasons are compelling, as soon as we begin to build up a “head of steam,” various doubts and fears can creep in, slowing us down, or even paralyzing us. Let’s look at these issues, and how we can move past them and get our project going.

These issues tend to break down into three categories: emotional, technical, and financial. Any of these could shut us down, unless we address and neutralize them.

1. You don’t know how to finish your songs. This is probably the most common issue. What happens is when you hit a rough spot in your composition, you get stalled, and instead of facing the issue, you instead start a new song. What you will end up with is a series of loose ends. The only way to fix this is to insist on completion before starting something new. We will discuss this issue in depth in a future post. However, some of these points are addressed here.
2. You don’t feel ready. Perhaps you feel that with further study or practice, you will make a better recording. What will really happen is that you will never feel ready; the longer you wait, the less likely anything is going to be done. Doing it despite these reservations is the best answer.
3. You don’t have a band. A lot of young musicians feel insecure out there on their own, and seek the security of a band of fellow travelers. While this sounds good, a lot of times, what you get is creative conflict or immature squabbling. While there are examples of long-lived collaborations, it isn’t a bad idea to take control of your own musical destiny, especially if the group identity was born of insecurity.
4. You don’t know what goes into a good recording. There is no way past this except to do it. There are countless tutorials, books, and examples to learn from, and in the long run, the only way to learn is by doing.
5. You think you will fail. While this is possible, the only true failed recording is the one that doesn’t exist. Of course, you may find that some don’t like it, or that you could improve it, but this is always the case, even with the most successful recordings. Many artists say that they are not satisfied with even some of their most popular work.
6. You don’t have the technical skills. These days, DAW software and recording equipment is quite simple to operate, and there is an enormous amount of online reference material. There are even records made entirely on iPads. Find a software platform that works for you and get busy trying to get some music recorded. When you hit a snag, get online and do some research and go to discussion groups. Learn by doing.
7. You don’t know musicians to play the other instruments. A quick trip to the music store or a look in craigslist will clear this up. Of course, there are idiots and posers, but with a little screening you can find some players. It is true that the better ones will expect to be paid. (as I usually do) but I usually am fair with musicians doing their own projects, and many session players will be as well.
8. You can’t afford it. There has never been a time when making a quality recording has been more affordable. While there are still costs, the need for “big ticket” studios and equipment is no longer an obstacle. Many recordings (including mine) are done in a project studio for very low cost. There are costs associated with doing this, but I find it hard to accept this excuse when people are driving around in fancy cars. I chose to drive cheap transportation rather than abandon my musical dreams. Plus it could be a tax writeoff (if you have music income)