Session Planning

The Role of the Producer.....

At all sessions there is one person who has the final responsibility for the music and the production. It is the producer's job to oversee the recording project as a whole, including the creative direction and the business aspects.The right producer will greatly enhance the quality of your project because he functions as an objective partner. The producer's job includes ongoing evaluation of the recorded performances with respect to how they fit together to create the best, highest quality end product. With the "big picture" in mind at all times, the producer is able to take the project from the first run-through all the way to the final master. If you need some production guidance or help, Brian Konzelman's 50 years of major-label production experience is available.

Preparing for the sessions.....

Guitars and basses, bring your own instruments to the sessions. While Back at the Ranch has many instruments available, your own equipment is a part of your signature sound. If you are an electric guitar player be sure to bring your own guitar and amplifier to the session, and bring your favorite amp-modeling pre-amp or effects too. There is no guarantee that you will be able to get "your sound" on different equipment from what you normally use. Bass players generally do not need to bring their amp and speakers because they usually record direct through one of our many tube or solid-state pre-amps and direct boxes. Put new strings on your guitars one day before the session so they have a chance to stretch out. Make sure you tune guitars several times so that they get used to being at the correct pitch. Check your 12th fret notes vs. harmonics and adjust your bridges accordingly .

Keyboardists should bring their own keyboards and keyboard stand. Bring your owner's manual, power supply, pedals and cables. We have loads of midi gear and voice modules available if you wish to use them, but your own sounds will be much faster to setup and record.

Drummers need to bring their own sets. Remember that microphones will be very close to each drum and the smallest rattles and buzzes can ruin a take. Make sure the heads are reasonably new, and the pedals do not squeak. While we can mike your kit in twenty minutes and have it sounding pretty good, be aware that most release quality recordings take from 1 to three hours of fine tuning the drum setup for optimal sound on an album project. This extra time is always a good investment into your overall project, and can bring your overall sound to a much higher level.

Vocalists, know your vocals. People singing background vocals that do not sing any lead vocals, must rehearse the pronunciation and intonation closely with the lead vocalist. What sounds perfectly acceptable live can sound pretty ragged when exposed to the intense scrutiny of the recording studio. Rehearse group entrances and the cutoffs at the end of long held notes. The lead vocalist should direct the cutoffs, with the other singers watching the leader's lips.

Don't bring friends to the session who are not directly involved with the project. They will take your attention away from the recording, and cost you quality and dollars.

Know your music completely. The more prepared you are, the better your recording will be. The studio is not a rehearsal hall. Nail your performances. The best sounding recordings are generally the best prepared. Do your rehearsing at home. If you have a home studio of any type, record your entire project on your boom box or 4-track at home. Doing this will reveal unforeseen problems and will provide a good reference for the engineer to hear your direction when you get to the session.