A Singer Walks Into a Studio...

Picture it. 8:30 am, Manhattan, a well lit recording studio. I've been called in by a casting director to sing lead vocals on a radio spot for an unnamed car manufacturer. I arrive, check in with the director's assistant and am handed a score complete with lyrics and some notes of general direction.

I ask if the vocal booth is ready yet and am told that it is still being set up. This is a common occurrence so, I excuse myself to the main lounge to sit and go over the score. Pitch pipe in hand, I begin to practice the melody quietly to myself, keeping in mind the director's notes in the margins.

It is now 9:00 am. The director's assistant calls me in and I move immediately to the control room to shake hands with the director and engineer. The clock hits 9:02 and I'm in the vocal booth. We record several takes of the short 16 bar phrase. Each take is recorded and we swiftly move on to the next take. The director gives his thoughts on each take in short 3 to 5 word sentences. "A little brighter", "I like that but faster", "One more just like it". It is now 9:25 and we're done with tracking the lead vocals. 

Normally my job would be done but because we finished so quickly they ask me to stay and maybe lay down some backing vocals on top of the singer they hired to do them. In comes the background singer. Wait a second, where's the singer?

The background singer is late. This is not good. Clocking in at somewhere around 20 minutes late, the background singer arrives and hurriedly enters the vocal booth with a crumpled score. After several takes it becomes clear that this session will not be as quick. Already behind schedule, the director and crew cannot afford to take more time to accommodate an unprepared singer. The director leans forward in his chair, looks at me and says "Want to make a little more money?"

By being early, prepared and focused I was able to not only impress my employer with a quick and painless session but I also was able to step in and help out. There is no trick here. It comes down to who's done their homework and who hasn't. The real reason my session was over so quickly is that I continuously work my voice and recording studio technique. I was able to respond immediately to direction because I am familiar and comfortable with my voice and the equipment and environment of a studio. 

Whether you're recording for a commercial job or for your own project, time is money. You literally cannot afford to not know what you're doing in the studio. For me, learning this was trial and error. I wasted a lot of time and a lot of money learning this lesson. I try the best I can now to help other singers avoid the same mistakes. If you have a recording session coming up or just want to sharpen your skills feel free to get a hold of me and ask me your questions.

As usual, share your thoughts and queries!

-Michael