A LITTLE HELP, PLEASE?
Apr 1, 2007 12:00 PM, Kylee Swenson Remix Editor
The recording technology of the past 10-plus years is great because it allows you to do it all yourself; the technology of the past 10-plus years is also bad…because it allows you to do it all yourself. You've probably heard a similar statement at least a few times before, but have you thought much about it?
It's great for musicians to learn about production because it opens a lot of doors. If you're a keyboardist who learns how to operate Ableton Live, you can give yourself extra hands to juggle more onstage. If you're a drummer who learns Propellerhead Reason, you can map out all your parts in preproduction, which in turn makes it easier for your bandmates to record scratch tracks, which in turn makes it easier for you to record along to the gist of the song rather than to a meaningless cowbell click track. If you improve your skills in the studio, you and your band (if you're not flying solo) will do better when working with outside producers.
Even if you have 10 years experience recording your own music, there are still people who have been doing it for longer — everyday, all day — and have more experience than you. Maybe lack of funds is the reason you haven't procured outside help. Or maybe it's because you don't know whom to trust with your musical ideas. Or maybe it's because you think no one else could do a better job (in which case your drink needs to be spiked with a dose of humility). Unless the phone is ringing off the hook after you sent out all those demos or finished masters of your album, there is likely room for improvement. Maybe it's time to come to terms with the fact that someone can probably help you make your music better.
Here's the great thing about the way you've been recording thus far: You already spent the time tracking yourself and learning how to use the gear, and maybe you've already tortured yourself for a few years trying to mic up a drum kit. That is good because it'll help you make a more informed decision in hiring a producer or mixing engineer. And hopefully, in the past, say, five or so years that you've been doing it DIY, you've been saving up money. While the money is accruing a little interest in your band's savings account, you can check out various producers' reels in your price range and listen to the range of styles and the sonic quality. Do you like how their drums sound? Do you like the mix, the vocals? Once you find someone you like, maybe you can afford the person to work on only a few songs. But even if it's one song, spending time in the studio with someone who knows more can help you absorb new tips and improve your DIY sound. Working with a new collaborator is never automatically easy, but with good and nondefensive communication, you can gain each other's trust.
A lot of people featured in Remix get outside help; even this month's cover artist, the experienced electronic artist Amon Tobin, got assistance from a few experts for his latest album, Foley Room. Don't allow pride to get in the way. Don't deny yourself the experience of learning from someone who can teach you something.
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