LOVE THE ONE YOU'RE WITH
Jun 1, 2005 12:00 PM, The Remix Editors, Robert Hanson Erin Hutton Kylee Swenson
We editors spend a lot of time figuring out ways to help you make music and forge a career in the industry. But we don't devote much attention to helping you manage your music with respect to your personal life, specifically when it comes to a significant other. Of course, you don't read Remix to get relationship advice, but given how intimately involved with both sides of the equation we are (in addition to being musicians, we also date them — god help us), we know a little something about keeping it together both in the studio and in the bedroom. So we're offering some tips to keep a healthy balance on both sides.
Let's begin with you home-studio owners. There are countless loud and annoying things that you can do in there, but be sure to avoid these biggies: Never record vocals if anyone else is home. Sure, you have studio foam and soundproofing up everywhere, but it's not enough. Trust us. Once you have the vocals in the can, do not get “creative” with Auto-Tune. You know what we're talking about. Just stop it. Also, do not audition drum samples for two hours straight. You might think that you've found the perfect sample, but it's actually your better half banging his or her head on the outside of the studio door.
If making music isn't your day job, don't let it become your night job. We understand you can only be in the studio after work, but don't emerge after midnight pissed off because you're tired and your computer just took a shit; know when to call it a night. That said, 15 more minutes in the studio means 15 more minutes, not two more hours. Once you're out of the studio, do not continue to discuss the details of the mix in the living room, kitchen or any other common area: Your girlfriend or boyfriend does not care. And he or she certainly doesn't want to hear any reference mixes. Please spare the innocent.
Those of you who perform live either solo or in bands have another set of rules. First, if you are paying for a rehearsal space, use it — do not hold band meetings in the living room. Furthermore, the living room, dining room, bedroom or den is not an extension of the rehearsal space, so for the love of god, don't store gear there. You have exactly five days after a show to get the gear back to your space; after that, it's fair game for eBay. Five days. Don't forget.
Speaking of shows, always give your lover the option not to go. His or her inner guilt will take over, forcing attendance, so demands aren't necessary. Also, it is completely unacceptable to watch a video of the gig immediately following the performance. Have you no mercy? And we shouldn't have to say this, but don't book shows in lieu of taking a vacation. That's just mean.
Now, if you're one of the lucky people who gets to put up with all of this crap, here are few tips for you: Don't rely on your musician boyfriend or girlfriend for your entire social life. If you do, it will be sad and lonely. Also, it's best to hide all of the gear catalogs lying around if you ever want things like engagement rings, vacations or apartment upgrades — better yet, burn them. And if you go to their shows (and you should), be sure to visit the ATM before you get there; the drink tickets are not for you. Also, don't get angry when your S.O. is ignoring you while setting up, soundchecking and so forth: If you're not in the band, you're in the way. Finally, remember that the show was always good, and your partner was always the best part. Because, of course, that's the truth.
| Want to use this article? Click here for options! |  |
