What Pre-Production Should Actually Involve
By Written by Peter McVeigh
Pre-production isn't just rehearsing. What to do before the studio so that recording days go further.
Money spent in a studio can disappear quickly. Pre-production is how you make sure it goes on recording, rather than on working out the bridge at £50 an hour. It costs little, and it can be the most useful stage of the entire project.
It doesn't have to be fancy. A rehearsal room, a phone and an honest conversation can be enough.
1. Agree what the record is for
Ask the obvious questions first. Who's it for? Is it for radio, playlists, a live audience, sync or a label pitch? How will it be released? Then ask what success looks like. A live-sounding EP for gig sales and a polished single for radio call for different decisions.
Then talk about sound using words as well as references. Ask what people like about a reference track. Two people can both love a record for totally different reasons.
2. Choose the songs
It's tempting to record everything, but doing fewer songs well usually beats more songs done in a hurry. Listen to demos together and be honest. Is this song here because it's strong, or because it's new or somebody's favourite? Bring more ideas than you need, then cut.
3. Work on the arrangements
This is where the most valuable changes often happen. Try:
Is the intro too long?
Do we get to the chorus early enough?
Does each section add something new?
Is every part needed, or are they fighting each other?
Is there space for the vocal?
Play the song through and record it on a phone. Listening back from another room is often very revealing.
4. Set tempo and key
Try a song a few BPM faster and slower. Small changes can have a big effect on the feel. Check that the singer is comfortable in the key, not just on a good day but after a long session. A change now costs nothing. Discovering the problem during the vocal takes can be expensive.
5. Decide how you'll record
Will you record the band live together, or build it up in layers? Will you use a click? Practise with one if so, as it isn't something to try for the first time on the day. Identify the parts that need session players or special equipment. Consider what you can do at home, such as guide vocals or synth parts, to save studio time.
6. Make a schedule
Be realistic about how long things take. Leave time to set up and for things to go wrong. Decide on the order. Often, drums and rhythm tracks come first, then overdubs and vocals, but do what the music needs. Schedule difficult jobs when people will have the energy for them, and put vocals where the singer will be at their best.
7. Sort out the people and money
Who's playing on what?
Who has the final say?
What's the budget, and what does it include?
Are contracts agreed, and are writing splits written down?
Are samples or covers being used, and have you checked the permissions?
These questions feel less glamorous than guitar tones, but they can cause bigger problems if they're ignored.
8. Prepare the gear
Service instruments and fit new strings and drum heads in good time. Check amps, leads and pedals. Find out what the studio has and what you'll need to bring. Listen for squeaks and buzzes, as the mics will certainly pick them up.
How long should it take?
It depends on the project. For a single, an afternoon may be enough. An album could take weeks. As a rough test, if a band can't play the song through confidently in the agreed arrangement, it isn't ready to record, unless writing in the studio is the plan and the budget allows for it.
What to do next
Use our Pre-Production Planner to write down the goal, songs, schedule and needs. Give the band our Band Studio Prep Guide from the Documents page. Then you can all walk into the studio knowing the plan.
Disclaimer
General information, not professional advice. Every session and client is different, so adapt this to your own situation.