Philosophy
Stress Free Studios got it's start back in 1996 when my band Industry wanted to record a CD. After hearing about the studio experiences of some other bands we decided to do it ourselves. It came out better than we expected and many people asked us where we recorded it. When we told them that we recorded it ourselves they asked me if I would record their bands as well. By the end of 1999 I was ready to quit my day job and persue music production full time. It's now 2003 and after about 10 years of recording experience I'm settling in on a group of ideas that collectively are my music production philosophy. Application of these ideas to your situation will certainly produce a better record.
  1. Preproduction is a key element to reducing stress in the studio. It will save money as well!!!
  2. Songs!!! There must be songs. Worked out, "feeling right", emotive, catchy, groovy. If you're not excited about the songs then what's the point? Work the songs until there is something there.
  3. Vocals!!! The vocals more than anything are what people identify with when they hear a song. The vocals must feel real. They also must be confident and on pitch.
  4. Sounds... There must be good sounds coming from the gear. When you play your instrument you should be able to say "man that sounds great." If it doesn't sound great then adjustments need to be made to either the gear, the instrument, your playing, your part, or the song.