Pro bands spend a lot of time working on their songs and sounds before ever stepping foot in a studio. If the band is on a major label, the band works with someone that knows the record making process (often a producer or someone from the label's "Artist Development" department) until the record company feels confident that the band is ready.  There are good reasons for this.  Studio time is expensive.  Finding and fixing problems with songs or performance before entering the studio can halve the cost of making the record.  The songs will be more refined.  You 'll also play with confidence because you'll really know your songs. This confidence will allow you to play with a conviction that translates into a believable record.

If you really want to make a great record it will take this extra effort.  Here is how this would play out in a real world example:

Your band is ready to make a full length record.  The band has 20 songs of which 13 or so will be on the CD.  The band calls and we schedule for me to come to a practice.  I'll bring my mobile recording rig (it's small, no worries).  We multi-track record all the songs you are considering for the CD release.  I burn CD's for the band at practice.  Everyone listens closely to the CD for ways to improve the songs and performance (Taking notes while listening will really help).  We might drop some songs at this point.  If I think changes will help some songs or a persons performance I'll make suggestions.  We talk via phone or email about what changes can be made to make the songs better.  THE BAND PRACTICES the new versions of the songs.  We schedule for me to attend another practice.  If we want we can record the this practice as well.  This can go on as long as necessary.  Nothing else you can do will make a bigger difference in the quality or the marketability of your CD.  Call and we can talk about it.

Peace...........m