| I've run a successful recording studio for over ten | | | | have had a tendency to "grow feet" and walk away |
| years now. In that time, I've picked up some little-known | | | | with the artist after the recording session. |
| and not-often-thought of items that every professional | | | | 8. Clipboard. If you get loose-leaf paper, be sure to pick |
| and home recording studio should have on hand to | | | | up a $1 clipboard to your recording artist has |
| make their clients feel comfortable. You may not have | | | | something to write on. This also helps to hold up the |
| thought of some of these, so here it goes... | | | | paper in their hand or on the music stand, to keep it |
| | | | from drooping down or rustling when they're on the |
| 1. Breath mints. This makes the world better for both | | | | mic. |
| you and them! | | | | 9. Comfortable chairs (and enough of them)! When |
| 2. Bottled water (room temperature). Your recording | | | | you and your clients are in an extended recording or |
| artists will often ask for water to clear their vocal | | | | mixing session, you will all really appreciate this. There |
| cords. Room temperature is best, as it won't tighten up | | | | is nothing worse than not having enough chairs for all |
| their cords like cold drinks will. | | | | your guests, where one or two people are standing, |
| 3. Ibuprofen/Tylenol. This works wonders for your | | | | fidgeting or looking for somewhere to sit the whole |
| client's disposition if they come in with headaches or | | | | time. |
| minor pains that usually distract from a good on-mic | | | | 10. Hand sanitizer/alcohol wipes. This keeps |
| performance during their recording session. | | | | germophobes ok with having to wear other people's |
| 4. Benadryl (antihistamine)/allergy medicine. This has | | | | headphones, and helps keep you and your clients from |
| saved many a session where the singer couldn't | | | | getting sick by being in contact with so many folks. |
| breathe well enough to sing due to a cold or allergies. | | | | Keeping your hands and equipment sanitized is good |
| 5. Cough drops/lozenges. Another tool to keep your | | | | practice, and shows your clients you pay attention to |
| vocalist's cords feeling good, and also helps to drain | | | | enough detail to care about everyone's health and |
| the nose if the artist is stuffy or has a cold. | | | | comfort. |
| 6. Music stand. A music stand keeps the papers out of | | | | Definitely if you're thinking about what professional |
| the artist's hand during the take, so there's no paper | | | | recording studio equipment to add to your home or |
| rustling in your mic! This simple step has made mixing | | | | professional recording studio, don't just think about |
| and mastering much easier, because it reduces | | | | recording studio software or studio furniture -- be sure |
| unnecessary vocal booth sounds. | | | | to add these small but powerful items to your arsenal |
| 7. Paper and pens. Critical to catch the | | | | to help bring out the creativity in yur recording artists |
| spur-of-the-moment lyrical creativity. Lined, | | | | and minimize distractions. A comfortable client is a |
| notebook-sized paper is best, but I try to use loose-leaf | | | | creative client! |
| paper instead of notebooks, because my notebooks | | | | (c) 2009 Miraj. |