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Evangeline Greenko
I got so caught up with receiving ProTools, I almost forgot to do my blog for the tracking chapter!
Tracking is the first step to recording with an artist. I feel that it is almost the most crudial step. Meeting with the artist/band and making sure that you see their direction is key. You want to make sure that you are all on the same page when it comes to down to the big picture. Making sure you are familiar with previous recordings of the artist/band, hearing samples of what they are wanting to vibe with, and knowing what their passion is going into the recording will all help you succeed in creating the recording.
Instrument and microphone placement play a huge factor in making sure that the goal of the sound is achieved. Knowing what types and how many instruments will help you figure out room placement, as well as give you an idea of what microphones you will need. Getting those elements figured out and organized will make getting set up much easier.
No matter what you think should "fit best", making sure that the artist(s) is comfortable is the second most important thing. If an artist isn't comfortable, you aren't going to get 100% out of what their talent is. You want the vibe to be relaxed and productive at all times. A shakey performance is not something that you can fix in ProTools.
The most important thing to remember is to ALWAYS KEEP YOUR COOL! That means when it comes to interacting with the performer(s), as well as if an issue arises during the recording process (eg: you aren't getting a microphone signal or ProTools crashes). Making sure that you are always calm and collected will keep everyone's vibe level. If you start freaking out, that may lose the artist's trust in you, which can cause doubt if you are the person qualified to record them. This effect can cause the person to not perform at the 100% level you need them to be. A great recording starts with a great performance!
That's it for now. Until next time, cheers!
