Heading to the studio...

[Benny the Finger]

for the 1st time...
I have been hired by a local singer/songwriter to play bass on his upcoming album.
Which is very exciting, yet a bit unnerving to me...I've only ever recorded with my band...and that was in a home studio with just members there so 0 pressure...
This time around however, I will be in a pro studio, playing tunes I've only recently learned...nothing very difficult or outside of my comfort zone at all, but still don't want to waste anyone's time and money...
Ive been practicing playing to a click track to get comfortable with separate tracking (I've only ever recorded over a ghost track), plan on new rounds a week before the session, got very detailed notes on what I want to be doing for each part of particular songs...
what else am I missing..??
Music is similar to newer alt country...sturgill, isbell, Stapleton-esque, so I don't think he's looking for big long runs or anything too busy... I certainly want to do what ever I can to do justice to the song, yet still impart a bit of my own style (I figure fella likes my playing if he asked me onto the project)...
Any wisdom...wigdom...or tips
Thanks

 

[Al Kraft]

You're doing all the right prep work and taking your responsibility seriously - that will show and serve you well when you get to the studio. Based on all you've said, my advice would be to just go there rested and ready to enjoy the gig. Some folks feel like it's a test and tend to have trouble just playing musically.

You hit the nail on the head when you recognized that the person asked you to play on the tracks because they like your style. Everyone there will be focused on making great music and they want you to succeed as much as you do. You will get suggestions and requests to try different things along the way, but that's simply part of the creative process in the studio - don't take it as criticism, just go with the flow.

My guess is that you're more than ready right now and will feel like you over-studied for an exam when you're done. Best of luck and enjoy!

 

[Benny the Finger]

Spent last 2 days in studio laying bass tracks for mr's album...
Super experience...
Engineer was a awesome laid back dude that had me feeling right at home...
Artist seemed very happy with results..I hope that translates to a good sound on recording...
Certainly a far more powerful under the microscope feeling I got though...man, the scrutiny I put on myself was mind numbing at times, but it seemed like one of the 1st 3 takes wound up the winner most times...
I can't wait to digest this experience a bit more and hopefully get the chance to do so again...
Great times...

 

[Al Kraft]

View attachment 1008566 View attachment 1008565 View attachment 1008564 View attachment 1008563 View attachment 1008562 View attachment 1008561 Spent last 2 days in studio laying bass tracks for mr's album...
Super experience...
Engineer was a awesome laid back dude that had me feeling right at home...
Artist seemed very happy with results..I hope that translates to a good sound on recording...
Certainly a far more powerful under the microscope feeling I got though...man, the scrutiny I put on myself was mind numbing at times, but it seemed like one of the 1st 3 takes wound up the winner most times...
I can't wait to digest this experience a bit more and hopefully get the chance to do so again...
Great times...

Glad all turned out well! Every time I'm asked to record I find it to be a skill sharpening experience and it sounds like you did as well. While I'm not sure if it takes more courage to face a live audience or a recording session, I am confident that both teach valuable lessons and both build confidence.