How do I start to record a song??!!

[love4lyrics]

Hello,


I wrote a song that I want to go into the studio and record with a singer. I dont know what I should record first. Should i record the background vocals first. or maybe the lead vocals with the hook. If someone could give me a run down I would highly appreciate it!!!!!!!!!

Thanks!!!!!!

 

[scrubs]

Hello,


I wrote a song that I want to go into the studio and record with a singer. I dont know what I should record first. Should i record the background vocals first. or maybe the lead vocals with the hook. If someone could give me a run down I would highly appreciate it!!!!!!!!!

Thanks!!!!!!

There's no magic formula. What instruments will you be recording or is it just vocals?

For instruments, I usually do the following:
Scratch track with guitar and lead vocal (with metronome/click)
Drums
Bass
Guitars/Keyboards
Lead Vocals
Background Vocals
Accessory Percussion, midi, etc.

If it's just vocals, I track the lead first, because I don't write harmony vocals until I'm tracking and I want the lead there to know how the harmonies will fit. Sometimes, having the background vocals there will give the vocalist more confidence when singing the lead. Whatever works for you is best. You can always mute an already-recorded track if you don't want to hear it while you're tracking another part.

 

[OhSh1rt]

Step 1. Make music
Step 2. ?
Step 3. Profit.



(sorry I couldn't resist)

-jeffrey

 

[Creamyapples1]

When I'm using drum samples, I lay out the sample arrangement first then start adding gutiars, bass, etc. Then go back and change, add, take away as needed.

When using a live drummer I usually run a click track and put the main guitar and bass down, then add drums and go back through and redo the guitar and add more guitar, etc.

In both instances I tend to add vocals last, but I usually end up redoing a few guitar parts after that too.

 

[gecko zzed]

you mentioned only vocals, so I'm not sure to what you will be singing. Assuming there is a backing track that's been recorded in some way, then the question is do you to the lead or backing vocals first.

This is a decision that you make on the basis of what works best for you. There is no right or wrong way.

I have done both. Sometimes I record all the backing harmonies, so that I've got something for the lead vocal to sit against . . . I can give it greater feel if it feels like I'm singing with a whole band.

On other occasions I've done the lead first, because I haven't figured anything else out. Once I work out the harmonies, I add them after. I sometimes find that after having done that, I want to redo the main vocals.

 

[TaintedDb]

I usually record the lead vocals last. I try to have the songs as done as possible which gives the lead vocalist confidence. I tend to want the vocal to be the best performance but that's just me. As the other's have said there is no right or wrong way.

tainted