Recording by yourself...

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HwyStar

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Besides playing all of the instruments and working the mixer(s)... Have you guys found an easier way of "Doing it all" yourself? The equipment is not the issue it's the right steps to follow in being a one man band.

My Steps to recording:

1) Drum machine all the way through the song (for reference)
2) Bass Track
3) 1st Guitar
4) 2nd guitar
5) Keys
6) Solo Track
7) Re-record drums
8) Vocals
9) Mix-down

Is there an easier way to do this with only 2 hands?

Thanks!
 
That's pretty much the way I do it. Lot of work ain't it? Especially when you are also writing the songs and doing the arrangements.
 
Do you find that by using the drum machine the whole recording sounds stale?

Even though I've written the songs myself I still get lost with where I'm at in the song since there are no vocals till the end. Suggestions? I've thought of recording a track after the drum track that I verbalize where I'm at in the song.
 
Being a one-man show is hard, but........

You are on the right track : ) Just record a "scratch" vocal track for reference, after the "scratch" drum track. It doesn't have to be a great performance - it's just for reference and gets dumped later. You may WANT to keep it though - sometimes a "scratch" track ends up sounding better.

I'm finding that drums are the hardest part of MY one-man show, however just recently, I've been learning the midi functions of my software and am able to use a midi keyboard to trigger samples - like playing an actual kit - and my drum track(s) are sounding more realistic.

It also helps to find someone who's ears and opinions you can trust - to act as a coach and cheerleader.

Most importantly try to keep it FUN !!!
 
HwyStar said:
Do you find that by using the drum machine the whole recording sounds stale?
Click to expand...

I either score the drums myself using MIDI or use drum loops. MIDI drums can be made to sound pretty realistic, but it isn't easy, and I'm not the consumate expert. But then I only produce song demos, so I don't get too anal about it.
 
HwyStar said:
Do you find that by using the drum machine the whole recording sounds stale?

Even though I've written the songs myself I still get lost with where I'm at in the song since there are no vocals till the end. Suggestions? I've thought of recording a track after the drum track that I verbalize where I'm at in the song.
Click to expand...

I usually start with a click track. Usually a snare and a hi hat. just to keep a steady beat. Then my acoustic guitar and vocals as a scratch track. I then build around it in pretty much the same order you do.

I do not use a drum machine because it is stale. I record a basic drum track all the way through and tweak the hell out of it, or I program drums. There is a wealth of info regarding drum programming on the net, point your browser to "midi drum programming" and see what you get. It can be time consuming, but it is challenging and it sounds a hell of a lot better than a sterile drum machine.
 
Great Question

I like your process because I do the same. The drumm track though becomes too stale. I'm going to try to add another track of drum improvising from a Midi to add some customization. I like the comment about not being so anal. Most people that listen to my music are listening to lyric and general sound anyway.
 
add another "scratch track" user here.
I just create a click track, usually a hihat, and then with a single mic I lay out the song on acoustic and vox. Then I can insert markers showing where the various parts of the tune are so I don't get lost. Then I compose a drum track, then redo the vox/acoustic individually, then bass, more guitars etc. It usually ends up being a bit of a loop, as new parts reveal things I want to change in old parts.
 
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