I recorded an entire album and when it was over it did nothing for me. I thought it was the best I was ever going to get, so I just let it go and forgot about it. Pretty much forgot about music too.
Then I found this sight and discovered that all of my problems were common: I used headphones all through the process and I EQ'd the hell out of everything at tracking. I also hated how my voice sounded and that was mainly because I used a dynamic mic instead of a condenser. Also, I would focus only on one song at a time, which just totally burned me out. By the time I had it tracked, I just wanted to forget about everything.
Knowing what I know now, I've decided to start again from the ground up with a harder focus on getting everything right before tracking, and making sure it sounds great through monitors. I'm also tracking in a larger space with a walk-in closet for an iso booth. I have mic pres this time, better mics, and a better approach to the whole thing.
A part of me is really pissed off that I am facing these songs again and not pushing on to new stuff, but if I don't then everything I do from this point forward will be tainted with the little voice in my head that says "yeah, great. Too bad you fucked up your old stuff. That record wouldve sounded so much better".
Of course, doing this makes me susceptible to completing the entire redo and then wanting to start again because I learned new stuff. But since the difference in quality between now and then is so HUGE, I may be able to let things go at a better level.
I say do it. If you know what you need to do to make better records beforehand then you are giving your music, and your concious, the respect they deserve.
Best of luck
Cy
