Master Your Studio Session: Nashville Recording Studio Tips for Vocal Preparation and Music Production

Creating music that sticks in the hearts and minds of your listeners takes more than just talent and creativity—it takes preparation, dedication, and a little bit of sweat equity. Recording your next single or album is a big deal, whether it's your first project or your tenth. Here at our Nashville recording studio, we’ve seen it all, from seasoned pros to eager beginners. And if there’s one truth about this industry, it’s that success only comes when you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and work for it.

The studio isn’t just a place where songs are recorded; it’s where your artistry gets immortalized. And to truly leave your mark, you’ve got to come in ready to deliver the very best version of what you’ve got. Not just vocally or musically prepared, but mentally, physically, and emotionally invested.

We’ve pulled together some must-know tips—both the golden basics and some outside-the-box ideas—aimed at helping you stand out from the crowd and turn your session into pure magic.

1. Vocal Preparation is Your Foundation

You’ve heard it before—your voice is your instrument. And like any musician, it takes practice and refinement before you hit the recording studio. Getting in some vocal lessons ahead of time can make a world of difference. Think of it as prepping for a marathon. You don’t just show up on race day and hope for the best—you train deliberately, learning how to control your breath, expand your range, and strengthen your vocal power.

That’s where we can help. At Studio45b, we offer customized vocal lessons to help you fine-tune your technique so you don’t just hit those notes—you own them. When your voice is primed, you’re not spending precious studio hours trying to “figure it out.” You’re performing. You’re creating. You’re making actual magic.

And when it’s finally time to record? That’s where the vocal producer steps in. Imagine this—your main producer is the architect of your sound, while the vocal producer is the sculptor who shapes every word. They’ll push you to explore dynamics, nail emotional delivery, and add that extra sparkle to your takes. Having both of them working side by side can elevate your music from “great” to “absolutely unforgettable.” Albums that hit hard and stick with people don’t just happen—they’re crafted with precision, and working with both of these specialists at once ensures your project stands out as one-of-a-kind.

Level Up With Vocal Lessons and Studio Expertise—prep your voice for the performance of a lifetime.

2. Don’t Show Up Tired, Tipsy, or Unprepared

We want to save you from making this rookie mistake, so here’s the rule—no drinking the night before your session. Yeah, we get it, a glass of wine or a pint of beer may seem like a great way to “calm the nerves,” but trust us, it’ll leave your vocals flat and your energy fizzled. Think about it this way—your future self in the studio will thank you for sticking to tea or water. Save the celebratory drinks for after you’ve nailed that perfect take.

And while we’re at it—shameless plug—get a solid night’s sleep before studio day. Nothing says, “I don’t take my music seriously” like stumbling into the booth groggy and unfocused. Your body and your sound need to be aligned, full stop.

3. Believe in Yourself—But Earn It First

Here’s what nobody likes to admit out loud—confidence doesn’t just show up out of nowhere. Confidence comes from preparation. It’s knowing you’ve rehearsed your parts so many times that they’ve become muscle memory. It’s walking into the studio having done your mental groundwork, visualized your goals, and silenced your self-doubt.

Believing in yourself starts long before you step into the vocal booth. It happens when you put in the late-night sessions, when you choose practice over procrastination, and when you invest in your craft so that there’s no question you belong in that space.

Here’s the real talk—you’re not in competition with others in this industry. You’re in competition with the person you were yesterday. If you want to leave an indelible mark, you have to commit every ounce of focus and effort to refine your art. Be your toughest critic before the session begins, so you can be your biggest fan once the mic is live.

4. Prep Beyond Your Comfort Zone

The basics matter—hydration, exercise, knowing your material inside and out—but going above and beyond is where you unlock your full potential. Want to level up? Here are some unconventional ways to prepare for the studio:

• Switch Instruments: Try playing your song on an instrument you’re less familiar with. Guitarists, try the piano; vocalists, try tapping out beats. This gets your brain working in new ways and often reveals nuances in your music you didn’t notice before.

• Create a Moodboard Playlist: Pull tracks that vibe with the energy you want to create and spend time listening before the session. That high-energy riff? That intimate vocal break? Use them as emotional anchors to fuel your creativity. Better yet, check out our list of songs that we’ve recorded at Studio45b to get your creative juices flowing.

• Record Yourself Practicing: Use your phone to catch raw at-home recordings of your performance. Listen critically—not for perfection, but for authenticity. Did it move you? Did it tell the story you wanted?

And don’t forget to release that tension. Movement routines like yoga or dance aren’t just great for loosening up physically; they free your locked-up mental energy as well.

5. Master the Mental Game

We’ve all been there—the creeping self-doubt, the frustrating inner critic, that gnawing feeling of “What if I’m not good enough?” Look, there’s no magic cure for these feelings, but there is one simple truth—when you’re prepared, they lose their power. Mental clarity starts with grounding techniques—whether it’s a quick breathing exercise, jotting down inspirational reminders, or using a mantra.

We’ll say it louder for the people in the back—give yourself permission to get out of your own way. Stop overthinking every little detail. Find joy in the process. Some of the best takes we’ve seen have come from moments of playful freedom.

Check out this article on how to strengthen your mental health.

6. Trust the Process—and Your Team

This collaborative process isn’t just about your voice, your instrument, or even your song—it’s about the team behind it. Your producer, your vocal producer, your engineer—they’re not just pushing buttons or tossing out feedback. They’re your partners in shaping the culmination of hours, days, and months of hard work into something extraordinary. After all, this is their record too, so they want you to sound your best.

At Studio45b, we’re here to do more than just press “record.” We’re here to listen, to coax out your best performances, and to ensure you leave the studio with something you’re truly proud of.

Wrapping It All Up

Walking into a studio session prepared is about more than proper warm-ups or knowing your lyrics. It’s about aligning every part of yourself—vocally, mentally, emotionally—to create music that resonates deeply. Albums that stand out aren’t just “recorded;” they are built with intention, care, and determination.

Whether you’re booking our Nashville recording studio for your next project or looking for ways to take your sound global, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. With vocal lessons, experienced producers, and an atmosphere of creativity, Studio45b is where your best work comes to life.

Your Next Single or Album Starts Here—Book Your Session Today.

Now, are you ready to create something that moves mountains? Good. We’ll see you in the booth.

Imagine This: A Creative Songwriters Retreat Like No Other

Imagine this. You’re on an acre of peaceful land, far from the chaos of everyday life. The world is quiet—just the sound of a soft breeze and maybe a few free-range chickens wandering nearby. You’re holding a notebook or a guitar, and for the first time in what feels like forever, your mind is clear. There’s nothing pulling at your attention, no endless notifications or outside pressure. Just you, your thoughts, and the music.

Steps away, Studio45b waits for you—more than a studio, it’s a space where your songs can come alive. Maybe you’re here to write. Maybe you’re laying down the tracks that have been bouncing around in your head for months. Whatever it is, you’re completely immersed in the creative process—because here, there’s no room for distraction.

The truth is, the world out there is noisy. Life is demanding, and staying focused on your art can feel like an impossible juggling act. But at Studio45b, the noise fades away—the only thing left is your music, and the space and freedom to create it.

This isn’t just a trip. It’s the creative reset you’ve been waiting for.

Why Unplugging Matters

Have you noticed how hard it is to really focus these days? Your phone pings every two minutes. There’s always something happening—somewhere to be, someone to respond to, something demanding your attention. It’s a lot. And in all that chaos, creativity can get lost.

That’s why stepping away and immersing yourself fully in the process is so important. Writing, recording, and creating aren’t just tasks you check off a list—they need space. Time to breathe. They need a setting where you can actually hear your own thoughts, where ideas can expand and evolve naturally.

At Studio45b, that’s exactly what you get. No rush, no distractions—just pure creative energy. You wake up in the cozy three-bedroom house on the property, grab a coffee, and start the day with a head full of fresh ideas. When inspiration hits at odd hours (it always does), you’re right where you need to be.

And look, it’s not all zen and quiet—it’s fun, too. You’re living and creating with your bandmates or collaborators, swapping late-night ideas, and laughing over bad first takes. It’s the kind of environment where creativity thrives because it’s relaxed, exciting, and completely focused on you.

A Space That’s Built for Music

The Airbnb at Studio45b isn’t just a place to crash—it’s part of the process. With its cozy rooms, a big yard, and even a few quirky chickens roaming around, it feels like stepping into a creative bubble. Bands can jam out in the living room, songwriters can spill their thoughts onto paper in the quiet corners, and everyone can recharge for the next day of magic.

And the studio? That’s where the real magic happens. Grady James, Studio45b’s producer, isn’t here to just press buttons and sit back—he’s right there with you in your creative flow. A session with Grady feels like hanging with a friend who happens to know exactly how to bring out the best in your music. He listens. He pushes you when you need it. He’s as invested in your vision as you are.

Pair that with the four-day recording discount, and it’s like being given permission to slow down. You’re not racing the clock—you’re savoring every session. You don’t just create; you refine. You listen to playback in the Airbnb late at night, sleep on your ideas, and come back to the studio with fresh ears and renewed energy.

Just Far Enough Away

One of the coolest things about Studio45b is where it’s located. Just 25 minutes from downtown Nashville, you’re close enough to soak in the city’s energy but far enough to leave all the distractions behind.

You get this amazing balance—spending weekdays completely immersed in writing, recording, and just being a songwriter. Then when the weekend hits, you can venture into Nashville and catch live music—a whole world of creativity waiting to inspire you.

And if you’re up for something special, you can even catch Grady James performing downtown on Broadway on Friday or Saturday night. Can you imagine hearing your producer bring the same passion to the stage that he pours into your music? It’s a connection to Nashville’s heartbeat that runs through everything you do here.

A Creative Playground That Feels Like Home

The magic of Studio45b is how personal it feels. You’re not just another session penciled into a calendar. You’re a songwriter, a creator, someone with something to say—and this is the space where you’ll say it.

Picture yourself writing lyrics under the morning sun on the back porch or laying down harmonies at midnight after a burst of inspiration struck while you were making tea. Think about what it might feel like to create somewhere where time slows down, where the outside world feels far away, and you can just be.

That’s what makes this a songwriters retreat, not just a recording session. It’s about the process, the environment, and giving your ideas the attention they deserve.

Take the First Step

If you’ve been dreaming of a space to focus on your craft—somewhere that feels equal parts inspiring, fun, and completely distraction-free—Studio45b is waiting for you. Book your stay and studio session today, and experience what it feels like to truly immerse yourself in your art.

For more insights into the power of creative space, head over to Psychology Today to explore articles about how space and environment unlock creativity. Or, check out the Nashville Songwriters Association International for community tips and resources built just for songwriters.

Your next chapter starts here. You just need to step into it.

Set up a free consultation call right now to get your dream retreat started.

5 Game-Changing Release Strategies for Musicians (And Why It All Starts in the Studio)

Picture your music like a rocket ship, fueled and ready for liftoff. But here’s the kicker—you can’t launch into orbit without a sturdy, well-built launchpad. That launchpad? It’s the quality of your music, born in the studio where every detail comes to life. Without a solid recording, even the most innovative strategies won’t carry your music past the stratosphere.

Once that foundation is locked in, it’s time to launch your sound into new dimensions using fresh and surprising strategies. Forget the same old Instagram posts or cookie-cutter campaigns - yawn —we’re talking about creative approaches that leave fans not just listening, but living your music experience.

From scavenger hunts to augmented reality, here are some of the most exciting ways to release your music—and why each one comes back to the power of starting with the right studio session.

1. Create an Augmented Reality Adventure

Why should a song launch be limited to a simple post or tweet when you can immerse your fans in a whole new dimension? Enter augmented reality (AR). Imagine unveiling your next song snippet through an interactive AR treasure hunt. Picture this—a fan scans a collectible postcard or a QR code, and their camera reveals glowing, floating objects (think musical notes or symbols) that unlock exclusive snippets of your track.

Major artists and brands, such as Ariana Grande and Coca-Cola, have had huge success with AR to create memorable experiences. For instance, Coca-Cola used AR to turn their soda cans into 3D concert stages. You could adapt this approach to immerse your audience in your world. By weaving your lyric themes or album story into interactive AR, you help listeners connect to your art in a unique way.

Curious how AR could amplify your launch? Explore platforms like 8thWall or Spark AR Studio to start crafting experiences that stand out.

2. Drop Hidden Easter Eggs like Taylor Swift

You know who’s a master of keeping fans on their toes? Taylor Swift. Swift has built a reputation for embedding intricate Easter eggs into her content—subtle clues in music videos, cryptic Instagram captions, or even outfit details that hint at upcoming albums. These breadcrumbs lead fans straight down a rabbit hole of discovery, buzzing with theories and excitement as they piece it all together.

Take a page out of her playbook by hiding Easter eggs across your platforms. You could slip lyrics into seemingly random tweets or post teaser photos with “hidden” meanings that only diehard fans will pick up on. The beauty of this strategy is how it builds community. Fans who crack the code will share their discoveries online, sparking excitement—and maybe even some friendly competition.

Want to learn more about how Easter eggs work in marketing? Check out articles like “The Power of Subtlety in Branding” by HubSpot for more insights into why mystery always leaves people craving more.

3. Fan Scavenger Hunt for Lyrics & Art

What’s better than listening to your music? Having your audience actively hunt for it. Scavenger hunts can be physical, digital, or a mix of both—either way, they’re an unforgettable way to engage your fans and prime them for your release.

Consider hiding fragments of your lyrics in unexpected places. For example, stage a scavenger hunt in a few key cities like Nashville, Los Angeles, and New York, where fans find clues painted as murals, embedded in bus stops, or concealed on coffee shop bulletin boards. For a digital spin, you could create cryptic posts online that fans need to decode, leading them to exclusive pre-release material.

A notable example? Carly Rae Jepsen activated her superfandom this way, sending hand-written notes with clues about her album Emotion. Fans who followed the scavenger trail were rewarded with access to private listening parties that created serious buzz.

Pro tip: Pair your hunt with a platform like Scavify, which makes setting up virtual or in-person hunts a breeze.

4. Interactive, Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Music Videos

Sometimes a great song feels like a cinematic story—but why stop at cinematic when you can make it interactive? Creating a choose-your-own-adventure music video allows your fans to determine the plot, blurring the line between listener and storyteller. They’re not just watching; they’re shaping the outcome.

For example, you could produce a video with several plotlines where, at key moments, fans vote on what happens next. Will the hero race through a neon-lit city or enter the mysterious forest? Will the band escape the collapsing stage or face the music? Fans rewatch to explore every path—and in the process, your music gets unforgettable replay value.

Brands like Netflix (Bandersnatch) and artists such as Coldplay, who leaned into interactivity with their “Ink” video, have proven that this level of engagement creates a deeper emotional connection. Check out resources like Eko Studio for tools to build your own interactive video masterpiece.

5. Livestream an Exclusive “Behind-the-Mics” Tour

Today’s fans don’t just want polished final projects—they want authenticity and access. A behind-the-scenes livestream lets them feel like they're in the room with you, experiencing the creative highs, messy moments, and pure magic of the recording process.

For example, imagine live-streaming your final mix session in a Nashville studio. Show fans snippets of unpolished takes, highlight hilarious bloopers, and share a heartfelt story about how one particular lyric came to life. The raw honesty of these moments makes fans feel like part of the team, creating a bond that polished content sometimes can’t match.

Livestreaming platforms like Twitch or YouTube Live are perfect for hosting these events, and they build community in real-time. It’s candid, it’s real, and it reminds fans why they were drawn to you in the first place.

Why It Always Comes Back to the Right Recording

Here’s the reality—none of these strategies will hit their mark without a song that sounds like gold. It might seem obvious, but everything starts with a top-tier recording. Think of your music as a masterpiece, and your recording session is the artist’s canvas. Poor sound quality dilutes every other effort, no matter how creative your campaign is.

A Nashville studio isn’t just about hitting “record.” It’s about capturing your sound in a way that feels as dynamic and alive as your vision. Producers here understand the nuance of your artistry, from layering harmonies to achieving a mix that dials up the emotional intensity of your track. Once your recording shines, you’re set to bring these strategies to life.

For inspiration on choosing the right studio, check out our blog on how to find the right producer for your project.

Your sound deserves to be more than heard; it deserves to be felt. Make it happen. The world is listening.

Marketing Strategies for Musicians: From One Great Song to a Legendary Career

It always starts the same way—with a song. That melody that runs through your mind on repeat, the chorus that demands to be sung, the beat that unleashes energy in your chest. Your song is the beginning, but it’s also so much more. It’s the heartbeat of your music career, the spark that can ignite everything.

But here’s the secret no one tells you upfront: a great song alone isn’t enough. It’s like a diamond—it needs a skilled jeweler to shape it, polish it, and then showcase it to the world. That jeweler? Your producer, your studio, and your marketing strategy. Together, they can plant your music deep into the hearts of listeners everywhere.

We’re diving deep into the marketing strategies every musician needs—not just the cookie-cutter advice but the ways you, in your unique artistry and style, can shine. It starts here, at our Nashville studio, and it starts with your song.

Step 1: Your Song Is the Soul of It All

Think of your song as the flame. It’s bright, it’s warm, it’s mesmerizing. But without the right effort to stoke the fire, it burns out quickly. That’s where having the right producer is game-changing.

Why Your Producer Is Your Secret Weapon

The right producer is part sculptor, part painter, part therapist. They’ll take your raw ideas and polish them until every note, every word, every chord fits like it was always meant to. A Nashville producer doesn’t just bring technical know-how—they bring vision. They’ll push you to find your truth in the music, to take that flame of yours and transform it into a roaring bonfire.

Remember that one time Johnny Cash reinvented his career late in life, creating iconic covers like “Hurt” with Rick Rubin behind the console? That’s the power of the right producer!

We live for moments like that at our Nashville studio. Creatives collaborating. Ideas sparking off each other. Walk into our studio, and you’ll leave with a song you’re proud of—a foundation for your career that’s rock solid.

Looking for the perfect producer? We’ve got tips on How to Find the Right Producer—start your search there!

Step 2: Build a Brand That Feels Truly You

Your music is distinctive. Your personality is magnetic. Now how do you package all of that into a brand that stands out in a sea of artists?

Find Your Identity—and Lean Into It

Who are you as an artist? Not just musically—but visually, emotionally, and spiritually. Are you edgy and experimental, like David Bowie reinventing himself every few years? Or does your music live in the heart, a storyteller like Brandi Carlile?

Finding your identity isn’t about exaggerating—it’s about magnifying what naturally exists in you. Your brand becomes the lens that new fans will use to view you and your music.

Craft a Magnetic Visual Style

Here’s a question for you—can your visuals be recognized even with the volume off? Think about artists like Billie Eilish with her neon green roots and baggy clothes. The imagery screams authenticity and screams her name. From album artwork and Instagram posts to your stage aesthetic, everything should echo the story your music tells.

Your brand is your fingerprint. Make it unforgettable.

(Need inspiration? Check out this quick branding guide made just for musicians like you.)

Step 3: Be Everywhere with Digital Marketing

Gone are the days when artists had to rely on record labels for exposure. Digital platforms have turned every musician into their own marketing powerhouse—if you know how to use them.

Use Streaming Like a Treasure Map

Streaming services are more than digital jukeboxes. They’re discovery engines. Spotify’s algorithms can propel your song into the ears of listeners you didn’t even know were looking for you. Think playlists—these are the lifelines of new listeners. Getting featured on one is your ticket to exponential growth.

Don’t wait for someone else to champion you. Use Spotify for Artists to create your own playlists, share exclusive early releases, and track exactly how your listeners are connecting with your music.

Email Marketing Is Where the Real Fans Are

Sure, TikTok and Instagram are great for grabbing attention, but email hits different. It’s personal, intentional, and lands directly in your fans’ inboxes. Share updates on your latest releases, exclusive videos from your recording sessions in Music City, or presale tickets to your next gig.

Pro tip? Include sneak peeks of sessions with your Nashville producer to make fans feel even closer to your music.

Step 4: Make Social Media Your Digital Backstage

Social media isn’t just about viral content. It’s about showing fans the real you.

Treat Fans Like VIPs

Make your followers feel like insiders. Share funny, unpolished moments from your Nashville studio sessions, post Instagram stories asking fans what they think of your next track, or surprise livestreams of a stripped-down acoustic version of your latest work.

It’s like giving them a backstage pass—but without the sweaty hallways.

Using our studio? Tag us! It adds an air of authenticity when fans see where the magic happens. Plus, nothing screams “Music City vibes” like a behind-the-scenes look at a hot Nashville studio.

Step 5: Tour and Perform Like a Pro

The road is where good musicians grow into great ones. But it’s not just about getting on a stage—it’s about connecting.

Build from the Ground Up

Start at local venues and create a buzz. Live audiences will give you unfiltered feedback that you can use to evolve. Trust us—there’s no more honest crowd than your hometown fans. Or travel to Music City and find open mic nights and writers rounds to be a part of. Nothing screams “professional musician” louder than a performance in Nashville.

The Live Streamed Revolution

Can’t always take the miles in your van? Take your music straight into your fans’ homes. Livestream setups these days are so simple and so powerful. Platforms like YouTube Live or Instagram can make virtual concerts feel intimate. Make sure to pay attention to your back drop and keep it within your branding. Make it tidy and get the show on the road (or should we say the big screen?)

Step 6: Don’t Just Collaborate—Co-Elevate

Music is powerful alone, but even more so together—think Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith’s groundbreaking mashup of rap and rock on “Walk This Way.” Collaborate with producers, artists, influencers, and even filmmakers to breathe new life into your music. Every feature, every creative exchange, is a new entry point for listeners to discover your work.

Step 7: Learn, Pivot, Repeat

Dreams are big, but data is powerful. Check your numbers. Are fans clicking your links? Are playlists working harder for your streams? Are your email campaigns getting replies?

Think of your data as your compass, pointing you closer to your listeners’ hearts. Experiment. Change directions. But always stay true to your sound.

Your Next Step Starts Here

Every career has a starting point. For legends born in Nashville, that start always seems to be with a song—and in a studio that knows how to turn dreams into anthems.

Your music deserves care, heart, and craftsmanship. At our Nashville studio, we’re here for one thing—to make your voice shine. Because when your music is unforgettable, the world notices.

Book a Free Consultation Call today and take your first step toward creating the song that defines your legacy. From Music City to the main stage, the world is waiting. What story will you tell?

How to Build Forever Fans (and Stay True to Yourself) in Music City

Alright, Nashville musicians, gather ‘round. Whether you strum a six-string, croon to a mic, or drop bars like they’re hot, we need to have an honest talk about the music industry. It’s a little wild, isn’t it? Think of it like walking into a bustling diner with a hundred specials on the menu. The chef’s yelling, “Try the spaghetti! No! The meatloaf’s trending!” And you’re sitting there wondering, what if I just want a burger?

Here’s the thing—they’re not wrong. Meatloaf might be trending, but forcing yourself to deliver meatloaf when you’re meant to create the perfect burger isn’t the way to long-term success. You’ve got to make what’s true to you because that’s what people will crave. And here in Nashville—arguably the carb-loaded soul of all things music—you’ve got an audience waiting for YOU. Not Nashville Studio Clone #27.

But how do you stick to your guns (or strings, as it were) and build a fanbase that rides with you through thick and thin? How do you create music that resonates without losing yourself in trends? Grab a notebook and your caffeine of choice. We’re doing this Nashville studio-style.

Forever Fans are Built on Authenticity

Quick quiz—why do YOU love the artists you do? I’m willing to bet it isn’t because they’re following the latest trends. Maybe it’s the raw vulnerability in their lyrics (like the first time you heard Johnny Cash’s Hurt) or the way their unique sound hits differently (looking at you, Lainey Wilson).

Your fans are no different. Forever fans—the kind who’ll sing your songs, share your albums, and line up for your shows—are drawn to the real you. Trying to be someone you’re not to woo fans? It’s like wearing a borrowed jacket two sizes too small. Sure, it might look okay in the mirror, but eventually, the seams are going to split, and it’s going to get awkward.

Here’s the better plan—lean into what makes YOU tick. That keening voice? That haunting slide guitar? That heartbreakingly honest lyric about small-town love? That’s YOUR secret sauce. It’s what will bring your people to the table.

Know What You Stand For (and Stand Tall)

Imagine your career is like a road trip. You’re the driver, with your creative vision mapped out ahead of you. But because this is a Nashville musician road trip, there’s a backseat full of opinionated “experts” (looking at you, industry trends) shouting, “Take the highway instead! You’ll go faster!”

Here’s a fun twist—not every road has to be the highway. Some of the most scenic, rewarding routes are the ones that are slower, more winding, but filled with stories along the way. The same goes for your music.

A great example of this is Brandi Carlile. Think about how many years she was just slow-bakingher sound. Now, her audience feels like a hand-picked tribe who resonate with every piece of her story.

(Need a little help mapping it out? Check out this fantastic guide to defining your creative vision from DIY Musician.)

Metaphor Time! Your Sound’s Like Coffee

Ever had someone tell you, “You should totally make your music more mainstream”? It’s the same energy as someone saying, “You should add five sugars to your coffee—it’s more popular that way!” But maybe you’re black coffee with a kick of cayenne. Maybe you’re an intricate, layered macchiato. Changing it just to fit broader tastes? That’s how you end up bland.

Instead, your coffee (er, music) needs to speak to a specific crowd. Those who LIVE for a cayenne kick. The ones who don’t just want a latte—they want YOUR latte. Same with music. You don’t need 10 million people in love with a surface-level version of you; you need 10,000 deeply obsessed people who’d drive to a Nashville studio at 3 a.m. to hear you record.

Why A Great Producer Is Your Secret Weapon

Okay, so here’s where producers come in (and why every Nashville musician needs one). Think of a producer like the trusted bartender at your favorite downtown spot—they know your usual order but occasionally suggest “Hey, why don’t you try this twist—it’s still so YOU, but it slaps.”

The right Nashville producer doesn’t just know their way around gear—they know their way around YOU. They’re the steady hand who helps refine your vision without sanding off the edges that make it special. They can hear the potential in your rough demo and guide you to a polished masterpiece without losing the grit.

For example, one of our producers once worked with an artist who wanted a stripped, old-school blues vibe—authentic to the core. But they also wanted depth without cluttering the sound. Together, they layered subtle analog textures to give it richness while keeping the authenticity sharp as a whiskey neat.

Great producers are collaborators, not dictators. They don’t tell you who to be—they help bring out the best version of what’s already there. (Psst! Looking for a Nashville studio a producer who GETS it? Check out our Team Page).

The Long Game of a Loyal Fanbase

We’re going to level with you—building a career isn’t just about what you create but about how you connect. This brings us to the unsexy, super-important truth about longevity—your relationship with your fans is EVERYTHING. You could spend years in Music City chasing momentary intrigue, or you could focus your energy on finding fans who stick with you for decades.

Here’s how to start building those relationships:

1. Bring People Backstage
   Ever watched a series and fallen in love with the behind-the-scenes reels because they show the cast as everyday people? Treat your career like that. Show your fans the gritty, funny, chaotic process behind making your music in the studio. It gives your audience a deeper connection to you. (Need ideas? Check out ToneDen’s guide to building fan engagement.)

2. Consistency Beats Flash
   Trends might come and go faster than iced lattes at a Nashville café, but fans return for the artist who stays consistent. You don’t have to drop a new hit song every month, but you SHOULD stay present—whether that’s gigs, collaborations, or just staying active on social media.

3. Define YOUR Success
   Forget the Grammys for a second. What’s your dream? Is it playing The Bluebird Cafe with the lights low? Selling vinyl records out of East Nashville coffee shops? Touring with a small, tight-knit band? When you define what success means to YOU, every step forward feels like a win.

Nashville’s Secret Sauce—YOU

Here’s the kicker, Nashville musicians—your sound, your story, your weird, quirky edge? It’s what makes Music City what it is. Lean into it. Work with a team that understands you. Trust a producer who hears your magic and knows exactly how to amplify it.

If you’re ready to start that next creative adventure, we would love to have the chance to chat. CLICK HERE to schedule a free consultation call with our producer, Grady James. Our Nashville studio isn’t just about gear (though trust me, we’ve got the good stuff). It’s about making a space where YOU shine.

Grab that guitar, hit those keys, and get ready to attract the fans who’ll love you for life—not just a song cycle. Authenticity has never gone out of style.

How To Choose the Right Song to Record

Picking the right song to record is kind of like deciding what dish to bring to a party. You want something memorable. It has to leave a mark, but it also has to fit the vibe of whoever’s there (because nobody eats the person’s weird potato salad). Your song? Same deal. It’s gotta be authentically you but also have broad enough appeal—or a specific enough niche—to make people perk up and say, “This is interesting.”

Feeling stuck on where to start? Here’s the recipe for finding the track that’s ready to shine in the studio and beyond.

1. What’s the Song’s Endgame?

Is this song your power move to score a record deal? A secret weapon to slide into a label’s inbox? Or maybe it’s a track designed for your fans to blast on repeat while screaming the lyrics. Knowing what this song is meant to do is step one.

If you’re aiming for chart love or streaming stat domination, focus on something with a catchy hook enter Taylor Swift’s ‘We Are Never Getting Back Together’ or a "stick-in-your-head-for-days" riff like Kings of Leon, “Sex on Fire". But if it’s a song to connect deeply with your audience, reflect on the emotion it carries. Ask yourself (yes, old-school artist vibes here), What story am I telling? Purpose drives direction. Pro tip? Write it down somewhere you can see it while working. You’ll thank yourself later.

Want more on audience appeal? Visit our instagram where you can find some of the artists we’ve worked with that are killing it right now—trust me, you’ll find useful gems.

2. Test It Like You’re Sampling Ice Cream Flavors

Think about how you know if an ice cream flavor is “the one.” You sample it. Same rule applies to your songs. Put them out there a little. Play that track for trusted friends, your bandmates, or a manager who actually listens (we see you, Karen!).

Performing live? Great! Gauge the crowd reaction—are they vibing, nodding along, feeling it? Social media also makes this fun. Try clips on Instagram Stories or TikTok (maybe cut to the best-hook part). If comments flood in like, “Where is this on Spotify??” congrats, your song might be THE song.

3. What Gives You Butterflies?

Look, songs are like relationships. You’re gonna spend a long time with them—perfecting them in the studio, performing them, talking about them. If the thought of recording a particular track doesn’t excite you—doesn’t make your stomach flutter with anticipation—then it’s probably not the one.

Listen to your gut—and, spoiler, your gut is very rarely wrong. Record something that makes your heart race. Your people will feel the electricity you put into it when they hear it. Goosebumps are universal currency.

If you need help finding that spark, check out our Creative Coaching Services with Danielle Todd. We’re basically matchmakers for your sound.

4. Will Your Audience Love It, Too?

Here’s where things get a little business-y. Picture your audience. Are they music geeks who live for lyrics straight from the soul, or casual listeners who want something they can hum while driving to the beach? The vibe matters.

If your crowd is raw and intimate, lean into emotional tracks. But if you’re gunning for the mainstream, think of that universal connective thread. Is there a standout hook? A beat that makes heads turn? Both? (Bingo.)

Need help identifying your audience? Start with demographics. Have that conversation. Check out bandzoogle’s blog about getting to know your fanbase. The more you know!

5. Get a Producer in the Mix

Your producer isn’t just sitting there tweaking EQs and pressing buttons. They’re part artist, part magician, part coach. Collaborate with them early in the decision process. Done right, they’ll help sharpen the storytelling edge of your track. Trust their experience—they’ve likely seen what works, what doesn’t, and where your song could benefit from a tweak (or why that quirky tambourine moment actually kicks).

If you’ve never worked with a producer before (or are looking for someone who “gets” your vibe), check out our Nashville Producer. We would love to chat with you to see if we are the right fit for your project. Set up a phone call right here.

6. Shake Up the Variety Bag

Ever been to an all-you-can-eat buffet where every dish is spaghetti? Exactly. Variety is key when constructing a record, an EP, or even a series of singles. If you’ve already decided on a batch of dreamy acoustic tracks, consider whether the next song could add some fresh energy with new instruments or a shift in tempo. Changing it up keeps fans guessing and engaged.

7. Remember the Practical Stuff

We know, boring but...how complicated is this track? If there’s a 26-piece brass orchestra in your mind but your budget says “bare-bones acoustic session,” it’s time to rethink. Simplicity doesn’t mean boring—it can mean clarity.

Work smarter, and bring your producer into this discussion. Maybe scaling it back brings out the secret magic of the song. Pro producers are wizards with this stuff, so don’t hesitate to ask.

8. Trust Your Inner Compass

Ultimately, the right track is the one you keep coming back to. It’s the one that makes you excited to press “record” every day and share it with the world. Your gut feeling isn’t a random coincidence—it’s experience, intuition, and passion all working in harmony. Trust it.

Go Make Magic Happen!

The process of choosing the right song doesn’t have to feel like soul-crushing pressure—it’s your chance to showcase what makes you unique as an artist. And remember, we’re here to help you along the way. Whether it’s turning your raw recordings into studio-quality tracks or strategizing your next big move, we would love to help you through the process. Let’s chat today!

Your next hit is waiting. You’ve got this.

Pre-Production The Role of the Producer: Finding the Right Fit for Your Sound

Alright, so you’ve decided to record your music. Kudos, because that’s a big step! Now, here comes a question that might leave you scratching your head—do you need a producer? And, if yes, how do you find one that doesn’t just understand your music but can help you bring it to life?

Think of a producer as your co-pilot on this musical adventure—they’ll help steer your sound in the right direction, ensuring your creative vision doesn’t miss a beat (pun intended!). But before we start scrolling Instagram or googling “music producer” in your area, let's break it all down. Grab a coffee (or tea, we don’t judge), and get comfy. Lets dive in!

What Does a Producer Actually Do?

Think of a music producer like the director of a film. While you’re the brilliant star sculpting your song, the producer is there to shape the vision, guide the tone, and make sure every intricacy shines on the final cut. They’re a bit like a Swiss Army knife—flexible, multi-talented, and ready to help you carve magic out of your musical ideas.

Here are some roles a music producer can play in your process (yes, they wear many hats!):

1. The Creative Soundboard

Picture this—you’re baking a cake, and it’s delicious, but you feel it’s missing something. A pinch of salt? A dusting of cinnamon? You can’t quite figure it out. That’s where your producer comes in. They’re the one who says, “You know what? Add a dash of lemon zest—it'll make the whole thing pop!”

Producers help you see your music from different angles. Maybe they suggest cutting eight bars from your bridge, layering cello with synths, or swapping out a verse for an ethereal vocal break. Their fresh perspective can take your vision to a whole new level.

2. The Sonic Sculptor

Producers are experts at shaping sound into something extraordinary. They focus on the technical and creative aspects of your music, like fine-tuning the dynamics, balancing the mix so each element complements the other, and enhancing the overall texture to give your track depth and clarity. Their goal isn’t just to adjust levels or clean up the audio—they focus on the big picture, transforming your song into a polished, cohesive piece that captures the exact energy and emotion you want listeners to feel.

One of the true joys of working with a good producer is watching them morph an already cool idea into something transcendent. That vocal track you thought was solid? Suddenly, it’s floating in reverb, layered with harmonies, weaving beneath a crisp drumbeat. Goosebumps territory.

3. The Logistics Wizard

Producing isn’t all glamour and magic. Behind the scenes, it involves a lot of project management. A producer who’s truly got your back will ensure schedules are tight, studio equipment is ready to roll, and the vibe stays calm and productive. It’s like making a road trip playlist AND managing the map—all while keeping things fun.

4. Your Studio Bestie

Recording can be a whirlwind of emotions. You’re giving it your all—pouring raw emotion into every note—but after the 14th take of a tricky chorus, it’s easy to second-guess yourself. A great producer is there to steer the ship, making sure everything flows smoothly while keeping your vision front and center. If you choose to add a vocal producer to the mix, you’ve got extra support right where it matters most—your performance. A vocal producer hones in on those small details in your delivery, guiding you to hit the strongest, most impactful takes. They’ll fine-tune phrasing, pitch, and tone, keeping your voice shining in its best light. Together, these two create a team that hypes you up, keeps you focused, and makes sure every second in the booth feels empowering. After all, your music deserves nothing less than your absolute best.

How to Find Your "Studio Match"

If producers are this magical, multi-talented breed, how do you find the one? Spoiler alert—it’s not about hunting for someone with a fancy studio (although that's nice, too). It’s about chemistry, shared vision, and someone who speaks the same musical language as you. Here's how to start the hunt:

1. Define Your Goals

Before you even think about reaching out to a producer, ask yourself what you want to achieve. Do you want lush, layered arrangements with a heavy pop polish? Or are you aiming to preserve an intimate, raw vibe? Having a clear goal will guide your search. Look for producers whose past work makes you say, “That’s EXACTLY what I'm going for!”

2. Listen to Their Work

Every producer has a fingerprint that shows in their projects. Take the time to listen to their portfolio. Think of it like going to a restaurant and sampling the chef’s signature dish. If their style speaks to you, chances are, your collaboration will be just as flavorful.

3. Have an Honest Chat

Reaching out to a producer can feel intimidating, but remember, this is a two-way street. Share your goals, ideas, and inspirations. A good producer will ask thoughtful questions like, “What’s the overall emotion you want this track to convey?” or “How do you want listeners to feel when they hear this?” These conversations are where the magic begins, so don't hold back!

We offer free consultation calls to discuss everything about the recording process, your project and more. You can schedule a consult call with us HERE.

4. Test Compatibility

This one’s crucial. You’re going to spend hours (sometimes days or weeks!) in the studio together, so vibe check is non-negotiable. Do you feel heard and supported? Is their feedback constructive or overwhelming? Sometimes a test session—a short collaboration—is the perfect way to see if you’re on the same wavelength.

5. Get Recommendations

Don’t be afraid to tap into your network. Fellow musicians or engineers often know producers, and personal recommendations can be gold. You might hear something like, “Oh, Grady? Their style is clean and vibey, but they’re also a genius problem-solver in chaotic situations.”

Questions to Ask a Producer

Not sure how to start the conversation? Here are some great starting points:

• “How hands-on are you in the recording process?”

• “Can you work with my budget?”

• “Have you worked in my genre before?”

• “What’s your approach to building dynamics and emotional flow?”

Good producers love collaboration, so asking insightful questions shows you’re serious about the process. (Bonus points if they get equally excited about your ideas!) For a shameless plug, we would love to discuss your project with you. Let’s chat today!

Keep Learning

This whole process is as much about exploration as it is about execution. Arm yourself with knowledge! Check out some helpful reads for building your confidence in the studio:

• How to Work with a Producer, a great deep-dive into setting expectations with your producer.

• Soundfly’s Insightful Blog for real-world advice from working producers. Does pressure make you more creative?

• Need gear inspo? Sweetwater’s guide to all things studio equipment has you covered to become your own creative!

Don't forget to stop by our blog for more on navigating studio life or follow us on Instagram for artist spotlights and creative tips.

It’s Your Music—Own the Process

Above all, remember that your producer is there to enhance what you already bring to the table—not change it entirely. This is your moment, your voice, and your creation, so take the time to find someone who amplifies your best self. Trust the process, and trust yourself. You’ve got everything it takes to make something unforgettable—and we can’t wait to hear it.

As we’ve mentioned before, we would love to be considered as part of your team. Please reach out to us and lets get the ball rolling on your project!

What Is Mastering and Why is it Important?

Congratulations, you’re almost there! Mastering is the final step of the production process; the light at the end of the tunnel pre-distribution. We at Studio 45b are proud of you for making it this far. In planning your big release, researching the importance of mastering a song and shopping around for engineers might feel overwhelming at times, but it can also become an empowering part of your journey as an artist. 

You don’t have to become an engineer to comprehend why mastering is important, and we want you to understand some basics about what mastering is and why your song needs it before you send your song off to be mastered. The more you know, the more you will feel comfortable advocating for yourself, asking questions, and communicating with your engineer about what you want your music to do. The more you do that, the happier you will be with your music. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Is mastering different from mixing?

Chances are if you’re planning a single, EP, or album release and you’re curious about mastering, you know a thing or two about mixing already. If you haven’t yet, check out our blog “What Is Mixing and Why Does My Song Need It?” This will give you a bit of a basic understanding about the art of mixing, and define a handful of important terms before diving into mastering. Speaking of which….

The short answer is yes, of course mixing and mastering are different, but as with many pieces of the music production puzzle, there is overlap. For example, both the mixing and mastering engineers may use EQ to balance frequencies and compressors to enhance dynamics, but what exactly they are applying these tools to differs and the lens through which they look to apply these things to may be different. We’ll explain.

The common goal of mixing and mastering is to get the song or album to a place of ultimate cohesion, artistry, and clarity. However, mixing engineers are working with several tracks within a song to create one cohesive mix or “two-track” (the two tracks being the left and right ears) to send off to the mastering engineer, whereas a mastering engineer is working with that two-track mix to create a balanced, enhanced, and cohesive “master recording” to prepare it for all sorts of listeners.

Three simple reasons why mastering is important:

1. Quality Control

Your mastering engineer is the final step in the production process of your song or album. They are the fresh and final pair of ears on the project that act as the ultimate editor. They have also invested in the necessary equipment to listen to and master your music in the most state-of-the-art way to create a beautiful musical product. As we mentioned above, they use all sorts of tools and techniques to enhance, balance, and refine the sound of your master recording. They are the fine-toothed comb that removes any and all unwanted sounds and noises such as hisses and clicks, false starts, and frequencies, and boosts more of what we want in the final recording. 

2. Cohesion across an album

If you’re recording an EP, a full length album, or any version of a project that

entails the release of more than just a single, mastering engineers tackle the added challenge of making that entire project as a whole sound like it all belongs together seamlessly. This includes:

1. Making all songs roughly the same loudness and tonal balance

2. Considering and ensuring the correct order of the songs

3. Adjusting fades at the ends of songs and silence/time between songs to create the auditory and artistic effects we want throughout the project

There is a lot of potential artistry in releasing an entire project, and the mastering engineer is keen to every detail. 

3. Best sound for all platforms and mediums

The mastering engineer considers whether the song or project will mainly be listened to via streaming platforms (the more common main focus of artists nowadays) or physical mediums such as CDs, vinyl, etc. (much less popular as a primary means of release nowadays, but still important for artists who are more interested in making their splash through selling their music as merchandise at their shows, festival slots, and online stores). Additionally, the mastering engineer considers all the environments and technology through which your music may be played; i.e., AirPods, car stereos, phone speakers, headphones, bluetooth speakers. etc. Each of these changes the sound in some way, and mastering engineers are trained to find the best version of the song for as many mediums as possible. Which brings us to streaming services.

YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, Pandora, TikTok and Instagram and so on and so forth…. Each platform has loudness standards (loudness units relative to full scale or LUFS). These platforms enforcing their loudness standards is commonly referred to as audio normalization, meaning each song that is played on the platform, whether it’s a folk ballad or funk jam, will have the same relative volume level so as not to be overly obtrusive in either extreme dynamic direction. If your track is outside of that loudness range for any platform, whether too quiet or loud, streaming platforms will impose a “loudness penalty” to get your songs’ audio levels to where they need to be, adjusting up or down depending. In doing so, these platforms can sometimes entirely change the sound of your song. The loudness penalty may throw off the overall dynamic range and completely drain your music of any of its energy or sparkle, or even cause distortion. Your mastering engineer ensures your music is within these loudness standards to maintain the integrity of the mix and to make your music competitive within the platforms’ algorithms. 

If you still have questions on mastering and why the process is necessary for your music in the process of getting it ready for release, reach out to us here or on Instagram. We’re here for you and all of your questions, and when you’re ready to get your songs mastered by our very own award-winning, Nashville-based engineer, we hope you’ll give us a call.

***Written by Singer/Songwriter Kayla Lunden***

Pre Production - What is it and why is it important in recording? - The Recording Process Start to Finish - Part 1

People often talk about “Pre-production” for a record, but very rarely do they explain what it entails.

Imagine walking into an unfamiliar space to record your music with an unfamiliar team, without knowing the purpose of your recording, your budget for the recording, your creative direction for the project or how to perform on the record. How would that make you feel? Pretty under prepared, to say the least! Nobody ever warned you that there is a process to recording before you even step foot in the room.

We are here to help guide you through some key points to help prepare yourself for the studio to make sure you tackle your recording projects like a pro.

1. Establish your goals

We’ve briefly touched on this topic in our previous blog that you can find here about how to create a great song. It is very important to focus on this point again, allow us to tell you why!

If you are spending your hard earned money on multiple hours or days in the studio, isn’t it worth it to explore why?

Why are you releasing this music? Is it for yourself? Is it to be featured on television or major films? Do you think your music project should be added to a certain major playlist? Have you researched and found that playlist that you think it would fit best on? Are you looking to be at the top of the charts? Which chart?

Giving your project a purpose will give yourself and your team a vision that will help define the production. It will also help for you to sit down a research your end goal.

Let us give you an example. If you decide that you’d like to be on a major Spotify playlist, that’s wonderful! Do you know which playlist and why? Do you know what other songs have been selected for this playlist and how you can create a song that might resonate with the rest of the playlist?

These are all important questions to answer in the pre-production process.

2. Song selection and arrangements

Next up! Lots of songwriters have written numerous songs. Which ones do you believe have the best potential to reach your goals?

Live shows and recordings are two very different things. For example, in a live show you might have an extended solo to really show off your guitar player. However, if you’re looking to have the same song on radio, you might consider making a “radio edit” to cut the solo down.

Having a clear direction on your song arrangement before you head into the studio can help your producer in the long run. Hey, while you’re at it, make sure you choose the right key, and the correct BPM (beats per minute) before you head into the studio. This saves time for your engineer and producer as well.

You might want to take a look at our previous blog to dive more into “What Makes a Strong Song.”

3. Take care of your physical health

This is one that us musicians tend to forget about. You need to take care of yourself before you head into the studio! If possible, we suggest to book some days off beforehand to take care of your voice and be rested up.

• get 7-8 hours of sleep the night before

• do a full vocal warm-up before singing your vocal take

• drink plenty of water

• avoid alcohol, fast food and dairy the day before and the day of recording

• make sure to do some stretching before playing your instrument

• avoid smoking/vaping

• use a humidifier in your room overnight. Better yet, a vocal mister like this one here is a great tool to keep your voice in top shape.

• Avoid performing the night before your studio time

4. Define your budget for the project and find a studio that has rates within that budget.

The music industry can be very financially demanding. You want to be sure that you are able to accomplish everything you’re setting out to do. Research, research, research! We can’t say it enough.

Find a Studio that is within your budget, that you feel creatively comfortable with. Do you need to hire musicians? How many? What is the cost of each musician? What is the mixing and mastering cost per song? How much does studio time cost? These are all very important questions to ask yourself before you start your project.

We suggest to contact multiple studios that you find and ask them their budgets, processes, and how much time they think your project will roughly take. An experienced producer will have an idea of how long it takes to achieve a certain sound - listen to their advice!

That’s it for today. Check back next week for the next part of our series - how to find the perfect studio for your recording project.

If you would like to set up a free consult call with our producer to discuss your upcoming project, click here!

What is the Difference Between Tracking and Producing a Song?

Have you ever been talking with a fellow musician about releasing new music and you hear them say something like, “The new album is all tracked, now it’s just in post-production?” You nod and congratulate them but you walk away feeling kind of behind. What does it mean to have an album “tracked?” Is post-production the last step? If it is in post-production, does that mean there is also pre-production? And when does the actual production happen? Do I even know what producing a song is? 

Don’t worry, guys. We are here to remind you not to feel stupid; the language associated with recording, refining, and releasing music is not only complex, but it is also often vague and variant depending on each musician’s processes and preferences. However, there are basics that we’re here to explain to get you thinking in the right direction, following along in the conversations, and starting to plan your own process with your music.

The Basics

First, let’s define the difference between tracking and producing. 

Tracking

The term tracking really just speaks to the technical action of physically recording each element of the song in the studio. As we have learned in previous posts, tracking or recording instruments requires physical equipment (hardware) and digital programs (software). Each time an instrumentalist or vocalist steps up to the microphone and the engineer hits “record,” a track is created as its own unit of audio within the digital session in your digital audio workstation (DAW). The culmination of all the individual tracks of each carefully selected instrumental and vocal take creates one song file that is then sent out for mixing and mastering; which is what musicians are referring to when they say their song has entered “post-production.” This means that what also happens during tracking is…

Production

The producer can be a complex and malleable role to understand. What’s important to know here is that every artist has their own production culture, and system for applying the role of a producer within their writing, recording, and releasing process. Some artists do it all themselves, many outsource or consult other trusted industry professionals. Some artists budget for a heavily involved and hands-on producer who creates schedules, budgets, etc. Some producers just step in for the session to offer guidance and suggestions, while others are involved from the very beginning during the songwriting process itself. Lots of production roles are rolled into (or at least very closely linked with) the artist’s sound engineer, or even their marketing and PR team. If you’re a hip-hop, rap, or pop/R&B artist, often your producer is also the one creating the beats/backing tracks for your music, and even if you’re not in those genres, many producers often lay down tracks themselves based on musical suggestions they make within the session. 

The point is, producing a song can look very different from artist to artist depending on their sound, preferences, and goals, but at the core, the role of the producer is to supervise the recording process of the song and offer guidance and suggestions with multiple perspectives in mind to enhance the musical product as well as the potential for its post-distribution success. Producing is an intersection of many things creative and logistical, musical and practical, feeling-driven and data-backed. Here are some things a producer may consider at some of those intersections:

• The original intent and authentic center of the artist’s song to maintain its integrity

• How it can best be enhanced to create a product that better reflects that initial intent

• New creative visions for the song’s evolution once out of the writer’s head and into the more limitless space of the studio

• Expanding the song into territory that the artist wants to breach; whether that be in terms of genre, feel, performance/career goals, target audience, etc.

• Technically-informed sonic choices in accordance with whether the song is intended for radio play vs. touring, festival stages vs. small and intimate venues, and so on

• How the song will translate on different streaming platforms and on social media

• The promotional plan/marketing strategy for the song, or the goals for the type and amount of traction it will gain (One of our favorite marketing companies is “Moons & Things Co.” Check them out here if you’re looking for help with all things marketing!)

• How much to coach/push

• How to communicate sound balance and effects suggestions to the sound engineer, keeping in mind how all of that interacts with the artist’s goals for the song

What Production Can Look Like

As we said, the degree of involvement from the producer can vary. This can look as simple as deciding to add some lap steel if the artist is looking to appeal to a folkier side of their artistry or wanting to tap into a “western” audience. Or, if the artist is producing something very raw and singular but the producer knows she wants to play full band sets on festival stages, she may suggest a new arrangement of the song that includes background vocals, a groove change, or a horn section. The producer may bring in session musicians (learn more about why we make a case for that here) or suggest incorporating/removing specific audio effects an engineer has applied based on whether the artist has a goal of radio play. A producer evaluates everything from the structure of a song to the energy behind a vocal take in relation to all those factors listed in the previous section to help get the song where the artist ultimately wants it to go. 

Want to Chat More?

As you may be beginning to understand, a good producer has to speak many different languages and understand music from nearly every vantage point imaginable. It’s important to work with a producer you like and trust, and whom you feel understands you and your vision. If you have more questions about the recording or production process, reach out to us here to speak to our producer and maybe even book your next recording session with Studio 45b.

***Written by Singer/Songwriter Kayla Lunden***

5 Reasons to Record with Sessions Musicians Instead of Your Band

Okay, we know this is a hot take; let us explain. We’re not here to win over those of you who are sold on bringing in each member of your band to make your record! Some of you have co-invented your sound with your band and feel your collective electric energy and collaboratively-constructed public image is as important as anything else about your record. If you wouldn’t dream of hiring a studio’s session players over your own, and we totally respect it. However, if you’re having some doubts, we want to make a case.

Whether you’re feeling entirely bogged down by the impending logistical tornado, questioning your band’s level of commitment, professionalism, or even skillset, or you’re just looking to save some money, keep reading! If you’re an artist who patches a new band together for every gig, or usually plays solo acoustic shows but are looking for a more filled-out sound for your record, this could be the most important blog you read for your music all year. Here are five cases for going with a studio’s session musician(s) when recording your big new project. 

1. Cost-Effectiveness

As rising independent musicians, navigating a tight budget begs the constant question, how do we cut costs without sacrificing the quality of our musical product? Studio time, mixing and mastering, distribution, artwork and photoshoots, merch, tours and live show costs… it all adds up faster than we think.

At Studio 45b, our award-winning producer and engineer, Grady James, plays all instruments you would need on your track. If there’s something he doesn’t play, he knows exactly who to call. We roll Grady’s playing costs into your studio package, saving you hundreds of dollars on session musicians. 

We’ve seen lots of artists with friends who are happy to “play for free,” but we’ve also seen a lot of those favors go sideways. Just like anything else, the work we are paid for tends to get bumped to the top of the priority list in terms of prep, professionalism, and commitment, and the rest tends to fall to the bottom. 

2. Logistics

If you’ve ever been called the “mom” of the band, this one’s for you! If you’re the vocalist, and we can’t stress this enough, you are not the manager of your band. Many bands underestimate how difficult it is to coordinate uninterrupted time for every member to be present, prepared, and playing for your project. Conventional studio sessions are held during working hours, and accommodating multiple schedules almost always proves more difficult than we think. We’ve seen too many bands waste time in the studio tracking down other members, or working through the record in a less-than-intuitive instrumental order of operations due to logistical nightmares. 

Going with your studio’s session musician(s) gives you reassurance that the professionalism, logistics of being present when necessary, and level of commitment are built into the job. You are entirely freed up to immerse yourself in the creative process and focus on the musical job you have to do. 

3. Skillset

We’ve seen artists excitedly bring in musicians they previously watched absolutely shred on stage, only for the player to fall flat in the recording booth. Being a great player does not equate to being a great session player. 

These session musicians are masters at their instruments. However, they have also quite literally spent their lives honing their craft in this exact setting. With a studio’s session musicians, you are getting top-of-the-line musicians to elevate your music and bring the kind of live passion and energy into the recording studio and throughout your record.

4.  Time Efficiency 

Being able to quickly and easily pivot with new ideas is crucial and makes for a fun and creative session. Session musicians have an unparalleled ability to bounce around between songs and sections, get the take, get creative with the extra time, and keep things moving. Ultimately the efficiency not only helps with the creative flow but also saves you time and in turn, of course, money. 

5. New Connections and Expertise

One of the biggest benefits of working with session musicians in the studio is that they show up to every session equipped with their wide-ranging experience in recording with all kinds of artists in all kinds of genres. They have played and seen what works and what doesn’t, and often have a lot of valuable insight and perspectives to color your music. Not only that, but you are forging new connections and creating a new group of people who are invested in what you are doing; a built-in support network who have connections and support systems of their own. 

At Studio 45b, we have found that when people come in and work with Grady, his playing and musical instincts often inspire new creative ideas and directions for their music. What’s more, Studio 45b has created our own family of musicians and network of industry professionals that we are proud to connect with every artist who walks into the studio. Send us a message and let’s set up a session today.

***Written by Singer/Songwriter Kayla Lunden ***

How To Choose The Perfect Studio For Your Recording Project

We know it can be hard to find a studio that you trust to record your music. It is a major decision when picking someone to take your most cherished writings and turn them into a fully produced hit song that you hear so vividly in your own head. Don’t fret - we are here to help with this decision!

We’ve had countless new clients coming to us explaining that they didn’t feel like their artistic vision was met when they recorded elsewhere. This can be for many reasons, but one reason is that a lot of studios sell their time without a producer, and rush you through the process in order to make sure you are in and out quickly. Lots of Studios are out there to make money, and are not invested in the final product.

We want to stop this problem from happening! Here are three ways to find a studio that will work for you, and not take from you.

1. Are there artists on your level that have a recoding that you are blown away by? Ask them where they got it done.

A lot of artists love to help other artists. Ask them. They will be honest with you and tell you their experience. One of the best compliments we have at Studio45b is a client referral.

Ask other artists questions and research what their process was.

Did they work with a producer? What musicians did they hire? How long did the recording process take? How fast was the turnaround? How long did mixing and mastering take? Did they feel like their artist input was heard in the studio? Did they feel rushed? Would they do anything differently the next time around? Was there anything they would’ve changed?

We could go on and on with a million questions, but the main point is to ask a million questions to people in the industry that you trust. The more you know, the better the outcome will be.

2. Talk to multiple studios before you decide on a winner.

Research online studios in your area (or that record remotely) that you would love to work with. Read through their entire website, listen to the projects that they’ve worked on, and research their clientele. Research their team and see who on their team you think you would vibe with. We use the word “vibe” because that is what a studio is all about! Setting the best recording “vibe.”

Do not settle on the very first studio you come across. There are a ton of very talented producers, engineers and coaches to choose from. Make sure you are making an educated decision before you take action and book a date.

If they give you an option to have a free phone call with them, absolutely do it. It’s so important to utilize every chance you can to get to know the people that will be working on your project with you. Make sure to ask them those millions of questions that we mentioned in point #1!

3. Know your budget.

We get it. Recording at Abbey Road Studios might be a huge dream of yours (that can absolutely happen some day!) but before you get too far into loving a studio, make sure that you ask what the prices are. We don’t want you to be disappointed.

We talked a little bit about this last week in our blog post. (you can find that post right here.) We wanted to expand a little more on this!

You might not know your budget right off the bat. Perhaps you need to call around to a few different studios before you figure out what recording costs are, before you know what budget you have in mind for your own project. Calling around and asking for prices will give you a better understanding of what a full project might cost. Once you figure that out, and your own finances, then search for studios within that budget.

Our point is, find a studio that you can afford before you fall in love with a studio that you can’t afford.

If you’re ready to do some research, contact us today for our rates.

4. Decide which producer to work with, and if one is needed at all.

Believe it or not, a lot of people aren’t quite sure what a producer actually does. (If you’d like more info on that, check out our previous blog here!) We will get more into detail on our next post, but here is a quick rundown of a producers job.

Generally speaking a music producer overseas and understands the project as a whole, alongside the artist themselves. A producer knows how to create a certain sound within certain genres and can help the artist pull bring those sounds to life on their recording.

Lets give an example. What makes Brad Paisley’s guitar playing so different from John Mayer’s guitar playing? A producer knows that a Brad Paisley guitar tone will come from a Fender Telecaster, and a John Mayer signature sound will come from a Fender Stratocaster. Not only that, a producer knows what notes, bends, stylization and chords make a country sound, and knows the difference in that sound and a pop rock sound.

A good producer will know the styling, tone and instruments in certain genres and how to get your song sounding the way you want it to sound.

There are instances where you might not need a producer. We will cover that next week on our blog about finding a producer for your project.

Contact us here for your free consult call with our head producer, Grady James.

5. Listen to your gut.

It feels like we say that quite often. However, it is true. You need to find a studio that you are comfortable with. That comfortable sound will come across in your recording. Choose a studio that listens to you, pays attention to you, and is excited about your project. You will know when you chat with them if it is the right fit or not. Follow your instinct and you won’t be wrong!

If you are thinking of launching your project into action, give us a call today! We would love to help you on your recording journey.

***Written by Singer/Songwriter Danielle Todd ***

Three Reasons to Get Vocal Lessons Before Heading Into the Studio

We are going to nip this right in the bud—needing vocal lessons does not make you a bad vocalist. In fact, it makes you the best kind of vocalist: one who puts product and progress before pride! Just as the best authors need editors for their novels, and the most successful therapists need a professional of their own, and every great cosmetologist needs someone else to apply their touch-up color, so do we vocalists need vocal coaches. Whether you’re doing a few gigs a month at your local brewery or you’re Lady Gaga on tour, every vocalist benefits from a vocal coach. 

1.  Studio Stamina and Spot-Training

Whether you are in the studio for a few hours or a few days, take after take of vocals can 

be taxing on anyone’s cords. Add any nerves or jitters into the mix and you may find your voice is just not as controlled as you’d like for it to be, or lasting in quality throughout the day. Then you get frustrated and start to spiral, which only makes matters worse. Many singers start to get fatigued after just a couple takes. A few great lessons can help with all of this.

As vocalists, we have to know when to “bring it,” and when to bring it back. A vocal coach will teach you about how to conserve your vocal energy for the whole session, how to make the hard stuff sound and feel easy, and what to do to give yourself rest throughout the recording process. You will learn how to give it your all while still pacing yourself. You can even select a coach that works specifically with session musicians to ensure you are getting the best expertise for the studio. Many of these coaches will work with you on the specific song(s) you plan on recording to help perfect your product and map out a vocal plan for each tune, touching on so many areas of technique so you are good to go for the whole session. Which leads us to our next point…

2. Sustainability

Coaches who have studied and trained in-depth are so knowledgeable on the human voice and its mechanics. In addition to maintaining stamina throughout the session, a vocal coach can teach you how to properly take care of your instrument long-term so that you can rely on and build a career around it. A huge part of that maintenance is dependent upon properly warming up and down (yes, down!), engaging breath rather than muscle, and other basic techniques to correct unhealthy or damaging singing. Vocal lessons can provide so many easy tools and exercises to get you on the right track.

You may have seen vocalists (or are one, yourself) who can do crazy riffs and runs, “screlt,” or add a rasp to their tone that feels so soulful, but quickly feel or sound tired, strained, or even experience pain after just an hour of gigging, or long days in the studio. We’re sure you’ve heard this a hundred times, but just in case— it should never be painful to sing. If you are experiencing pain while singing, that is a giant red flag that you could hugely benefit from just a little coaching to ensure healthy singing and avoid vocal fatigue or even injury. Remember— you don’t have to give up your unique sound and magic in order to sing healthily and sustainably, but integrating those things will take trust and patience. You’ve got this!

3. Awareness

Lastly but probably most importantly, another set of trained ears and eyes will be able to help you become more aware of your particular vocal strengths, pitfalls, and all details in between regarding your unique vocal constitution. Once you start vocal lessons, you will be shocked at how many vocal habits you have developed that you weren’t even aware of. Not only that, but your coach will show you how to lean further into your strengths and develop your weaknesses. For example:

If you tend to sound nasally on certain vowels or within a certain range, your vocal coach will help to identify those tendencies and give you tips and tricks to fix your tone that you can apply quickly in the studio. If you have a well-developed belt or chest voice but struggle to maintain a healthy mixed or floaty head voice, or if you have a gorgeous breathy tone but want to build more power and presence into your voice, your coach will be able to show you short and long-term exercises to help melt those registers together. You might find that you sound really “pinched” or strained during high notes which feels entirely out of your control, but a vocal coach may easily identify tension in your neck and shoulders and show you how to remedy that. Many of the best vocal coaches incorporate methods and solutions that seemingly have nothing to do with the voice itself; including breathing exercises, stretches and yoga or meditation, lifestyle changes, and more. Trust them, and you will get to know your instrument  a lot better. You know what they say, the first step toward change is awareness.

If you’re planning to head into the studio soon to record a single, EP, or full-length album, we at Studio 45b could not recommend quality vocal lessons enough. It’s about more than just “sounding better.” It’s about knowing yourself and your voice, and making sure it lasts you a long, long time. Afterall, it is your livelihood! Or at least it’s what brings you a ton of joy. Either way, it’s worth the investment. 

If you’re feeling convinced, Studio 45b offers a chance to connect right now with our professional vocal coach, Danielle Todd. Danielle has 17 years of experience performing, and draws from her own expertise, teachings from top industry professionals, and your specific needs as a vocalist to work on tone, vocal agility, vocal range, timbre, strength, and more. Everything from practical warm-ups, to emotional connection within your vocals, to singing through nerves, to developing the very fundamentals that define your artistic expression, Danielle will elevate your technique and artistry. Ready to chat? Reach out to book a consultation and we’ll talk about exactly what you want and need to take your musicianship to the next level.

We want you to feel healthy, confident, and prepared to come into the studio. Let’s connect today!

***Written by Singer/Songwriter Kayla Lunden ***

What is Mixing and Why Does My Song Need it?

You’ve made the courageous leap and decided to release some music, but you want to do it the right way. It’s a huge undertaking, from finding the right studio to planning promotional content. The creative stuff can be so fun, the prep and logistics can be overwhelming, and the more research you do on processes like distribution, mixing, and mastering, it seems the more there is to know.

There are thousands of resources claiming to teach you the “basics” of audio mixing that still leave you confused. Don’t feel stupid! There are entire degree programs dedicated to this topic, and we can’t all be experts in everything. However, if you’re going to release your music to the public and pay for the service, you should know what it is and why you need it. We’re going to answer some questions to make it all seem a little less scary. Let’s start at the beginning.

Does my song need to be mixed?

Yes. That’s an easy one, next!

Why?

A song well-mixed is like indulging in a cup of really great Ethiopian pour-over after living the last 7 years on diner drip coffee. You had no clue you were missing that kind of quality until after you got a taste of it! Still, as with coffee, there is an adjustment period while you refine your palate. Hearing that raw file (diner drip) and then hearing the first pass of a mix (Ethiopian), will reveal clear sonic differences and improvements in quality even to the most undiscerning of ears. However, it takes practice, patience, and curiosity to start to identify the subtle magic; like tasting notes in coffee.

Okay fine. Then what even is mixing?

Most basically (and vaguely, to start), mixing audio is the process of controlling several aspects of sound within and between multiple audio tracks to create an overall sense of cohesion, balance, and artistry. It requires a combination of both technical knowledge and skill, and creative intuition and awareness. Sound is a science, but it is also an art.

The basic targets of mixing sound deal with balancing levels, frequencies, and stereo image (more on this later) to provide sonic clarity to the listener, while creating something more interesting and pleasing to the ear than any raw audio file could ever be. A good audio engineer will take all of the individual audio tracks and apply all sorts of effects, filters, and techniques to make them sound more cohesive; like a family of sound rather than a bunch of strangers shoved together in the same room. This process occurs within a digital audio workstation (DAW), which consists of three components: a computer, an audio interface (a device that converts audio from mics, mic pre-amps, or a mixer into a signal for the computer), and a recording software.

The Basics:

Let’s begin our descent down the rabbit hole. Most of these definitions come straight from the Bartlett & Bartlett text “Practical Recording Techniques: The Seventh Edition.” Then, we’re going to try to break each down a little and add some context. It will be helpful to imagine your song existing in three-dimensional space; aspects of sound within your mix can move up and down, forward and backward, and side to side. Mixing audio in many ways is about sliding sounds along those different axes to create a rich and compelling sonic product.

Frequency: “The number of cycles per second of a sound wave or audio signal, measured in hertz (Hz).”

Sound waves travel quickly (high frequency/pitch) or slowly (low frequency/low pitch), or lots of speeds in between. Oftentimes in raw recorded audio, there are extra, unnecessary frequencies that “muddy” up the mix, or make it sound messy or garbled to our simple human ears/brain. To fix that, audio engineers will EQ the tracks.

Equalization (EQ): “Adjustment of frequency response to alter the tonal balance or attenuate unwanted frequencies levels.”

Stay with us. We EQ tracks to cut (remove) unwanted frequencies, or boost (increase) frequencies we like or need more of in order to make the overall mix more clear, crisp, and colorful. You can apply highpass filters (HPF) or lowpass filters (LPF) to make the best/necessary elements within tracks stand out, and get rid of the frequencies that muddy the mix. An audio engineer might apply a HPF to a guitar track to remove extra frequencies going on in the low end, and then go in more thoroughly to cut or boost specific frequencies to curate a more intentional sound.

If we are imagining our song in three-dimensional space, this is the axis that runs up and down. Soundwaves manifest as bass (low; 60-120 Hz), mid (middle; 400-2.5k Hz), and treble (high; 8k-15k Hz) frequencies.

Compressor: “A signal processor that reduces dynamic range or gain by means of automatic volume control.” Compression has to do with level, or volume control. Recording real musicians often means a wide dynamic (volume) range. A compressor automatically reduces gain (amplification) when the signal exceeds a preset level (threshold).

This is the part of mixing that happens on the axis running forward to back; think of it as someone stepping closer to you/the microphone (your ear will interpret this as louder) or away (softer).

Panning: “The act of placing or moving a sound anywhere in the stereo field of a stereo playback system.”

We experience recorded music through a stereo system, meaning there is a left and a right speaker (even in your phone). This tricks our brains into processing audio as if it’s coming from a single, center source, creating what we call a phantom image.

Before mixing, all tracks more or less sit “center.” This not only sounds flat and singular, but also auditorily confusing. Our brains struggle to isolate instruments, tracks, or interpret anything interesting going on. Panning combats that by spreading the sound sources of the tracks out along that left-to-right axis. When our brains can organize and localize the different tracks, it allows for certain instruments, embellishments, and tonal qualities to shine through that might otherwise be lost.

These components are only the beginning. There are tons of effects like reverb, chorus, echo, and more that enhance depth, mood, and tone of the song, and plenty of space for a mixing engineer to get creative and take the tune to the next level. The best way to learn more about what makes a good mix and your audio preferences, is to stay curious. Ask your audio engineer lots of questions, do your research (think podcasts, articles, books, YouTube videos), listen to different kinds of music and start to try to identify elements of the sound that you like. If you want, make your audio engineer a playlist of reference tracks with sonic elements that move the needle for you. Remember, you don’t need to know everything to start speaking the language, you just need to start speaking it.

***Written by Singer/Songwriter Kayla Lunden

How to Prepare Yourself for a Day of Recording

Do you get antsy thinking about heading into the studio for a day of recording? Are you the musician who does nothing but cross your fingers and hope for good vibes, or the type who obsesses over every detail of your EP before the session? A successful day of recording in the studio is all about balance. Here are some long-term insights and short-term tips to enhance your recording experience and make the best of your studio time.

Your body. As musicians, we’ve all been guilty of neglecting our bodies and just hoping they pull through for us; and it’s true— our bodies are amazingly resilient! However, meeting basic physical needs can profoundly impact your recording session and save you time, money, and stress.

• Hydration: As research advances, we’re understanding more about the best way to hydrate (guzzling three glasses of tap water right before your session won’t do what you think it will). Water takes about four hours to even reach your vocal cords! Tap water is also stripped of the minerals our cells need for true absorption. Drinking one glass of water with electrolytes or steeped with fruits/veggies high in sodium, magnesium, potassium, and/or calcium will do more for you than a gallon of tap water. Products like Gainful, LMNT, and Trace Minerals are also great. Read more here.

• Nutrition: It may seem basic, but coming into the studio properly nourished can be a game-changer for a successful recording session. What we produce is contingent on what we consume! Hydrating and anti-inflammatory foods are a great choice for vocal health, even if that means (dare we say) limiting yourself to only... a couple cups of coffee? We’ll circle back. Like we said, balance.

• Rest: Do NOT sleep on this one! Sleep is one of the most important things you can do to prepare your body and mind for recording in the studio. Vocal rest is important. Stepping into the booth after three consecutive nights of 4-hour bar gigs is less than ideal. Not getting enough sleep can affect you physically, cognitively, and put you in such an emotional funk. Which brings us to....

Your mindset. Once you prime your physical body for success (no shakes, tired vocal cords, foggy brain, etc.), you have more energy to spend on your mindset. To get excited and aligned creatively, you may find there are things you need to shed. Here is what we suggest leaving at the door of your session:

1. Other people’s expectations. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take advice from a trusted team of people who know and stand behind your vision. However, we are all guilty of entertaining opinions of those who only know us through social media, or an old mentor, bandmate, or ex’s idea of what we should sound like. Your opinion, ideas, and expectations matter most in our studio. Be present and trust yourself to create the most authentic sound.

2. A self-deprecating attitude. We have all seen wildly talented musicians step into the booth and after a couple imperfect takes, spiral into self-doubt. Insecurity is a productive session’s worst enemy. We are a part of your team now, which means we are here to coach you through your doubts and questions. We believe in you! But we recognize that can only go so far. Confidence and groundedness are key.

At Studio 45b, we believe in finding the sweet spot between planning and leaving room for ideas to take off, branch out, and reroute. This may mean detaching from expectations and connecting with the heart of your project. Some questions to ask yourself before entering the session:

• What are your nonnegotiables?

• What do you want this song/project to “do?” You can think of this technically, but we also encourage you to do so abstractly. What feelings do you want it to evoke in people? Any questions you want it to raise?

• Where are you not sure that the song/project is doing what you want it to? Are there any spots that feel weak, inauthentic, or “filler?”

• If you could release two versions of this song, what would the second version sound like?

• Think of your song in terms of all of the senses. Does it have a texture or color palette? When you picture this song being played, what does the room look like that best showcases it? Who is there? Are you playing it live?

Preparing to record is all about balance. By the time you get in the studio, so much work has already gone into your project— it’s your baby! While it can feel like recording is the pinnacle of all of that hard work, remember that this is just one summit of many in your musical career.

You’re ready! Contact us to book your recording session today.


***Written by Singer/Songwriter Kayla Lunden.

Three ways to prepare yourself for a day in the Studio

We are going to keep this short and sweet! Let’s get right to it.

1. Take into consideration who you are bringing with you into the studio and why.

This is our number one point. Whoever you bring with you into the studio can really make or break the day!

First off, some people want a support system with them on their recording day. We typically tell our clients to bring in one or two people who they trust, and who understand the recording process. The less people in the studio, the better. Too many opinions can lead to disagreements, and it wastes time and your money. Make sure every single person who comes along with you is aware that you call the final shots.

Secondly, multiple people can cause distractions, or noise during recording takes, resulting in wasted time and wasted money. We find that singers, and musicians, can sometimes feel anxious, nervous or feel an immense amount of pressure in front of too many people. We always want our clients to feel relaxed enough to make a mistake, and feel confident enough to try out new ideas on the fly without feeling judged.

We suggest to bring a manager, friend, or family member that is supportive, can capture some social media posts for you.

2. Finalize lyrics and rehearse your band before hand.

It is imperative that your entire band knows their parts like the back of their hand, and that every player feels confident enough to improvise. Too many times we’ve seen singers bring in their own band that was completely under prepared. Your rhythm guitar player should know every chord change, and be well versed enough to change a chord on the fly. Your backup vocalists should be able to hear new vocal harmonies and parts on the spot. Your lead guitar player should have three or four solos completely practiced and figured out before hand, and be able to improvise on those solos on the day of.

If your band is not prepared, it will cost you money. ALSO - No matter HOW strong your band is, make sure they can all play to a metronome.

It can be worth your money to hire a session musician, so as not to waste time with a band member who might not be as quick, skilled or practiced. We can’t stress this enough - being in the studio is not the same as performing live. There are studio cats who have worked in the studio for years and know how to get the proper sound for you. Our producer, Grady James is confident in most instruments, which can save you time and money. Feel free to contact us for connections to amazing studio musicians, or to set up a call with our producer!

3. Make sure you’ve found the right fit.

It is truly a big decision taking your music into a studio. Before you head into the studio be absolutely sure that the team you are working with is producing music that you love. Take the time to research your producer, engineer, and studio. Listen to examples of their work, read testimonials, talk to the producer. Make sure that it feels right. If you don’t vibe with the team, it’ll be hard to feel comfortable in the studio. Research, research, research and take the time to ask questions. If it is a great studio, they will be happy to take the time to make you feel confident, and comfortable.

If you’d like to get to know Studio45b a little better, please set up a free consultation phone call today to see if we are the right fit!

***Written by Danielle Todd***

5 things that make a strong song - it’s not what you think!

First off, lets remember that music is subjective. What you think is a great song, some others might not like at all. Always keep that in mind when you’re writing, or entering the studio. There is only one you in this world, and your unique musical palette is what will ultimately set you aside from other artists in the industry.

Okay! Let’s get to our five points.

1. Really know the purpose of your song.

There are a lot of reasons why musicians write and record. For example, perhaps you have lost a friend and you’d like to write a song to express your emotions around your loss. Maybe you are writing a song to release specifically to country radio in the USA and compete with other A-list country artists on the charts. You could also be looking to get onto a specific editorial playlist on Spotify, or Apple music. Whatever the true purpose of the song is, understanding your song goals can really help you during the recording process and even the writing process.

Lets take the second example and expand a little more on this. If you are looking to record a #1 song in the USA, then chances are you need to fit into a certain genre of music and you need to really know that genre. It would be a good idea to research all of the #1 singles in the last couple of years so you can follow production trends, lyrical trends, and melody trends. This is not to say to copy another persons #1, but if your goal is to be on top, you need to know what’s already at the top of the mountain so you can shoot and aim for it!

Like we said, there are many reasons to write and record a song. Having a better understanding of your songs purpose will help you write, produce, mix and master it so that your song has the best chance of reaching it’s full potential.

2. Space.

It is so important in production to give your song space. There are exceptions to every rule, but in general, having room to breathe between verses, or even between phrases really allows your mind to process the message of the song, or the message of a particular line. Sometimes productions can be overwhelming and having that little break can create a moment for the listener to process what they’re hearing.

Space can also be used creatively when you’re creating tension for a strong build. For example, if there is a point in your song with an intense production, it might be a good technique to take every instrument away suddenly, and just have the vocals in the recording. A similar example of this would be Zedd and Maren Morris in “The Middle,” where in the very first chorus, it drops to just vocals and a ticking clock sound, after having a pretty full production leading up to that moment.

Space is vital to create dynamics and make the music breathable. Take a listen to your own songs and see if there are places where you can create some breathing room.

3. Creating a unique vocal production.

Vocal production can often be overlooked in a recording session. Singer/songwriters can have a tendency of writing the song, and singing it exactly the same way as the first day they wrote it when they walk into the studio to record. While you want to have some melodies set in place before entering the studio, it is incredibly beneficial to have an open mind to suggestions on vocal recording days.

Lets start with harmony. One of the Queen’s of harmony in country music is Cam. Check out her song, “Diane,” which kicks off with acapella harmony. This is both powerful on a recording, but also in a live setting. Imagine being in a theatre and having the opening song just live vocals? It’s such a moving moment in a set, and on a recording.

How about vocal call backs? One of the easiest examples of this is Motown music. For a modern version of this, check out “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars. Take a listen and try to pay attention to all the detail in the backing vocals. The vocal production in this song is absolutely incredible. A vocal baseline, with vocal pads, call backs in the pre-chorus, and an absolutely untouchable lead vocal. The vocal production on this song is what makes it so catchy, memorable and different. (Okay, there’s also a ton of production on here that isn’t vocal production, but you get what we mean!)

Once the vocals are tracked, including harmony, vocal pads (oo’s and ah’s), and a strong unique lead vocal, its time to mix and master the vocals. This is the last step in vocal production and one that you do not want to skimp out on.

4. Emotional connection.

It goes without saying that your audience needs to be emotionally connected to your music. But lets take a closer look - how can your music be emotionally connected to your song?

It is crucial to find a producer that understands your song. What emotion are you trying to convey? What are the lyrics about? Are they happy, sad, inspirational? Your production should align with these emotions.

To list a few songs that emotionally connected with their lyrics, take a listen to “Happy,” by Pharrell Williams (sorry in advance, this song will now be stuck in your head for days!) But lets be honest here, can you think of a “happier” sounding song? Take the lyrics away and listen to the melody and production. That song is upbeat, exciting, cheerful and makes you want to dance. Pharrell and his team found a way to make this song explode with happy endorphins. It is a great example of how important it is for the lyrics to emotionally connect with the production.

On the flip side, Adele’s song “Someone Like You,” focuses on a sad, nostalgic breakup. Can you think of a more successful sad song in modern years? It goes without saying that Adele’s vocals are on point, and convey her emotions on every level. The imperfections in the vocal take make you feel like she is almost on the verge of tears when she is singing it. Her lyrics and subtle vocal inflections take you on a journey, taking you back to the very moment of her breakup, evoking the same emotions within you. You barely notice the piano in the background, and the subtle vocal production changes throughout the song because you’re so immersed in her story. The producer on this song knew when to step back and give Adele the space she needed to knock this song out of the park. This emotional connection is powerful.

5. Be You.

Okay, we get it. You’ve heard this before. But it’s true. You need to be authentically, loudly, fearlessly, unapologetically yourself for your music to stand out and become a work of art. Nobody in the world has the same ideas that you have floating around in your brain. You need to shine in your songwriting, vocals, and production. If you don’t set yourself apart from other artists in the industry, you will fall by the wayside. Trust yourself, your instincts and believe in your craft. You will thank yourself for it later.

Think of Lady Gaga, Adele, Zach Bryan, Cody Johnson, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton. These are all incredibly successful artists that stood up for what they believe in and didn’t waver, while paving the way for artists to follow. They made their stamp and changed the music industry.

Do it. Be you. See what happens.

6. Bonus! High quality recording.

We couldn’t let you leave without explaining the importance of hiring a team that knows their craft inside and out to help make you sound the best you possibly can. Heading into a studio can be overwhelmingly intimidating. You need to have a team on your side that believes in you and wants to help you create your unique masterpiece.

Pick a studio, engineer, producer and session musicians who are experienced, have a great track record, listen to you, and who you feel comfortable and confident working with. Don’t be afraid to speak up and call the final shots.

We are here to say that if you have an amazing song, with killer vocals and a great backing band, you need to have a high quality mix and master of this track or it will not get the recognition it deserves. Do not bring your music this far without making sure you spend the proper amount of care on polishing and refining it. It has to have a radio standard quality for anybody in the industry to give it the time of day.

Now that we’ve covered 5 points that make your song amazing, what are some points that you have to work on? Are there any other points that you would add?

We believe in you and want you to succeed. Contact us today if you feel like you are ready to start your recording process.

***Written by Danielle Todd***

Caleb Mills - Feature Artist of the Month

We’d love to introduce you to Caleb Mills!

Caleb found Studio45b through word-of-mouth, as so many artists did in the beginning days. When he initially came into our Studio, we were blown away with his voice. For such a young man, he had an incredible amount of feeling and soul radiating from each note.

It wasn’t long before we noticed his hit songwriting skills. S-U-R-V-I-V-E is a cheeky song that came to life with Grady and Caleb working alongside each other. This song catapulted Caleb on TikTok, gaining hundreds of thousands of followers overnight.

We sat down with Caleb to get the insight on his newest EP, "You Only," that he recorded right here at Studio45b.

Let’s get to it!

Studio45b: Caleb! It’s so great to chat with you. Congratulations on your new EP release. Can you tell us a little bit about the process for picking these songs, and how the EP came together?

Caleb: I honestly didn't plan for these songs to go on a project together at all. Once I had all 3 back though, I slowly connected them all, and to me they fit perfectly as a collective. 

Studio45b: Tell us about your recording experience. Did you face any challenges and how did you overcome them?

Caleb: Not really, but it is funny that initially "Me And You" was going to be a demo to pitch. I ended up loving it so much that I had to put it on the EP.

Studio45b: Good thing, because we love that song! How do you balance creative direction with commercial appeal?

Caleb: For me, I try not to think too much into commercial appeal, as long as the song isn't 5 minutes long I feel like my creativity is enough to make a song commercial. 

Studio45b: What do you think is the most challenging aspect that musicians face in todays industry?

Caleb: I think the most challenging aspect of today's industry is the immense amount of music/musicians. It is extremely competitive with so many people having the ability to release their own records. The constant demand for new music by fans is great but it takes away from a lot of artists' ability to stay relevant.

Studio45b: Tell us about your TikTok following. You've blown up! Congratulations. Are you finding that it's helping your career? Is it a good platform for you?

Caleb: Without TikTok I wouldn't have anywhere near the amount of support that I have. I tell every artist, writer, producer, etc. if they aren't on TikTok it needs to be the very next thing they do. It has furthered my career more than anything else. At times, the constant need to put out content is a lot, but in the end it's 100% worth it!

Studio45b: Tell us about the most memerable show you've played!

Caleb: The most memorable show I've ever played is probably Whiskey Jam at Winner's in Nashville. It's such an iconic place and event to play. It was so much fun and is an honor to be a part of that family. 

Studio45b: We love Whiskey Jam. Congrats on playing such a prestigious gig! What is the best piece of musical advice you've ever received?

Caleb: "You can't sing it if you don't feel it" - My Grandaddy

Studio45b: We love that! Do you have any favorite songs on the EP?

Caleb: My favorite song from the You Only EP is definitely "Keep On". It's more of a slow jam love song which is my favorite style to write. I also wrote it alone so it means a lot to me.

Studio45b: Can you share who collaborated on this album with you? Writers, producers, players, if any?

Caleb: The legend himself, Mr. Grady James, played everything on this EP other than a few acoustic guitars that I did. We produced it together, mostly me making weird noises with my mouth and him turning them into real music. My co-writers on this project were Eric Michael Taylor, Parker Leblanc, Caleb Lathrop, Ethan Wynn, and Andrew Parris.

Studio45b: Hey, I think we’ve heard of those guys! Thank you for sending them to our Studio. Lastly, we have a legendary Mexican restaurant down the street from our studio. Pedro’s has become a client favorite around here! What is your favorite thing on the menu?

Caleb: ALL OF IT! If you're recording with Grady, and he asks if you're hungry, just say yes. Pedro's is worth every penny.

Thanks so much for chatting with us, Caleb. We can’t wait to see you in the Studio again soon. Congratulations on all your success!

Check out Caleb’s new EP here.

Check out Caleb’s website here.

Check out Caleb on TikTok here.