10 Top Money Wasters On The Road To Your Next Record

by Cari Cole

 

We all know that it’s easier now than ever before to make and release your own record. But just because you can doesn’t mean you want to plunk your hard earned dollars into a record that’s not going to fly the coop ~ right? No artist envisions tons of boxes collecting dust in their garage or an album that doesn’t reach it’s fans or gain ground in the world of music. Nope. And I don’t envision that for you either.

Here’s a quick list of 10 money sucking wasters to avoid on the road to your next record.

 

1. Hoping That Production Will Solve Your Songwriting Wrongs

Some people think that production will solve their songwriting conundrums or “make the song fly.” Well, production plays an uber important role, it “serves” the song not solves the song. No production in the world will carry a song if it’s dead weight or not your greatest work. Right your songwriting wrongs before recording, or you’ll end up with a mediocre record that won’t go the distance. Basically like throwing your money in the trash sans the experience (which will teach you not to do that again ;))

 

2. The Demo-less Record

Sometimes your idea of a song is better than it is in actuality. And sometimes your song out does your expectations. The process of demoing helps clarify your songlist. Not. To. Be. Overlooked.

Demos have 3 significant purposes for your recording project. One they help you “hear” the song better. Demoing gives you a more “objective perspective” on your song. Two, demos help you smooth out the rough spots to tweak and perfect your songwriting. And three, demoing helps you and a producer in better song selection for your record.

 

3. Ignoring Rewrites and Edits That Make Your Songs Truly Rule

I never declare a song is finished until it’s as good as it can possibly be. That means, I am not afraid to rewrite, tweak and edit all the way to the day of production (and including the recording session). I find that too many artists record their songs without demanding this level of perfection. Hey – it’s YOUR song. Are you SURE it’s as good as it could be?

Recently I was co-producing a tune for artist Denise Gaber at Airgo Music. During the vocal session I suggested that the lyric line in the hook wasn’t quite there yet. We all put our head’s together and bam – a great hook lyric sealed the session and quite frankly “made the song!” Never give up until it sends chills up your spine.

 

4. Thinking All Producers Are Created Equal

Okay, so I want all producers out there to listen up as much as artists. First, I love all music creators – it’s just that you’re not all on the same level. Ya gotta work for it. And even when you do work for it, you have to still work hard to stay on top of what’s happening in music – period.

So artists that means don’t just expect because someone has a track record or a fancy studio, or because you have a great conversation and love the same music that you will get a great record. Think. Not all producers are created equal.

Note: That means that you have to do your research and ask the right questions. Some producers, because they are musicians first, are not vocal producers. That means they’ll produce a great instrumental track for you, but your vocals won’t get the nurturing they need (cause they don’t have those skills). You’d be surprised how MANY producers are not great with vocals and leave them unfinished. Most big records bring in Vocal Arrangers to make SURE they get the best out of the singer. Find a producer that is great with vocals or bring your vocal coach or vocal arranger into the studio with you.

 

5. Not Reaching High Enough or Thinking the Producers You Want Are Unreachable

Most artists are in awe of their favorite producers (understandably so). Great records change our lives. However, I notice that most indie artists are afraid of approaching the producers they want because they think they’re not good enough.

Local or start up producers are rarely the ones you want producing your breakthrough album. Maybe your EP, but not your LP! The sound you’re looking for, you know, the one you want to create that no one else has, takes a pro. Stop operating in a vacuum and get on the internet researching your favorite producers. Then when you’re ready, send a short and sweet email (after your demos are ready please) letting them know you’d like to work with them on your next record and check availability, cost and schedule. Include links to your best songs, videos (producers like live videos as well as produced videos). Only include your top 3 songs/videos (too many will scream unprofessionalism).

 

6. Believing What a Producer ‘Says’ Vs. Their Skills

When auditioning producers, you may have a great conversation about music, but that doesn’t mean you understand each other. Have you listened in depth to their productions? Do you hear your music being produced that way? Because the truth is, no matter what any producer tells you, even if they are super creative and want to expand into your genre (which I’d rather my record was not an experiment for), the proof is in what you hear. Listen to as much of their music as you can, that way you’ll be clear what you’re going to get. If you don’t have great ears for production, get someone to help you.

 

7. Not Spending Money Where It Counts, Will Cost Even More

Your mix is probably the most important place that you spend your money (besides your producer.) It’s what makes your record broadcast quality. That said, you have to record with a good signal path (no distortion, unless it’s on purpose and even then.. be sure) and with good equipment like a state of the art mic, an Avalon 737 and a good room sound in order for your mix to fly to the big time. I did my 10 song record that won tons of awards for sound, vocals and songwriting on a budget of $15,000. I was lucky that I didn’t have producer costs because my husband produced, but we spent most of that money on the mix.

Precisely because your mix will make or break you. Find a producer who is a great mixer (listen to the sound of their records – do they sound thin or full? Or hire have someone else mix your record. There are guys out there that specialize in mixing. How do you know if you’ve got a good mix? Well, it’s an art and science, but one of the quick ways is to determine whether your mixes are easy to listen to or do they sound jumbled and crowded? Do certain instruments stick out too much or are your vocals too soft or too loud?

 

8. Staying With the Wrong Producer: How to Know When To Cut Your Losses

I’m going to tell a story about an artist I’m working with, but to protect the parties involved, I’m going to keep her name silent.

Recently an artist who just completed the Your Exceptional Record Course approached me about her record that was half way through in the production process. She was having second thoughts about whether the producer (who she thought was the perfect choice) was able to deliver the record she wanted. Upon listening, I advised her that her hunches were correct and it might be best to cut her losses. Shortly after, she secured her dream producer for her project. While it sucked to have lost time and money, cutting her losses was a godsend. She’s on her way to a breakthrough record – I’m so excited for her and can’t wait to share it with you.

 

9. Remixing, Tweaking + Record Editing… After the Fact

Another artist who graduated from our Your Exceptional Record Course brought her record to me after finishing the vocals (and mixing/mastering) for review. After realizing that the vocals needed to be re-recorded (they were okay but not her best), we set up some vocal arranging sessions where I went over every phrase to bring out her voice more, and she’s in the process of re-recording vocals now.

Note: There is an important issue that stops most artists from this process. No one wants to upset their producer by calling a redo of the vocals, or a remix. Here’s what I did. I told her exactly how to deal with the producer (in a way that didn’t piss him off but made him hand over the stems) AND exactly who to send the new vocals to for who is also a great mixer and loves to fix records (one of my inside secret weapons I only reserve for referral with my students. Sorry, I can’t refer you if I don’t know you, but you can always come work with me ;)).

 

10. Lack of Artistic Vision + Leadership

One of the biggest problems I see artists struggling with when it comes to their records is how to lead. Too many people think that when they hire a producer they hand over their songs and that’s it. Wrong. If you want to be successful you have to realize that you are the one in the leadership role. You’re in the drivers seat. That means artistically and in the vision of the record. It’s your job to be sure that you do what you need to do and communicate effectively to get the record that you hear in your head. In a mostly male dominated industry that can be tough on female artists, my best advice is to learn leadership and communication skills and particularly when it comes to production, learn musical terms so you can communicate effectively.

Add your comment or ask a question in the comments below! I love to hear from you!

 

 

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Hi, I’m Cari Cole.

You’ve got talent, but you want to become great at it. You’re in the right place! My mission is to help you refine your unique artist vision to bring to the world.

About Cari Cole

Cari Cole is the CEO / Founder of caricole.com and CCVM: Label Without Walls. She is a Holistic Vocal Coach, Artist Development Expert, A&R Director, and Songwriter based in New York City helping artists for the past 38 years. She is a mentor for Women in Music and The Association of Independent Music Publishers.

Her latest venture, CCVM a label services company, provides artists with a seamless path from creation to completion. After 30+ years of observing the overwhelm and challenges that artists face, Cari pulled together the best top creative professionals and designed a new approach to supporting our artists.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on Cari Cole's website is informational only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on Cari Cole's website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

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