Someone who isn’t experienced in making music most likely begins by looking to record and post their content in the quickest and most affordable way possible. Depending on each persons’ style, they may prefer the creative process to be more homegrown and some want to travel out and work with others. Either way, it’s important to be smart about how and where to spend funds to start tracking vocals.
Bringing the studio to the bedroom has never been easier, and it adds an element of intimacy and realness to the music. With a voice, a microphone, and a digital audio workshop, pretty much anything is possible to the average creator in 2019. DAWs like FL Studio, Ableton and Pro Tools changed the game for a new generation of young adults to start profitable careers. For artists on a budget, a fair amount of reliable DAWs have tiered pricing models, and there’s free lessons for just about anything on Youtube.
When buying microphones it’s crucial to remember that vocals will differ with each one, so blowing a bag on the most high-end mic could end up being costly and the wrong decision. Also, shape and size of the room being used will affect the recordings, positively or negatively.
That’s the bare necessities an artist needs in order to start tracking vocals, but obviously there are other items that can improve the sound: acoustic panels, better pop filters, advanced sound cards… The list goes on, but every artist has to start somewhere and there’s no shame in getting the job done any way possible.
There isn’t a feeling quite like stepping in the booth, the air is dead and it makes thoughts ring loud and clear. A certain amount of vulnerability is needed to get up and lay down a track, even if it’s only in front of the audio engineer. A good engineer will obviously have the skills to make the best sounding song, but will also curate an area that makes the artist feel comfortable enough to spill their thoughts and ideas into the microphone.
This comes at a cost of course, studio owners and engineers usually charge in multi-hour sessions or for the right funds extended stays can be booked. However, this provides the artist a more efficient work process and an increase in sound quality. Going into a studio session each party should be game-time ready in order to use each minute effectively and avoid wasting time. But each studio and is different so it’s important to build connections and find the place or person for the creative process. The fact is, talented engineers need to make a living as well which can drive prices up, so the average artist may need to find a different route to recording.
The Uwavee app offers an affordable way for artists to network with studio owners and engineers for services. After browsing samples of beats or mixes from other creators, the vocalist can connect with who they like and request their services for tracking vocals. Audio-engineers can post examples of the work they do in order to garner interest and build clientele for their mix and master services, or simply offer studio sessions whether they create out of a bedroom or professionally. Finding a way to record and track your vocals will be available at your fingertips, then step out of the booth and post it on Uwavee to share with the community.
