Earlier this year I spent time making a little pop music (to be revealed next month!) in a few different recording studios around Brisbane. It was something I'd always wanted to do, and as expected, I found the process to be thrilling.
But I also found it to be emotionally draining.
As TED speaker Brene Brown says, "Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change". And boy, did I feel vulnerable in those studios! Anxious thoughts would rush through my head like, "Maybe I'm not making the right choices. Maybe people will laugh at me. Maybe I'm wasting everyone's time. Maybe I shouldn't have had those triple-choc-chip-fudge cookies instead of an apple".
Often, I'd leave the studio feeling gloomy.
After one particularly disenchanting session, I finally put my foot down. Or at least, I put my pen down...on paper. I'd had enough of feeling so sensitive in the studio. It was counter-productive. So...I WROTE A LIST!
I thought hard about how to make the studio experience a positive one, and came up with about seven points. At my next studio session, engineer/producer Andrei Maberley contributed his excellent ideas (drawn from many years of experience), and we ended up with a guide that would make Moses proud. It works wonders! (Especially Commandments One and Ten). Drumroll, please...
THE TEN RECORDING STUDIO COMMANDMENTS
1. Thou shalt not go hungry or thirsty.
Fed, watered musicians = happy musicians. Stick to healthy snacks + good quality chocolate! Carrot and celery sticks = rock 'n' roll.
2. Thou shalt come mentally prepared.
Don't let small worries and disorganisation get in the way of big ideas!
3. Thou shalt not use the word 'no'.
Instead, maintain morale and ask 'how' it can be better. Some may disagree with this point.
4. Thou shalt remain positive.
Disillusionment will only hold you back!
5. Thou shalt write fearlessly.
Borrowed from Pat Pattison. Fortune favours the brave!
6. Thou shalt have FUN.
Isn't that what you're here for?
7. Thou shalt take breaks.
Give your mind some space!
8. Thou shalt protect thy ears
Keep volume to a safe level.
9. Thou shalt be decisive.
Because, as Steve Jobs would say, "Real artists ship".
10. Thou shalt bounce and take away!
At the end of the studio day - even if you think what you've done so far is lame - a recording in the hand will give you a proud sense of achievement. This is a powerful one!
I'd love to hear your thoughts on these commandments. Let me know if you agree or disagree with any of the points - or if you'd like to add your own. Feel free to share!