Aqua House Studios

The 'vibe' is everything as all great artists know. It's for this reason that Aqua House provide a relaxed and supportive atmosphere that complements the creative process. Most people take awhile to acclimatise to the recording medium. It's demanding and sometimes not as glamorous as portrayed in the media.

Why is it that a great live performer might feel at home on the stage but, under the microscope of the recording studio, they may feel that the emotional content is stripped from them? A great studio or 'session' singer performs impeccably on a recording session but struggle to have the same impact in front of an audience. How do we find the balance? Being prepared and informed pave the way to turning your recording session into the success it deserves.

As with most things in music there are no do's and don'ts as this would stifle growth and creativity. However, we can prepare ourselves correctly. Aqua House and it's production team have a wealth of experience with artists and bands from all corners of the globe .. a skill that can only be gained by years of experience behind the glass. It is a skill built on experience rather than learnt. This 'after all' is a very human and 'ego' sensitive industry. Everybody that enters the recording platform is well aware that in some way they are making an historical document of our time. Recorded music is a valuable record of who and where we are. Again, it is down to the producer and engineer to capture it the very best they can.

If you are someone who simply wants to record something that resonates inside your own group of friends, or are seeking attention from record companies and publishers, Aqua House are committed to making your recording session go as smoothly as possible.

How Can I Prepare ?

Talk To The Producer .. A lot of time can be saved by prep work over the phone. Every band or artist have their own way in which they like to set up and feel comfortable. As a producer, it's important to address this ahead of the day. Does the drummer need to see the guitarist ? Will the bass and drums be going down together or separately? There are simply tons of questions a producer will have for the act before you even get in the studio.

Drummers... Those squeeky pedals are going to get lost on a live PA, ...Not in the studio! A drummers best friend?... WD 40! Enough said. Getting a drum sound is for the most part trying to irradicate unwanted noises from hardware. Studio mics pick up everything! In my experience, the drum stool is always the culprit. Listen to yourself when you are not playing. You're probably adding a whole orchestra of different percussion just through your stool. Bring lots of alternative sticks and beaters. Again, what might work live might take a different turn in the studio. If you are going to use a click, acclimatise yourself in rehearsal to the sensation.

Guitarists And Bassists .. For all of you with active instruments or pedals... batteries!! Old strings don't only sound dull but can affect intonation. If you have more than one guitar then please bring it! How many times have I heard ' Yeah, well', if I had my Tele here it would be blah blah .. Bring it . Sometimes the ' outsider ' has a real place in a song.

Keyboard Players .. Given the amount of 'VST' sounds available, don't expect the studio to have 'that' patch that is integral to your song! This happens time and time again and is a serious studio time drain. Bring everything! Come with a keyboard you are comfortable with. You should not be expected to play the 'in house' keyboard. Those sounds you have spent many hours programming at home are integral to the songs you might be performing . 'Yeah', but I thought you might have better sounds?' The producer may have but your buddies are chomping at the bit and are ready to record your master piece.... Post Production is a key word and a lot of 'keyboard sounds' are created further down the line.

Singers .. Sometimes those lyrics that you've been singing live don't quite have the same impact on playback. Bring all your 'alternative' lyric sheets . Have a good nights sleep and respect the voice! It's only going to perform for a period of time in the studio before the producer will make it known that it's 'on the way out'. The greatest singers in the world all have a time of day that's 'vocal friendly'. Everybody is different ... realise it and maximise it! Make sure that your headphone mix is perfect!! I have got to the end of tunes and then been told ... 'It would have been so much easier if I could have heard myself properly' ..COMMUNICATE! On the headphone mix you MUST be heard above the band . ..

Your Rough Demo .. Producers love these as it helps them map out the track.

The Couch ! .. Although it might be nice to have the support of friends or partners, they can be a serious distraction in the studio. Think carefully about who you are going to invite. It would be a shame if your beautiful vocal track gets corrupted by your mates whooping and cheering in a quiet passage .. Believe me, this happens a lot ! Although the studio is a nice place to hang out, four or five hours of hearing the same song might not appeal. It's not a gig, make this clear to whoever may want to come along.

Money Versus Time

Hey..... isn't this always the dilemma? The bottom line is 'homework'. Time spent rehearsing your songs will pay off when it comes to studio time. Recording Studios work an hourly rate, the more capable you are of delivering something in a short period of time will allow you to indulge in the 'mix'. This ... for most people is the criteria. Modern studios now offer a comprehensive array of edit solutions .. this can lead to a sometimes 'we'll fix it in the mix' attitude. There is NO substitute for a heart felt TRUE performance. So, although we are enjoying the age of digital editing, it's YOU we want to hear and not a computer enhancement.