Let Someone Else Decide

The most valuable decision you can make when you are recording, in my opinion, is to let someone else decide. Whether it’s a producer, an engineer, or just another member of your recording ensemble, objective ears from another person will improve the quality of your recording.

The same is true for the remote recordings we are all making right now. It’s incredibly hard to make a recording of yourself and objectively judge the quality. Better to find someone who can decide whether you should keep recording or send it in. Barring that, send it but don’t listen back.

Performing in the recording studio is hard enough. It’s even harder when the microphone is your phone, the backing track is nonexistent, and you don’t have any of the advantages of an actual studio. Best to make it at least a little easier on yourself. Let someone else decide.