(ATTENTION: If you haven't already read the introduction to the REALITY CHECK series, this post may feel a little out of context. Get the backstory here: http://createmusictips.blogspot.com/2011/03/reality-check-series-intro.html)
You suck, and I mean that in the most loving way possible. :-) Of course you don't suck. You're actually probably half way decent at recording. But that's not my point. My point is that the audio engineers who make hit records have WAY more knowledge and experience than you. Ask yourself the following questions:
-Have you been recording since you were 14?
-Did you go to school for recording?
-Did you endure a 1-2 year internship in a recording studio?
-Do you record daily for 60+ hours a week?
-Have you been recording professionally for the last 25 years?
People! these are the guys that make platinum selling recordings. Then why, oh, why do we become frustrated when we can't produce broadcast-quality recordings from our home studios with only 2-3 years experience under our belts? Do you see how insane that expectation is?
My point: Many of you who have been recording for only a short time ARE capable of producing tracks that are pretty fricken close to being radio-quality. That's awesome! So, stop beating yourself up about falling 10-15% short of your goal. You will keep getting better and better with persistent effort over time.
Now, if you're ready to upgrade your recording skills, it's time to get more experience and knowledge. We all read books and magazines on recording. We all watch tutorials and read blogs. We all experiment with techniques that we're unfamiliar with. We all attend conference-type events. Great! Keep doing that DAILY for the rest of your life.
But, if you want to improve exponentially, you must realize that experience trumps book smarts any day. Increase the amount of time you spend recording. Sign up for intimate recording workshops like @RonanCMurphy's Home-Recording Boot Camp. Take courses at a nearby college. Pay a local engineer their regular rate to help you through a mix. Get one-to-one assistance on the things that stump you the most from someone who has more experience than you.
The most effective way to gain experience is through a long-term apprentice-type opportunity with veterans of the industry. This may not be realistic given your job/school/family commitments, so think local. Offer to assist at your friend's studio on larger projects. Look into internships at a local studio. Do whatever you can to regularly bump elbows with those better than you. Get out of your studio and into the trenches!
If that's not realistic for you, well…I hate to say it…but don't whine when your track sounds like a gramophone recording compared to the singles on the radio. It's no secret: you don't have the experience or knowledge necessary to produce a radio-quality recording. However, if you accept that that's where you're at despite your lack of knowledge and experience, then maybe you can pat yourself on the back for the progress you've made thus far. Heck, your recordings probably sound better than many indie records made in the '90s. That's pretty cool.
Enjoy the ride!
REALITY CHECK #2: Your Room Sucks
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