This week, we're talking all things recording. As it becomes more affordable and accessible to the average musician, getting yourself equipped to record at home or on the move has never been easier. We're chatting to a customer of ours, James Richards, 27, a bass player who has first hand experience of starting out as a novice, and using it to improve his playing.H- Hi James. We're interested to know, what are your experiences with recording, both at home and out and about?
J- I bought my set up about a year ago, just before my partner and I were due to buy our first home together. With both of us being musicians, it was an easy choice what we wanted the second bedroom to be! We've currently got 3 basses, 4 guitars, a violin, a saxophone, a flute and a digital piano wedged in there, so we needed some kind of outlet to make having them all worth it! I didn't have any experience in recording at home, except for a few soundbites into the iPhone for reference, and other than reading a couple of magazines, I didn't have any knowledge of where to start. When I was in my originals band (Deadwax), we always recorded our demos in a professional studio, as well as our EP, so I was jumping in a little blind.
H- So what did you end up going for then? Were they recommended to you, or did you just shop around?
J- As the interface, I bought the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4, which I've found to be great. It does everything I need it to do and I'm happy with my choice.The only I'm after now is a condenser microphone, and I'm looking into buying a pair of KRK Rokit 6 monitors after Christmas.
H- What do you currently use your set up for?
J- I use my studio mainly for practice and getting ideas down. I find it really useful to record myself practicing, whether it be an exercise, a piece or a particularly fiddly bass line, so I can listen to it back and pick out what needs work. I also lay down simple accompaniment using the keyboard, so I can improvise over the top, and get the creative juices flowing, as well as getting a better understanding of styles and keys. I'm not a songwriter, but I find that having somewhere I can sit and record allows me to give it a try. Also, the function band I play in (The Collaterals) record our demos in it, and it means we don't have to shell out a load of money- we can just do it ourselves. No matter what kind of band you're in, you don't always have money laying around to pump into recordings. Buying the kit eliminates that problem.
H- Has having this space and equipment in your home helped you as a musician, or is this just a hobby and money saving tactic?
J- It's massively helped me improve; I really listen to what I'm playing now. Reviewing my work has stopped me from getting into bad habits and it pushes me to keep improving. I play more comfortably too- I know when I go to rehearsals and pro recordings that I'm at ease and can pace myself through the session without worrying too much. Now I understand the process and I know what an engineer is looking for, I can make the most out the time. It has also let me branch out into other instruments. I'm currently learning to play the piano and I'm getting myself acquainted with the guitar too, which in turn, improves my bass.
H- Would you recommend to other musicians, the benefits of having a set up like yours?
J- Definitely. I'd rather spend money on buying the equipment getting a new skill, than I would on a couple of recording sessions. I have all the control now, and no time limit. It's a bit like paying rent and paying a mortgage- you're still getting the roof over your head, but at least with a mortgage, you get to own it! It's never going to be dead money when it's your own stuff. Of course, sometimes it's better to go pro, especially if you're still learning like I am, but you can get yourself really brilliant products now as your skills improve. Also, recording on the move is great. I'm desperate to get myself a Focusrite iTrack solo, which connects to my iPad, so I can record wherever inspiration strikes, be it at a rehearsal or at a mates house. Creativity is always limitless- but now it's limitless, AND it sounds good!
@JRichardsBass
Thanks to James for giving us his thoughts and if you're a musician, like James, who is looking to be a bit more creative and delve into home recording then this month we have an exclusive offer on our Focusrite Studio Bundles.
For more products and exclusive deals check out:
www.hillsound.co.uk
