The Melophobic: Household Thuggin

posted in: Features

Recording technology has changed dramatically since Thomas Edison first invented and patented the phonograph over 130 years ago. Now, I’m not going to give you a history lesson but it is important that we all understand how today’s technology made the dramatic transition from Edison’s lab to studios to even your bedroom.  Today, an artist can record music in their own home and still achieve more power than that offered by full studios only 15 or 20 years ago.

Think about it, no redo’s, no cut and paste, no 36 tracks.  Even something as simple as reverb (originally done by sending sound signals through a wood box with a spring or piece of metal inside) can easily be achieved these days with a few clicks of the mouse. Of course, mixing boards still cost you a pretty penny but, with the use of recording interfaces and moderately priced software, it’s simple to record a demo or even a full length album at home.

Now should you record at home?  That’s the true question.  Do we really need the overpriced studios?  To be honest, it’s up to you.  The ears of producers are much more in tune to a quality album than those of you or I, and although a producer may cost quite a bit, your album will be finished quicker than if you were casually recording in your basement while sipping on a beer.  And while recording a demo at home is great (and pretty convenient), don’t plan on going platinum.  Use it for what it is: a tool to get labels interested in your music.

Just as important as recording a solid album is the way you portray yourself.  Think about it this way, if you want to impress the executives that could hand you a career in the music industry, you may not want to flaunt your home recording abilities as some artists do here on OurStage.  As lax as the music industry is, professionalism is still valued.  Until a relationship with someone is established, avoid the thuggin’, or at least until your pay check is in the 7 figures!