How to Make a Bad Recording

Oh, there are so many ways to NOT make a great album. -by Larry Crane

You booked studio time, you’re excited. But what bad ideas can lead to bad recordings?

Count on the recording studio to make up for lack of preparation.

Count on the recording studio to make up for lack of talent.

Labor over the same songs for 10 years.

Never practice your instrument or voice.

Hope that “lucky accidents in the studio” will make your song more interesting.

Add “just one more overdub” of the same basic part.

Play drums to a click for the first time.

Play anything to a click for the first time.

“My guitar (or bass, etc.) sounds great, I don’t need a setup.”

“My vintage amp is so cool, I don’t need it serviced.”

“My 12 year old drum heads have so much character.”

“Hey, this session is going great. Let’s do an extra 5 songs.”

Making great recordings requires preparation and attention to details. Here at Jackpot! we’re ready to help you do your best, but come in prepared, work up a plan with your engineer/producer, and be ready to play your heart out!