Walking into your first recording session without preparation is one of the fastest ways to waste time, money, and creative energy.
The good news? Preparation doesn’t mean perfection — it means intention.
Here’s a producer-approved checklist to help you show up confident, focused, and ready to make the most of your studio time.
Know Your Song Inside and Out
Before you ever step into the studio, you should be able to:
Perform the song confidently
Know the structure (verses, choruses, bridge)
Understand the emotional goal of the song
The studio is not the place to learn your song — it’s the place to capture it.
Practice to a Click (Even If You Hate It)
Timing issues are one of the most common reasons sessions slow down.
Practicing to a metronome helps:
*Tighten performances
*Speed up tracking
*Improve editing and mixing results
Even if the final song doesn’t use a click, preparation with one makes a massive difference.
Take Care of Your Voice (Especially Vocalists)
Your body is your instrument.
Before your session:
*Hydrate well
*Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol
*Get proper rest
*Warm up your voice
No studio gear can replace a healthy performance.
Bring References (But Stay Open)
Reference tracks help communicate:
Vibe
Energy
Production style
Emotional direction
They are guides, not rules. Some of the best moments happen when artists stay open to discovery.
Trust the Process and the People
One of the most overlooked parts of preparation is mindset.
*You don’t have to prove anything in the studio.
*You don’t have to be perfect.
*You do need to be present.
*Trust creates better performances than pressure ever will.
What We See When Artists Come Prepared
Prepared artists:
*Finish songs faster
*Feel more confident
*Spend less money redoing parts
*Walk away proud of their work
Preparation isn’t about control — it’s about freedom.
Final Thoughts
At Studio 27 Thirteen, we love working with first-time artists. Preparation simply helps us serve you better.
If you’re willing to show up ready, we’ll take care of the rest.