my band is just getting off the ground and this is my first real attempt at doing music, you made this super clear easy and concise i really appreciate that after spending almost two hours watching videos that just assumed everyone knew what they were doing. THANK YOU!!!!
I always make my demos on guitar pro, guitars, bass, drums, synths, etc. Double check on the arrangements with final sound in mind; then hit record. Great video, thanks!
Ahhhh yes I love this! Man I've been struggling for so long to understand what level of production is enough for a demo, and now I have a good reference. Also all the tips you shared for going to the recording studio are great! Never had a studio session yet so you just clarified so many things and made me feel so confident and motivated to go soon :) Also thanks for the PDF!
As a songwriter mostly you just saved me thousands. Just go direct, use amp sim, keep it simple. Get the parts locked, make decisions. Don’t buy an expensive amp, fancy interface, etc. Focus on the song. Iron out the details. This is all true even if I go on to record a better “demo” later.
Excellent Video. My band will be putting together a demo so to start grabbing some gigs. Wasn't quite sure how to go about it. After seeing your video, I have a road map. Thank you for taking the time on this. So much appreciated :)
Modern home studio demos is LIFE 😁 The main benefit I find as a guitar player, is I can show other musicians what I'm all about without having to do things the old fashioned way jam / audition. Back in the day I had to go to either the local guitar store, jam rooms, clubs, and find other musicians on the pin up boards...People use to put adds out in the local newspaper as well 😂
Measure twice, cut once. Pre-production is a key component to recording effectively *and* quickly. All my most frustrating studio experiences would have been solved if I followed these rules in the early days. Listen to Professor Bobby kids! He knows what he's talking about!
Can only +1 on "record your rhythm guitars to iron out inconsistencies". In my old band we had three good guitarists, one of whom was actually the bass player but would often write guitar parts and record pre-production demos. Based on those we would practice many, many hours. Come studio time, it invariably appeared that for weeks/months the two actual rhythm guitarists had slightly different interpretations of the rhythm that were never audible enough in a loud garage practice, but really stood out in tracking. In a way, the practices were just cementing bad habits that were actually quite difficult (and time consuming) to "un-learn" for the final version, leading to a less-than-ideal solution where only one guitarist would record both parts just to have consistent inconsistencies :(
Thanks for pointing out the importance and benefits of pre production and showing that it's actually easy. I still suck as a recording and mixing engineer but I noticed that pre production actually helps a lot. For me, Guitar Pro along with a few virtual instruments are important and powerfull tools. I actually thought about making a video tutorial about my alternative aproach from a hobby producer perspective but unfortunately I couldn't find the time and motivation yet. BTW would anyone like to see that?
Dude, you'r really nailing it with so many of your latest videos. So nice to see you cover the basic things that concern and help musicians as well as recording engineers, instead of endlessly rambling about nonsese topics like "cheapo chinese tube EQ vs. $4000 original" (similarities with recommended videos are purely coincidental... ;).
It's a very good idea, sometimes you can even change the arragement or just show the producer what you want. Also using as a guide to record it's really very useful.
Another incredibly informative video! My band are talking about getting into a studio now that we have 7 songs ready to record. Definitely going to put your method and tips into action before we do. Thanks man!!
Dude this is perfect. I’m a “musician” and needed just this clear, concise info. Now to pick an interface and figure out how I wanna do drums. I think I want to mic my guitar amp, 2 mic-in for drums, go line-in for bass, and mic-in for vocals. Does this seem like a reasonable place to begin? Looking at a Volt 476 from universal audio 🤔
Great video (halfway through). Do you have anything on gain staging? I know there are tons of videos about it on TH-cam, but I'm curious if you have any plans on doing a video on the topic. Haven't checked through all of your content yet. Thought I'd just write it down now before I forget. Now, back to the video.
I have one in the works! I recently did an interview with Jordan Valeriote where we cover the topic. You can check it out here: th-cam.com/video/BKgk_fUn7Rc/w-d-xo.html
@@FrightboxRecording Great! Thank you, sir. Keep up the good work. Your channel will definitely grow with such good content. I like the way you approach things. It resonates a lot with me. I'm not a newbie, but I've been away for a long period of time - forgotten a lot - but I've gotten interested again. Your channel is the one that feels most like home to me. Rock on! 🤘🤩🤘
Hey! I have written many songs but I can't play any instruments... So do I need to get someone to play an instrument or is just the singing part fine for the demo?
Great video! Curious.. Do you typically go about tracking this way? As in a single scratch rhythm guitar with the fully mic'd kit, just to get the drum performances. Then add/punch in all other tracks one by one afterwards. Or, do you do a full live band performance (scratch guitars, bass and vocals) requiring more inputs, mics, headphone mixes, isolation, bigger space, etc? I guess it ultimately depends on what the band is comfortable with doing and some bands obviously want a live recording to capture "live feel" Just wonder what workflow works best for you, as this is something that I often wrestle with when thinking about how to approach a recording production. I know that's a lot but any further tips are always appreciated. Thanks, Bobby!
Yes 99% of the time I have the drummer play along to a scratch guitar track and click. I prefer to have the band send me the pre pro before drum day so it's plug n' play when the drummer comes in. These days I won't do any projects without using a click...it's way too much of a pain in the ass and rarely comes out sounding tight.
If you don't hear anything in this video, just listen to the tempo-mapping portion. The worst "revision" to hear in the mixing stage is "oh, we played that song too slow. Can you just speed it up?"
@@FrightboxRecording No shit me too. I have an old 2011 Samsung laptop i3 all I did was put a 1 terabyte hard drive in it and it runs Reaper like a dream I even have the Steven slate drum program in there and it runs it like it's nothing so pretty stoked and it's just awesome.
yea its usually the first time you seriously record new material so its fun to see how they turn out. on top of that its not as serious as the studio recordings and not as stressful
Dude, thanks for bringing me back to reality. Seriously. I was thinking about recording my next one man black metal album in a real studio, but I rather just record in my little studio. Less headache and I live in the DC area where rap studios are everywhere. Not sure if someone will understand Depressive Suicidal Black Metal
Don’t record your drums like that, you will barely hear the kick drum in the mix. Rather put one mic in front/ inside the kick drum+ one mic as an overhead ( above the drums in the middle of the kit). Don’t forget to check the phase of the two mics in post.
Okay. Get Reaper or Cakewalk Bandlab. Look for a free drum sampler plugin to program some basic rhythms. You could use an octave pedal or stock pitch shifter plugin to simulate bass. Any questions? 🤘
Why not recording for real in the home studio? I have a $30,000 dollar home studio. Its not pretty, but the room sounds great. 🤷🏻♂️ Oh wait, you just mentioned that 😊
►► Download your free Demo Recording PDF by clicking HERE: frightboxrecordingacademy.com/how-to-record-demos-pdf-guide/
With my band we used to record every rehearsal and not just demos. There's so much magic happening there and you don't want to miss any of it.
my band is just getting off the ground and this is my first real attempt at doing music, you made this super clear easy and concise i really appreciate that after spending almost two hours watching videos that just assumed everyone knew what they were doing. THANK YOU!!!!
I always make my demos on guitar pro, guitars, bass, drums, synths, etc. Double check on the arrangements with final sound in mind; then hit record. Great video, thanks!
Ahhhh yes I love this! Man I've been struggling for so long to understand what level of production is enough for a demo, and now I have a good reference. Also all the tips you shared for going to the recording studio are great! Never had a studio session yet so you just clarified so many things and made me feel so confident and motivated to go soon :) Also thanks for the PDF!
As a songwriter mostly you just saved me thousands. Just go direct, use amp sim, keep it simple. Get the parts locked, make decisions. Don’t buy an expensive amp, fancy interface, etc. Focus on the song. Iron out the details. This is all true even if I go on to record a better “demo” later.
Dude, brilliant video as always. Thanks for the great information bro!
Excellent Video. My band will be putting together a demo so to start grabbing some gigs. Wasn't quite sure how to go about it. After seeing your video, I have a road map. Thank you for taking the time on this. So much appreciated :)
Modern home studio demos is LIFE 😁 The main benefit I find as a guitar player, is I can show other musicians what I'm all about without having to do things the old fashioned way jam / audition. Back in the day I had to go to either the local guitar store, jam rooms, clubs, and find other musicians on the pin up boards...People use to put adds out in the local newspaper as well 😂
YESSSS Exactly! Life is so much easier these days. I'm surprised more musicians don't take advantage of the technology.
Measure twice, cut once. Pre-production is a key component to recording effectively *and* quickly. All my most frustrating studio experiences would have been solved if I followed these rules in the early days. Listen to Professor Bobby kids! He knows what he's talking about!
Thanks Leroy!
You deserve more subscribers man, my mixes have improved so much thanks to your tutorials. Such an underrated channel.
He'll blow up sooner or later ;)
Totally useful, you can't nowadays skip the demo, is essential.
I agree 100%
Can only +1 on "record your rhythm guitars to iron out inconsistencies". In my old band we had three good guitarists, one of whom was actually the bass player but would often write guitar parts and record pre-production demos. Based on those we would practice many, many hours. Come studio time, it invariably appeared that for weeks/months the two actual rhythm guitarists had slightly different interpretations of the rhythm that were never audible enough in a loud garage practice, but really stood out in tracking.
In a way, the practices were just cementing bad habits that were actually quite difficult (and time consuming) to "un-learn" for the final version, leading to a less-than-ideal solution where only one guitarist would record both parts just to have consistent inconsistencies :(
Spot on...I see it happen on an (almost) weekly basis.
Thanks for pointing out the importance and benefits of pre production and showing that it's actually easy. I still suck as a recording and mixing engineer but I noticed that pre production actually helps a lot.
For me, Guitar Pro along with a few virtual instruments are important and powerfull tools. I actually thought about making a video tutorial about my alternative aproach from a hobby producer perspective but unfortunately I couldn't find the time and motivation yet. BTW would anyone like to see that?
I've been binge watching this channel and I am so impressed by its perspective. No 1 in my book.
You came like an angel to my life with some of the tips here. I suscribed. Thank you, amigo
Man, thanks a lot!!! Your videos are always interesting!!! Keep it going 💪💪
Hey dude. Hands down the best vid you've done. I hope folks pay it's due attention.
Dude, you'r really nailing it with so many of your latest videos. So nice to see you cover the basic things that concern and help musicians as well as recording engineers, instead of endlessly rambling about nonsese topics like "cheapo chinese tube EQ vs. $4000 original" (similarities with recommended videos are purely coincidental... ;).
What, you mean we DON'T all make these 5 compression mistakes? :D
Super great tip my friend, totally agree with you!
What a GREAT video, again....I looooove this channel. Thanks Bobby ! 👍🤘😊
Great video and awesome shirt!
Thanks Ethan!
It's a very good idea, sometimes you can even change the arragement or just show the producer what you want. Also using as a guide to record it's really very useful.
Bang on!
Another incredibly informative video! My band are talking about getting into a studio now that we have 7 songs ready to record. Definitely going to put your method and tips into action before we do. Thanks man!!
Does preproduction work in electronic music?
Why the hell did I not think of this...? Premium advice, Mr. Torres!
Glad you found it informative, Oren!
Alexey Soloviev sent me here. Awesome tips!
Dude this is perfect. I’m a “musician” and needed just this clear, concise info. Now to pick an interface and figure out how I wanna do drums. I think I want to mic my guitar amp, 2 mic-in for drums, go line-in for bass, and mic-in for vocals. Does this seem like a reasonable place to begin? Looking at a Volt 476 from universal audio 🤔
Just answered your question in a new video. Will be live here on TH-cam tomorrow 🤘
Thank you
Great video (halfway through).
Do you have anything on gain staging? I know there are tons of videos about it on TH-cam, but I'm curious if you have any plans on doing a video on the topic.
Haven't checked through all of your content yet. Thought I'd just write it down now before I forget.
Now, back to the video.
I have one in the works! I recently did an interview with Jordan Valeriote where we cover the topic. You can check it out here: th-cam.com/video/BKgk_fUn7Rc/w-d-xo.html
@@FrightboxRecording
Great! Thank you, sir.
Keep up the good work. Your channel will definitely grow with such good content.
I like the way you approach things. It resonates a lot with me.
I'm not a newbie, but I've been away for a long period of time - forgotten a lot - but I've gotten interested again. Your channel is the one that feels most like home to me.
Rock on! 🤘🤩🤘
Great video - thanks !!!
What brand is the speakers ? Can’t find those lol
Hey!
I have written many songs but I can't play any instruments... So do I need to get someone to play an instrument or is just the singing part fine for the demo?
Great video! Curious.. Do you typically go about tracking this way? As in a single scratch rhythm guitar with the fully mic'd kit, just to get the drum performances. Then add/punch in all other tracks one by one afterwards. Or, do you do a full live band performance (scratch guitars, bass and vocals) requiring more inputs, mics, headphone mixes, isolation, bigger space, etc? I guess it ultimately depends on what the band is comfortable with doing and some bands obviously want a live recording to capture "live feel" Just wonder what workflow works best for you, as this is something that I often wrestle with when thinking about how to approach a recording production. I know that's a lot but any further tips are always appreciated. Thanks, Bobby!
Yes 99% of the time I have the drummer play along to a scratch guitar track and click. I prefer to have the band send me the pre pro before drum day so it's plug n' play when the drummer comes in. These days I won't do any projects without using a click...it's way too much of a pain in the ass and rarely comes out sounding tight.
Your format reminds me of the CLIMAX intro
Thank you so much !
If you don't hear anything in this video, just listen to the tempo-mapping portion. The worst "revision" to hear in the mixing stage is "oh, we played that song too slow. Can you just speed it up?"
Been there wayyyy too many times myself lol. Thanks for watching, man!
@@FrightboxRecording For sure. Keep up the good work
Reaper! The best....
$60 and super stable. I've had Reaper running on some super cheap Windows laptops at live shows and it always holds up.
@@FrightboxRecording No shit me too.
I have an old 2011 Samsung laptop i3 all I did was put a 1 terabyte hard drive in it and it runs Reaper like a dream I even have the Steven slate drum program in there and it runs it like it's nothing so pretty stoked and it's just awesome.
Return of the Living Dead 3!!! Sexy SM zombi. Awesome movie. Awesome shirt dude 👍😄
OMG Right! 🤘😎
Is that a return of the living dead pt 3 shirt ?
Yes, it is.
Another benefit you missed is that recording demos is actually awesome fun.
yea its usually the first time you seriously record new material so its fun to see how they turn out. on top of that its not as serious as the studio recordings and not as stressful
PBR!
"this is how to tempo map : " ...does not show how to tempo map...
Watching for the third time... yup... that's what I need to know. Click track, huh?
The rest is great tho.
Cool return of the living dead 3 shirt
Thanks!
Black Metal Bands:
Recording rehearsal? What do you mean, we just recorded our new album....
Dude, thanks for bringing me back to reality. Seriously. I was thinking about recording my next one man black metal album in a real studio, but I rather just record in my little studio. Less headache and I live in the DC area where rap studios are everywhere. Not sure if someone will understand Depressive Suicidal Black Metal
Don’t record your drums like that, you will barely hear the kick drum in the mix. Rather put one mic in front/ inside the kick drum+ one mic as an overhead ( above the drums in the middle of the kit). Don’t forget to check the phase of the two mics in post.
Sick Return of The Living Dead 3 shirt!
Thanks Justin! I love how the color scheme is exactly like VHS lol. Brings me back to my video stores days.
All I have is a laptop, mic, and guitar
Okay. Get Reaper or Cakewalk Bandlab. Look for a free drum sampler plugin to program some basic rhythms. You could use an octave pedal or stock pitch shifter plugin to simulate bass. Any questions? 🤘
Sponsored by PBR?
😂 it was a PBR kinda night.
Xbox steering wheel
Why not recording for real in the home studio? I have a $30,000 dollar home studio. Its not pretty, but the room sounds great. 🤷🏻♂️
Oh wait, you just mentioned that 😊
Yep, no matter where you end up, be prepared with a demo. 🤠
It depends on the type of songs you make. This one size fits all attitude is trash.