Once you are in the studio the aim is to get the best out of your time there. Try and stay focussed throughout. Good preparation will help with this. A running order and a schedule are a good idea. Even if it goes out of the window at least you have something to start with. Schedule in some breaks. If they don't happen when you expect them, go for a walk when you can. Fresh air and a break will revive a flagging concentration.
Producters and engineers are human. They are really just like us and can get tired, bored, confused and not know what they are doing just like all of us. It helps to remember this. First of all, they can take the stress and nerves out of the situation and make you feel less intimidated. Secondly, you will find it easier to relate to that person and develop a rapport. This makes the whole working relationship easier, particularly when you want something changed when you don't like it.
'Girl Like You' was my first really successful cut and paste record - it was all loops basically. Edwyn Collins
If you have a clear idea about how you want your songs to sound like, it is less likely you'll end up with something you don't like. It may help to make notes of what you feel should be brought out in the song. Take a CD if there is a particular effect you want to 'borrow'.
Here are some more tips to help you on the day:
1. Take a long view. It's a process, not an event. Don't expect things to work out straight away and be prepared for long working hours.
2. Take time to relax and loosen up. Before each take, give yourself a moment to breathe and gather your thoughts. Taking 30 seconds to do this could save time in the long run. Being focussed can make the difference between a great take and having to do it again.
3. Don't put all your energy into the first take. Use it for the runs that matter. Stay relaxed but focussed when you are not playing.
Gwen Dickey When Rose Royce and producer Norman Whitfield recorded "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" they found the song's sound by accident. Sometimes it's alright to muck up in the studio.
Edwyn Collins He created his hugely-popular hit "A Girl Like You" as a cut-and-paste song, creating loops in the studio and improvising lyrics. He explains how.
4. Leave tail in and tail out. It is much easier to trim a track if you have quiet at the beginning and end of it. Count in 1-2-3 but think the 4 silently and stand still and quiet for 10 secs after the instruments have faded so there is enough clean tape at the end.
5. Don't be bullied or feel you have to accept something you don't like or want. It probably took a lot of effort and expense to get into the studio in the first place so make sure you don't leave with something you don't want.
6. Make sure samples are cleared or record your own before you go into the studio and take them with you.
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