Pre-Production Planning

Pre-production is the process of planning the recording. It's our chance to make sure that no time and money is wasted, either by us or by the people paying for it all.
Pre-production takes the form of meeting to discuss the project. The following outline is a workable way to cover all the bases.

If possible, hold the pre-production meetings in the studio. This gives the artist a chance to get used to the environment, helping them to be less nervous when recording starts.

First Meeting

Discuss the goals of the project. What is it for (gigs, publishing, record deal, album etc.)?
Will you be able to work together well? If you can forsee a problem this is the best time to turn the job down.

Second Meeting

This is a good time to present a budget. Remember that hourly rates tend to make everyone 'watch the clock', so a realistic estimate of how long the project will take is essential. For a solo artist you need to cost for session musos, arranging, any programming, tracking, overdubs, vocals, BV's, mixing and mastering, plus materials and pay for yourself and any additional engineers. Band work means no session players but more tracking time.

Third Meeting

Go through demos of the material with the artist. Work through ideas for arrangements, players, parts, and so on. Don't let anything through if you can see it won't work.
Get some reference recordings; these are recordings which are similar to, or an influence on, the material you're recording. These will be used in arranging the material and to reference the mix. Refer to these throughout the process to make sure you're still on track.
If you're working with a band, get them to nominate a spokesperson. This gives you one person to check with during the recording and mixdown process.

Fourth Meeting

This is for final arrangements, to go over the tracking schedule and to make sure the artist is completely sure of what is going to happen when the recording starts.
If working with session players, explain to the artist how quickly they will nail the takes!
If working with a band, make sure they only bring what equipment is required for the material (rather than everything they own). Also impress on them the importance of new strings, new batteries and an absence of rattles on buzzes. Drummers need to be able to tune their kit. Everyone needs to be fully rehearsed and ready. They could even read this…

My notes on preparing for a location recording
So, You Want to be a Producer? by Bob Lichty (Prorec)
Give the Clients What They Want by Bob Lichty (Prorec)
How to become a Record Producer Part 2: Pre-Production (Sound On Sound)

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