So I’ve come up with an idea for a new music composition, I’ve worked out the structure, what happens where, how it should be put together, what instruments I’ll be needing for each part, rehearsed each instrument piece over and over, and then comes the tricky part – how to record it….
Each instrument is different, some more difficult to record than others. The drums are quite problematic because they need specialist microphones, and the studio space needs to be right acoustically.
So arranging which bits of kit need to go where can often be a case of trial and error. And if, like me, you are completely self taught in the art of sound recording, things can take a little longer than they might otherwise, but at least I have total control over the outcome.
Then you have to perform the composition in each of its constituent parts. Depending on how well I’ve planned it, and also on how well I am playing on any given day, this process can either go very smoothly or, as is sometimes the case, there can be a lot of takes. The track I’ve just recorded had 2 guitar parts, a bass, keyboards and drums, so obviously it was a much more complex project than if it had been just solo guitar.
And this is where all of that sound is recorded, stored, sonically manipulated and mixed. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to weeks or, and this has happened, years. Sometimes it just doesn’t work and you have to walk away from it because you can’t figure out why. But when it clicks, and all of the pieces come together and the mix is just right, it all becomes worthwhile and a new song is born 🙂
This is me discussing the finer points of sound recording and mixing with my friend Ian.
And this is me doing what I enjoy best, playing and recording a new melody on my guitar…..
I’ve really enjoyed teaching myself how to do everything, from learning how to play the instruments, to learning how to compose music, to learning how to become a producer and sound engineer. I guess if you’re really interested and enthusiastic about something you will learn how to do it, and you won’t really notice the thousands of hours spent doing it. And you keep learning. On this project I improved my skills in recording cymbals and drums, and I turned an idea in my head into something real that I think sounds pretty good.
Mike Howe 
Thank you for sharing a very interesting glimpse into how you record your music, Mike.
I can imagine how tricky it can be – and sometimes exhausting – to do all this self-taught. Yet, I can also feel how much space there is for growth and love and joy and full commitment in learning all these things and creating. It is well noticable in your music. And I appreciate a lot what you are doing – knowing I surely am not the only one.
Sending much love!
Thank you Steffi, yes it is a very fulfilling experience although it is challenging too, guess that’s why it’s ultimately fulfilling 🙂 Thanks for your kind words about my music, love Mike 🙂
I agree with the other commenters – this documentary really shows how much hard and detailed work is needed in “creative jobs”!
Hi Elke, the good thing is you never stop learning new things when creating, which is most of the fun 🙂
Constructing all of that from scratch sounds both exhausting and exhilarating. Certainly a splendid result, though!
You’re spot on, it can be exhausting and is definitely exhilarating, can also be a bit depressing after the event, don’t know why, it’s a surprising side effect I wasn’t expecting about being creative, but it’s mostly good!
Very tricky business indeed. I like the black and white photos in your post.
Thank you, glad you liked it 🙂