Recording a CD

So last week we recorded our CD for Chamber singers.

It is a long long long process.

But totally worth it in the end.

Still you go, you sing one track through. (known as the bed track) and then take the next hour to go re-sing parts of the whole song over and over again.

The most annoying part is when they say the unheard of words "We got it perfect in that one take." because then it is followed by "lets just do it one more time." which means probably at least 3 more times.

To let you know how long it can be, here is a list of things that happen that will cause you to have to do a take over again or cause you to have to hold and wait.

1. As the temperature begins to change in the church where you are recording, due to the rising of the sun, sometimes the benches squeak from the wood expanding as they warm up. Do another take.

2. Someone's shoe squeaks just as the choir is cut off. Do another take.

3. A page was turned just a little to loudly. Do another take.

4. There is a plane flying above the church. Hold.

5. Motor cycle or truck goes by on the road outside. Hold.

6. When you think you are holding for a truck of some kind when you look out the window and realize that a farmer is plowing his field next to the church. Hold while someone goes out to talk to the farmer to see if something can be worked out where they aren't discing their field right now.

*Tangent- as someone who is descended fairly close from farmers. (My grandpa was a farmer.) I felt worse for the farmer. He was trying to beat the rain that was expected to come to next day, and I know that this is a livelihood. And really, who would think to call the owner of the field next to the church and ask them to not work in their fields on a certain day? I know I wouldn't. The part that was hardest for me was when people started making fun of the farmer. Not in a mean way, just trying to kid around and lighten the mood. I tried not to take it personally, but there is a huge part of me that is very defensive of farmers. I felt better the next day when I found one other person who felt bad for the farmer.* tangent over.

7. When the soloist is standing to close to the mic. Do another take.

8. When the soloist is standing to far from the mic. Do another take.

9. When the organist is dragging the tempo. Do another take.

10. When the rain is hitting the roof. Hold...Do another take...hold...okay, quick while it's softer.

That is a short list, there were so many other things that factored into everything. It was educational. One thing I'll take away is always phone the farmer.

But really, when this CD comes out, it is going to be incredible. And I don't say that in a cocky way. We just worked hard all semester, and in the humblest way possible, we are a freaking awesome choir.

If you ever get the chance to record with a professional recording artist (especially if it is bruce leeks.) Grab it and run! you will be tired and worn out in the end, but you will have an experience that defy's description.