stevesherbert

crossfade is your friend if you can't find a zero point. as mentioned before: watch out for stray cymbal washes, but don't forget that a LACK of cymbal wash sounds equally weird. this is why when you punch in drums (or anything for that matter), it's best to have the musician play at least few bars before the punch in point.

do whatever feels and sounds right. i'd try and play the parts all the way through and then punch in to fix the rough spots.

i guess the key is to ask them about their multitude of hit/seminal/killer-sounding records in a manner that comes off as being really nice and eager-sounding but is actually biting criticism.

whenever i receive unsolicited advice from music recording 'professionals', i ask them: "So what famous/hit/influential/killer-sounding records have YOU produced in your lifetime? Really, I'd love to learn from a pro." no offense, but if your oeuvre consists of radio ads for the duty-free shop, YOU'RE the one in need of advice.

i really enjoyed this article as well. i'm a typical quick starter. i thrive on pressure. i show up ready to play, and i get bored having to repeat things over and over. the tape better be rolling the second i pick up my guitar! my first take is usually the most fluid, natural, and energetic. when i start thinking about what i'm playing it means i'm no longer playing what FEELS right, and that's no good. i usually end up comping the first half of my first take with the last half of my second or third take. if something isn't working for me, it's best to move on to something else and come back later. my friend is a typical slow starter, which makes it painful for me to record him sometimes. often it takes 15 takes for him to relax and start dialing into his part. ample time is of the essence. any pressure to perform NOW is a bad thing. i am often tempted to be satisfied with an ok take, but i have to remember to be patient because in time, the results will come! he needs useful encouragement to keep from getting frustrated. i have to be careful not to communicate ANY frustration on my part while at the same time being critical. when he gets rolling, you better keep the tape rolling until he tells you he's done! we usually comp the millionth take with the million and oneth take.