You have a great song. You booked the studio. You're excited. But without realizing it, you make mistakes before arriving that limit the final result. After years of producing artists, these are the 5 most common mistakes I see — and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Arriving without the song finished
The studio is not a place to compose. I've seen artists arrive saying "the lyrics are almost ready" or "we still haven't decided the bridge". This is a costly mistake.
Why it's a problem:
- Studio time runs while you decide
- Decisions under pressure are usually bad
- Creative energy is spent solving problems, not performing
The solution:
Finish your song 100% before booking. Complete lyrics, defined structure, clear arrangements. If you have doubts, resolve them in rehearsal, not in the studio.
Mistake #2: Not rehearsing enough
"I know it" is not the same as "I master it". There's a huge difference between knowing a song and being able to perform it perfectly under pressure, with headphones, in front of a microphone.
Why it's a problem:
- Studio nerves amplify any insecurity
- You lose takes due to avoidable errors
- Your performance suffers because you're thinking about the lyrics instead of the emotion
The solution:
Rehearse until you can sing/play the song in your sleep. Practice with headphones. Record yourself at home and listen critically. If there are parts that always challenge you, work on them until they flow.
Mistake #3: Ignoring arrangements
A good melody with bad arrangements is still an incomplete song. Arrangements are the architecture of your song: which instruments play, when they come in, how they build emotion.
Why it's a problem:
- Improvised arrangements in the moment sound improvised
- Without clear structure, the song has no direction
- The producer can't read your mind
The solution:
Before the studio, define: How does the song start? What instruments are in each section? Where's the climax? How does it end? Make a demo even if basic. Share sound references with the producer.
Mistake #4: Not communicating your vision
You arrive at the studio with a clear idea in your head, but never share it. You assume the producer will "understand". In the end, you receive something different from what you imagined and get frustrated.
Why it's a problem:
- The producer can't guess what you want
- Each person interprets words differently ("I want it to sound powerful" means something different to everyone)
- You end up with a production that doesn't represent you
The solution:
Prepare concrete references: songs you like, artists whose sound you admire, specific examples of what you're looking for. Communicate not just what you want, but why. Talk about the emotion you want to convey.
Mistake #5: Neglecting your instrument (your voice or equipment)
The singer who arrives sleep-deprived and with tired voice. The guitarist with old, rusty strings. The drummer with broken heads. Your instrument is your work tool — if it's not in condition, the result suffers.
Why it's a problem:
- A tired voice can't give its best performance
- Old strings sound dull and go out of tune
- Technical problems steal valuable time
The solution:
Singers: Sleep well the days before, stay hydrated, don't strain your voice, warm up before the session.
Instrumentalists: New strings, calibrated instrument, pedals working, spare cables. Check everything a week before, not the day before.
Summary: Your pre-studio checklist
Song 100% finished
Lyrics, structure and arrangements defined. No doubts, no "we'll see there".
Sufficient rehearsal
You master the song, not just know it. You can perform it under any circumstance.
Clear arrangements
Demo made, references prepared, vision defined.
Communication with producer
You shared references, explained your vision, resolved doubts beforehand.
Instrument in condition
Rested voice or equipment checked and working perfectly.
A good song deserves a good recording. And a good recording starts long before stepping into the studio. Avoid these mistakes, prepare correctly, and you'll arrive ready to give your best. Your music is worth it.
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