You have a song that excites you. You feel it's good. But is it really ready to record? Or does it need more work? This is one of the most important decisions you'll make as an artist. Here I give you the tools to evaluate it objectively.
The questions you should ask yourself
1. Can you sing/play the complete song without stopping?
We're not talking about technical perfection, but fluency. If you still stumble on certain parts, forget lyrics or hesitate at changes, the song needs more rehearsal. You should be able to perform it from start to finish without thinking too much.
2. Does the lyric say what you want to say?
Read your lyrics out loud, without music. Does it make sense? Does it convey the right emotion? Are there phrases that sound forced just to rhyme? The lyrics are permanent once recorded — make sure every word is worth it.
3. Does the structure work?
Does the song have a natural flow? Is there a build-up toward the chorus? Does the bridge add something or is it unnecessary? Is the ending satisfying? Listen critically: are there parts that feel long or repetitive?
4. Does it sound good with just voice and guitar/piano?
A good song works in its simplest form. If it needs elaborate production to "work", it probably has composition problems. Try it acoustic — if it connects that way, it will connect with full production.
5. Do other people connect with it?
Play your song for friends, family, other musicians. Observe their reactions. Do they get excited? Do they get bored at any part? Do they understand what it's about? External feedback is invaluable.
Signs your song is NOT ready
- "The lyrics are almost ready": Almost isn't enough. Every word should be defined.
- "The bridge still doesn't convince me": If it doesn't convince you, it won't convince anyone.
- "I think it's missing something but I don't know what": That intuition is usually right. Investigate what it is.
- "I'll finish it in the studio": Costly mistake. The studio is for recording, not composing.
- "It's good but too long": If you feel something is extra, it probably is. Edit before recording.
Signs your song IS ready
You enjoy it every time
Even though you've played it 100 times, it still excites you. It doesn't bore you, doesn't tire you.
No doubts
You know every note, every word, every change. No "gray areas" to resolve.
Others connect
People who hear it react positively. They want to hear it again.
It works simple
With just voice and instrument, the song already conveys something. Production will only enhance it.
The evaluation process
Record a simple demo
With your phone is fine. Voice and guitar/piano. Listen to it as if it were from another artist.
Let it rest
Don't listen to it for a few days. Come back with fresh ears. Do you still like it the same?
Ask for honest opinions
Not from your mom who likes everything. From people who will tell you the truth, preferably musicians or people with musical criteria.
Make necessary adjustments
If you identify problems, fix them. Don't marry a version just because you already wrote it.
Repeat until you're sure
Record the demo again, evaluate again. When you find nothing to improve, it's ready.
Final checklist: Are you ready for the studio?
- ☐ The lyrics are 100% finished and I like every line
- ☐ The structure is defined (intro, verses, choruses, bridge, outro)
- ☐ I can play/sing the complete song without errors
- ☐ I've played the song for other people and they connected
- ☐ The song works in its simplest form
- ☐ I have clear references of the sound I'm looking for
- ☐ I made a demo and I'm satisfied with the composition
- ☐ There are no "gray areas" to resolve
- ☐ I let the song rest and I'm still convinced
- ☐ I'm excited to record it, not anxious to "finish it"
If you checked all the points, congratulations! Your song is ready for the studio.
A song ready to record is a song that already works. Professional production will enhance it, make it shine, but the essence should already be there. Don't rush. Take the time to finish your song well. It's better to wait a little longer and record something you'll be proud of for years.
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