What to Know
There are four primary types of recording projects, each suited for different artistic and professional needs. Understanding these categories will help you choose the best approach for your project and set realistic expectations for time and cost.
1. Casual Recording (For Fun or Song Structuring)
This type of recording is typically for personal use or for structuring songs that you may later record professionally.
• Often involves importing a pre-recorded track or beat and adding vocals.
• Provides a quick, polished result since the music is already mixed.
• May be shared with friends and family but is not intended for retail or commercial release.
⏳ Studio Time Estimate: 1-2 hours per song
2. Demo or Short-Run Recording (For Promotion & Bookings)
A demo recording is designed to showcase your talent to industry professionals, venues, or talent agencies.
• Used for booking gigs, pitching to talent scouts, or soliciting interest from music professionals.
• Requires less engineering and fine-tuning than a commercial release.
• Studios may use a simple two-microphone ambient setup to capture live energy while keeping costs low.
🔹 Ideal For: Bands, solo artists, and performers looking to get noticed without a major investment.
⏳ Studio Time Estimate:
• Basic demo: 2-4 hours per song
• Full commercial quality: 8-16 hours per song
3. Songwriter Demos (For Selling Songs to Other Artists)
If your goal is to sell your songs for others to perform, your recording should be clean, simple, and effective.
• Focus on highlighting the song’s structure, melody, and potential while leaving room for interpretation.
• Can include instrumental elements like a mandolin, lead guitar, or harmonies to guide the listener’s imagination.
• Avoid overproducing—the song will likely be re-recorded by another artist in a different studio.
🔹 Ideal For: Songwriters pitching to publishers, producers, and labels.
⏳ Studio Time Estimate: 2-4 hours per song
4. Full Production Recording (For Retail & Commercial Distribution)
If you’re recording a commercial release, you need to approach the process strategically and professionally. Success in this space is 50% raw talent, 50% business strategy.
Key Considerations for a Full Production Project:
✅ Budget:
• Be realistic—most artists underestimate how much time and money it takes.
• Expect unexpected costs for additional takes, production adjustments, and mixing.
✅ Song Readiness:
• Your songs should be fully written, arranged, and rehearsed before entering the studio.
• Know what instruments and sound elements you want to achieve.
✅ Performance Preparation:
• All musicians should be able to play their parts confidently.
• While minor punch-ins and comping are normal, excessive retakes add significant time and cost.
✅ Purpose & Goals:
• Are you making this recording for streaming, distribution, label interest, or branding?
• Avoid over-perfectionism—spending months tweaking a mix can drain your budget.
✅ Distribution & Marketing Plan:
• Do you have a fanbase or regular gigs to promote your release?
• Having a solid distribution strategy (social media, streaming, physical copies) increases your chances of success.
🔹 Ideal For: Independent artists, bands, and labels preparing for official retail and streaming distribution.
⏳ Studio Time Estimate: 8-16 hours per song
Final Thoughts
Your recording project is an investment in your music career. Understanding your goals, budget, and preparation level will ensure you get the most out of your studio experience.
📞 Need help planning your project? Contact us at (509) 845-2800—we’re happy to answer any questions and guide you through the process.