Getting Started with Home Recording - 03/15/10
By: Eric Hill
Part 1: Budget
If you are a singer/songwriter or young musician just getting started, figuring out what recording gear to purchase can be overwhelming. You’ll find yourself asking many questions. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of unbiased information out there. When I first started out, many musicians that I asked told me what they liked, which is fine and dandy for them, but it wasn’t always a good idea for me. With that scenario in mind, think very carefully before purchasing any gear for your home studio. This has to be well thought out, otherwise you will be spending money for many years to come. Believe me, I have been there…. more than once.
When considering recording at home, ask yourself this very important question. ‘How much money do I have to spend?’ This sounds easy, but you have to understand that you have to, momentarily, put your dreams on hold and look at your reality. Many of us, particularly in this current economy, do not have disposable income. So you have to be smart about it. I’ve bought a ton of gear in my life. One of my instruments has so much dust on it, I can’t tell what color it is. I’m pretty sure it’s a guitar though. Clearly, I didn’t need to buy that right? Since then, I have learned to spend my money wisely when it comes to my gear. The same mindset should be used when you buy home recording gear.
When you have confidence in the songs that you create, performing these songs will be much easier, because YOU think they’re great. If you have any doubts about the songs you write, that will show when you perform. But a confident artist can captivate an audience. As I’ve said, it’s ok to be nervous, but when you know that the songs you are performing are exactly how you want them to be, your confidence will shine through. This also helps when it’s time to go through the gauntlet of rejection that we all have to go through to get to where we want to be.
Lastly, there is a difference between being confident and being arrogant. I know a lot of artists that think the only way you’re going to make it in this industry, is to be arrogant. I don’t believe this at all. Professionalism is not dead in the industry, and if you’re good at what you do and are persistent, the sky is the limit for you. If you ever feel a little full of yourself just remember, that as amazing as you are, there is somebody out there that is better than you are. The important lesson here is that they may be better than you and some may not be, but no one can do music exactly like you can. Always remember to work on and maintain your individuality in your writing. Put some effort into your craft and make sure to make yourself happy first with the music that you create, and you can do anything you want, and do it confidently.
Eric Hill BIOGRAPHY
Eric Hill is a musician that has been part of the musical community in Chicago for over 25 years. He plays drums, guitar, bass guitar and keyboards. He’s been in several bands here in Chicago, primarily as a drummer.
He is well versed in many styles of music including Rock, Punk, Metal, Funk and Jazz. He records under the name LIFEAFTERSIX, which has released 9 CDs since 2001. His music has been played on the radio locally and streamed on the internet. Eric Majored in Theater/Music at Columbia College and has Received an Excellence in Journalism from The University of Illinois.
Most recently, Eric has focused more on helping younger artists realize their potential in music. “There is nothing like watching a young musician start to figure out what they can do. After a class or two, you can sense their excitement and it’s very cool to be around and ultimately very rewarding for me as well.”
Eric works from his modest home studio and also records bands live for CDs and DVDs. “This is a very exciting time. With all that is possible with the new technology, you’re only limited by your imagination. How cool is that?”