Preparing for your first recording session can feel overwhelming — but it doesn't have to be. Whether you're heading into Vivid Core Music's studio in St. Louis for the first time or booking any professional studio, this guide walks you through exactly what to do before, during, and after your session to get the best results possible.
What Should You Do Before a Recording Session?
The more prepared you are before you walk in, the more efficiently your studio time is used — and the better your final recording will sound.
1. Know Your Material Cold
Practice your songs until you can perform them in your sleep. Studio time is valuable, and fumbling through lyrics or chord changes eats into your session. Record yourself at home first — voice memos work fine — and listen back critically. If something sounds off, fix it before your studio date.
2. Warm Up Your Voice
If you're a vocalist, warm up for at least 20–30 minutes before your session. Drink room-temperature water, avoid dairy and cold drinks, and skip alcohol the night before. A warmed-up voice saves takes and sounds noticeably better on the recording.
3. Bring Your Lyrics Printed Out
Even if you have your lyrics memorized, bring a printed copy. Having it physically in front of you reduces cognitive load and keeps your performance more natural. Pro tip: double-space the text so your engineer can make notes alongside it.
4. Communicate With Your Engineer in Advance
Before your session, reach out to your audio engineer. Let them know what you're recording, what references or influences inspire your sound, and what your goals are for the session. At Vivid Core Music, Tarcea Renee and Til December make this easy — they'll talk through your project before you even arrive.
5. Get a Good Night's Sleep
Fatigue affects your performance more than almost anything else. Aim for 8 hours of sleep the night before your session. Your voice, your focus, and your creative instincts will all be sharper.
What to Bring to a Recording Session
- Printed lyrics or chord charts
- A list of song references (songs whose sound or feel you're going for)
- Any stems, loops, or beats you want to use
- Water (room temperature)
- Your instrument (if applicable)
- A positive, open mindset
What Happens During a Recording Session?
Here's a typical flow for a music recording session at a professional studio like Vivid Core Music:
- Setup & Soundcheck — The engineer sets up microphones, monitors, and headphone mixes. This usually takes 15–30 minutes.
- Scratch Tracks — A rough run-through of the song to capture the feel and identify any issues.
- Tracking — Recording the official takes, layer by layer (vocals, instruments, overdubs).
- Playback & Feedback — Listening back to what was captured and making adjustments.
- Wrap-Up — Your engineer saves and organizes your files; you discuss next steps like mixing or mastering.
What Should You Expect After Your Session?
After recording, your tracks will go through mixing (balancing all the sounds together) and mastering (polishing the final mix for distribution). At Vivid Core Music in St. Louis, both services are available in-house with the same team who recorded you — ensuring continuity and quality throughout your project.
Why Record at Vivid Core Music in St. Louis?
Vivid Core Music is the only non-profit recording studio in St. Louis. For first-time artists especially, this matters — you get GRAMMY-considered engineering, Dolby Atmos-capable rooms, and a team that genuinely wants to help you succeed, at rates that won't break the bank. The studio is open from 8AM to 1AM by appointment at 4433 Woodson Road Suite 240, St. Louis, MO 63134.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a recording session take?
Session length varies by project. A single song typically requires 2–4 hours of studio time for tracking. Mixing and mastering are usually done in separate sessions. Vivid Core Music offers flexible booking to fit your schedule.
How much does a recording session cost in St. Louis?
Recording studio rates in St. Louis vary widely. As a non-profit studio, Vivid Core Music offers competitive pricing to make professional recording accessible. Visit vividcoremusic.com for current rates.
What should I not do before a recording session?
Avoid alcohol, dairy, and cold beverages before a vocal session. Don't stay up late the night before. Avoid loud environments or shouting in the 24 hours before your session to protect your voice.
Can I bring a friend or collaborator to my session?
Yes. Most studios including Vivid Core Music welcome collaborators, producers, or a support person to your session. Just let the studio know in advance so they can prepare the space accordingly.
Do I need to know how to use recording equipment?
No. That's what your audio engineer is for. Your job is to focus on your performance — the engineer handles all the technical aspects of capturing and producing your sound.
