From bagpipe competitions to engineering Gucci Mane’s latest hit — this Denver music industry pro shares his tips for getting the most out of your recording session. Years ago when Nick Pelc attended the funeral of a beloved school teacher, the last thing he thought he’d discover was his love for the unique bagpipe sound. In the midst of grief and sorrow, Pelc heard something that would change the course of his life — a live bagpipe memorial service. Taken in by the command of this unique instrument during his teacher’s funeral, Pelc quickly realized his passion and set out to master the art of the bagpipe. Years later Pelc found himself in Scotland competing at the World Pipe Band Championships — you could say it turned into more than just a hobby.
But how did a competitive bagpipe player end up working with Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane and Ed Sheeran? Two words — sound matters. It’s a phrase you’ll hear Pelc say often and a phrase that any professional musician understands. It’s a philosophy Pelc operates his business by.
Pelc discovered his passion for creating high-quality sound during his bagpipe days. What started as creating mixes for him and his friends turned into a career that would lead to his own recording studio in Littleton, Colorado. Pelc further developed his skills studying recording arts at The University of Colorado at Denver. His knack for creating the perfect mix landed him jobs with some of the largest acts today.
After mixing and recording for the stars — Pelc discovered a need the Denver music industry desperately craved — a high-quality professional recording studio that’s accessible and affordable for everyone. Pelc established Augminished Studio in 2012 and continues to provide professional recording services to the greater Denver area.
Pelc knows a thing or two about getting the most out of your recording session. We sat down with this industry expert to share his tip and tricks to getting the most out of your recordings. To book a session with Pelc or learn more about Augminished Studio, click here.
Here are Pelc’s top 10 tips for getting the most out of your recording sessions.
- Record your songs before you come in. You can do this with your phone. You‘ll hear the weak spots in your song and can make edits before you arrive at the studio.
- Know your guitar solos. Many studios charge hourly. It’s a waste of time and money to spend extra time at the studio on a solo you could have mastered beforehand.
- If you plan to record to a click track, practice with it beforehand. Using a click track provides the tightest sound possible.
- Have at least two more songs prepared to record than you think you’ll need. Some songs sound better recorded than others.
- If you can’t be on time — be early. The clock starts at the prearranged time — not when you get here.
- Restring guitars, change your drum head and bring new sticks and cables. This is a quintessential part of the recording process. The tone starts with the first string or head.
- Before you come in — make sure to take care of your mind and body. Be hydrated, fully nourished and have your mind set on the goal of recording good music.
- Don’t use new gear right before you come in. New gear can cause problems when you’re not used to it.
- Be prepared to double track. Double tracking is the process of recording the part once and then recording the same again. It gives an incredibly wide and thick sound.
- Sound matters. If you’re serious about your musical career, you need to be serious about having your songs professionally recorded and mixed.