Music For Kiddos Podcast
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Stitcher
Some of my frequently asked questions are about the recording process of my original children’s songs, some of which I share with you all on social media and that live inside the Music For Kiddos Community.
In case you are not part of the Song-of-the-Month Club, I sent out a new, professionally recorded original children’s song every month via email. My songs are professionally mixed by a friend in Toronto and when they come back to me, they are ready to go on an album or on Spotify.
If you need some help in deciphering how to record your original songs and what equipment to use, keep reading because I’m going to walk you through my recording process.
Recording your own music is something that gets easier over time. I gotta admit, it can be very frustrating, but the more you do it, the easier it gets. If you find yourself getting frustrated with what you're able to record, just stick with it. You may have to scrap things and start over, but know that is a part of the process and you will definitely improve over time.
In terms of the equipment I use, I go over the specifics and inexpensive tools I use on episode 18th of the Music For Kiddos Podcast but here I want to share with you my step-by-step recording process to get professionally recorded songs every month.
Here are the 8 steps I follow to get a great quality, professional recording:
I set my level appropriately: when you set your level, you want to play the loudest part of your song and make sure that your level isn't clipping into the red, but it is as high as it can possibly be in that window. It's capturing a lot of sound, but it is not clipping.
I check how I am positioning myself and/or my instrument: Typically, if I’m using a condenser microphone, I stay four to six inches away, but if I’m using a performance microphone, I stay right on it.
I use a click track every single time: Set a metronome click in your ear and headphones, and record on top of that. It makes all the difference of having a professional recording!
I try and record large chunks: Consistency when it comes to having a smooth, quality end product.
I track everything individually: The reason that you want to record each piece individually (i.e. instrumentals, vocals, etc.) is that you or a mix engineer then has the ability to really work with the separate tracks and enhance things here and there separately.
My primary goal & focus above anything else when recording is intonation: The rhythm can be changed, the sound can be warmed up but there’s not much that can be done when it comes to intonation. I make sure that every little note is there perfectly in tune.
I add layers: Go ahead and add percussion, vocals, backup vocals. Go ahead and add a snapping and hand-clapping and all kinds of fun things to your recording, and just have fun with it.
I send it for mixing: Send it to somebody who really knows what they're doing
That’s it! I go in depth about my step-by-step process on episode 18th of the Music For Kiddos Podcast including an example of an unmixed and mixed version of the FREE song that I’m sharing with you today called “Busy Like A Bee.”
FREE Song: “Busy Like A Bee”
🐝Enter your email below to join our Song-of-the-Month Club and receive the chords + lyrics of this song right in your inbox! 🐝
We have partnered with West Music to offer free shipping on orders above $59.95 to Music For Kiddos Podcast’s listeners. Check out their incredible instruments and their incredible offerings at WestMusic.com or you can place your order at their customer service hotline at (800) 397-9378.
The code for free shipping is KIDDOS24. Make sure to check them out!
Let’s keep in touch!
Song-of-the-Month Club (FREE!)
Thanks for tuning in!
Thanks for joining us on the Music for Kiddos podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts and tell us what you think by leaving a review! Don’t forget to sign up for the Song-of-the-Month-Club to receive a free, high-quality original song every month, or hang out with us on Instagram to stay connected.
