I thought it might be useful to write down a few pointers for getting ready for your session with me and talk a little bit about how we can choose to collaborate. This will hopefully be useful to people who haven't done much work in a studio and for those who have but haven't been here before. As always though if I haven't covered something here please just send me a message, I realised early in my career that's there's no such thing as a stupid question and making sure you're as prepped as possible is one of the best ways to enjoy a hassle free and relaxed session.

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If you need instructions on how to get to my central Stroud location please send me a message.

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What to bring?

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Your instruments, amps and leads.  I have various instruments available including a really nice drum kit and a selection of amps, guitars, keyboards and more, if you'd like to use any of them please let me know in advance so I can make sure they are prepped and available.

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One thing I find people often overlook is clothing, the following tips might be handy but ultimately do whatever works for you!  You may want to look your best for any photos you are welcome to take on the day (I'm always happy to take photos or video just ask), but please also remember you need to be comfortable for a number of hours and also remember that some clothes can be noisy and rustle or creak which can be problematic when the sound leaks into a mic during your perfect take.  If you are a foot tapper or will be on your feet a lot, comfortable shoes that don't make too much noise when you move about are really helpful! And bring a jumper or something to keep warm in case you're sitting around a bit, I have heaters but sometimes people like working at different temperatures!

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A water bottle is good for staying hydrated whilst minimising the risk of spillage if kicked over.  Snacks to keep energy levels up and to feed the bass player if he/she gets hangry are always good.

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Drummers: Please let me know if you want to use you drum kit or the studio kit in advance. You are of course very welcome to bring your own kit.  I have a nice 1970s Gretsch Custom with updated hardware you are welcome to use, the advantage of which being I know how to get a good sound out of it quickly.  It is set up with one rack tom as standard so please let me know if you want to use more, or if you need more than a couple of cymbal stands, please bring your own breakables i.e. snare, kick drum pedal, cymbals (inc. hi hat and clutch). I do have a snare and cymbals you are able to use but the cymbals aren't that great as most of the time we have the drummer from my  band's cymbals on there, please let me know if you'd like to use them.  Please bring spare sticks, moon gel or any other damping things you use.  I have a fairly extensive selection of hand percussion available if needed.

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Other instruments: Remember to bring spare strings, picks, batteries, stands, leads and anything else that is prone to breaking at an inopportune moment.

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For guitars and other stringed instruments it may be worth making sure you have fresh strings for a good sound and to minimise risk of breakage, but also remember strings often benefit from being played in a bit so they stabilise and stay in tune so try to do it in advance as doing it at the beginning of the session might cause more problems than it solves.

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Working together:  I am always happy to chip in with ideas or just get on with the recording. I am usually very good, I've been told, at getting the balance right between contributing and letting people get on with it.   If you have a strong preference either way around my involvement let me know! Some people want a really hands on producer to contribute and guide them through the process others have a very clear idea of where they're going and most people are somewhere in between, there is no right or wrong way. I've been doing this a long time and have thick skin so if I come up with an idea you're not keen on or if I am coming up with too many ideas I have absolutely no problem at all with them being pushed back or people saying they'd rather be more self directed.  Being respectfully upfront and honest and setting parameters at the beginning can make for a productive and relaxed session.

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If I've missed anything you want to know drop me a line!

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