Prepping For The Studio

Roy Silverstein

A limited edition podcast for musicians who want to understand what goes on in a professional recording studio, how to prepare, and how to get the most out of their studio sessions.

  1. EPISODE 1

    Prepping for Metal with Harrison Whitecloud

    In this episode of Prepping for the Studio, hosts Roy Silverstein and Brian Scheuble are joined by metal recording specialist Harrison Whitecloud. Harrison shares his extensive knowledge on preparing for a studio session, focusing on the unique challenges of recording metal. Key topics include the importance of practice, instrument maintenance, techniques for drummers and guitarists, the role of editing, and specific recording tech setups. Harrison also dives into vocal techniques for screamers, emphasizing the necessity of proper vocal training and technique. The discussion is both technical and practical, aimed at helping metal musicians maximize their studio sessions.   00:00 Introduction to Prepping for the Studio 00:29 Meet the Hosts: Roy and Brian 00:35 Season Three Preview 01:10 Introducing Harrison Whitecloud 01:36 Harrison's Journey into Metal 02:41 Recording Techniques and Studio Experiences 17:04 The Importance of Drum Preparation 20:28 Advanced Drum Recording Tips 29:50 Guitar Recording Insights 33:12 Guitar Maintenance Tips for Metal Musicians 34:34 Recording Techniques for Metal Guitars 39:00 Editing and Mixing Metal Tracks 40:58 Essential Gear for Metal Musicians 41:37 Bass and Drum Synchronization 46:27 Vocal Techniques for Metal Singers 58:50 Recording Metal Drums: Room and Equipment 01:00:03 Mixing Metal: Special Effects and Client Communication 01:03:01 DIY Metal Recording: Challenges and Tips 01:06:18 Conclusion and Contact Information   Check out Harrison at these links: Websites: https://www.whitecloudaudio.com/ Instagram: @whitecloud.audio   Please visit http://www.preppingforthestudio.com for more info and to download the free ebook, "A Musician's Guide To The Recording Studio".   Hosts: Roy Silverstein of Rarefied Recording (www.rarefiedrecording.com) and Brian Scheuble (www.brianscheuble.com) If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please email Roy: info@rarefiedrecording.com   If you love this podcast, please leave a review on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on.

    1h 8m
  2. EPISODE 2

    Lessons from Decades Past with Dennis Weinreich

    In this episode of Prepping for the Studio, hosts Roy Silverstein and Brian Scheuble sit down with Dennis Weinreich, an Orange County–born engineer/producer who has lived in London since 1971 and worked in major studios during the 70s and 80s. Dennis shares his path from recording bands as a kid to opportunities at studios like The Village, and later working his way through the London recording scene including becoming an assistant to Ken Scott. The conversation focuses on what modern artists can learn from earlier eras of recording. Some topics discussed include: -How the three-hour session system shaped preparation, efficiency, and performance -“Dark corners” in songs and why live-tested material often records better -What’s missing when artists self-produce -How too much time and unlimited tracks can lead to meandering sessions, overcrowded arrangements, and losing the “heart” of the record -When piecemeal modern workflows can actually help bass/drums fit dynamically later in production -Why vintage gear isn’t the main reason classic records last -How limitations (few EQs, few tracks) pushed better mic placement, decisions, and commitment -Practical advice: rehearse and demo critically before the studio, aim for fewer strong takes, and focus on performance -The idea of “going for number three” to keep evolving creatively instead of repeating past hits   00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 00:45 Meet Dennis Weinreich 02:15 Early Recording Hustle 06:56 First Pro Studio Break 08:07 Village Recorder to London 12:45 Scorpio Sound and Big Records 14:46 Building a Post Facility 18:24 Why Old Records Lasted 19:21 Three Hour Session Era 24:25 Producers and Perspective 29:13 Tainted Love Hook Lesson 32:34 Overdubs Versus Vision 34:26 Producers Who Tell The Truth 35:40 Scott Walker Vocal Production 37:51 Engineers As Multi-faceted “producers” 42:53 Four Track Recording Era 44:26 Modern Workflow Pros/Cons 50:14 Performance Beats Vintage Gear 53:12 EQ Limits And Mic Myths 55:29 Preparation And The Sweet Spot Of Takes 01:00:28 Chasing Hits Versus Originality 01:04:35 Wrap Up And Contact   Check out Dennis' interview conducted by Roy in Tape Op magazine here: https://tapeop.com/interviews/170/dennis-weinreich-an-american-engineer-in-london Feel free to reach out to Roy if you want to get in touch with Dennis.   Please visit http://www.preppingforthestudio.com for more info and to download the free ebook, "A Musician's Guide To The Recording Studio".   Hosts: Roy Silverstein of Rarefied Recording (www.rarefiedrecording.com) and Brian Scheuble (www.brianscheuble.com) If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please email Roy: info@rarefiedrecording.com   If you love this podcast, please leave a review on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on.

    1h 7m
  3. EPISODE 3

    Prepping for Hip Hop with Justin Truelove

    In this episode of Prepping for the Studio, hosts Roy Silverstein and Brian Scheuble are joined by engineer/mixer/beat maker, Justin Truelove, a longtime guest engineer at Rarefied Recording who specializes in Rap/Hip Hop. Justin shares his background, early starts with Pro Tools, GarageBand, and Reaper, and how he moved into recording rappers through local connections. We discuss what hip hop artists should prioritize when choosing a studio and engineer, purchasing beats properly, and building relationships with producers. We cover practical prep: rehearse delivery, memorizing lyrics, managing comfort and psychology in the booth, and avoiding an over-reliance on autotune, amongst other topics.   00:00 Intro 00:41 Meet Justin Truelove 01:42 Justin’s Early Recording Journey 03:08 From GarageBand to Reaper 05:56 Finding Rarefied Recording 08:22 Why Hip Hop Artists Choose Studios 10:23 Gear Basics and Engineer Fit 13:25 Session Goals and Prep Files 15:47 Beats, Stems, and Better Mixes 19:29 Working with Local Producers 23:10 Beat Licensing Explained 24:40 Buying beats Versus Collaboration with a Producer 26:34 Autotune Tips 29:32 Vocal Prep And Practice 34:35 Studio Psychology And Comfort 36:46 Last Minute Hip Hop Sessions 38:59 How Long Recording Takes 42:53 Deliverables 44:13 Substances And Session Etiquette 46:30 Be On Time! 48:38 Wrap Up And Contact 49:02 Outro   Check out Justin on Instagram: @mixedbytruelove   Please visit http://www.preppingforthestudio.com for more info and to download the free ebook, "A Musician's Guide To The Recording Studio".   Hosts: Roy Silverstein of Rarefied Recording (www.rarefiedrecording.com) and Brian Scheuble (www.brianscheuble.com) If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please email Roy: info@rarefiedrecording.com   If you love this podcast, please leave a review on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on.

    50 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

A limited edition podcast for musicians who want to understand what goes on in a professional recording studio, how to prepare, and how to get the most out of their studio sessions.