10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Recording a Solo Album

I wish I had started recording albums again sooner but here we are.
This is simply everything I learned from recording a solo guitar album.
It was all improvised too!
You can do it too!

Contents
00:00 What Did I do?
00:22 Heat the Iron Up
00:53 Restrictions
01:27 Albums Are Relevant
02:15 It's Not Content
03:30 Recording is of Value
04:53 Keep a Record
06:03 The Music Does What it Wants
07:00 Going Dawless
08:33 The Old Fashioned Way
09:58 Don't Hold Back
10:38 Conclusions

[chrisegonmusic]

Yes. I'm aware that I put too much Brylcreem on. I was in a bit of a coffee panic.

[brianbrockett]

It's funny. I used to think I was a musician when I played the trombone and could read music. Then I stopped and somehow the confidence of being a "musician" went out the door.

Now I feel like a dabbler. Mostly because I don't have the time to play like I used to.

Being a parent was definitely a sacrifice in terms of time available. And yet here I am still trying as hard as I can, maximizing whatever time I have. Learning from other folks who are spending the time doing it. Also osmosing that drive as much as I can.

Thanks for the insight. Your wisdom and viewpoints are always appreciated. And they are hugely beneficial to everyone.

[LateNightBeatsOfficial]

I’m really enjoying your content. I can totally relate to the conundrum of trying to talk about music while not sounding too spiritual. It’s really hard!

[TheTwangKings]

Thank you, Chris, it's very encouraging to hear this. I have an album that never got completed for those very same reasons.

[id.unknown]

I used to record all of my ideas back when I had 6 high-end tapedecks and 2 cassette tascams (4 & 8 track). There are about 4 large boxes of recordings and demos I made back inu teens and 20s. I have no idea where any of them are now. I have to agree, record everything even if it seems like a deadend. If it's recorded, you will listen to it again.And as a former professional photographer, I can confirm you will find things you didn't hear as you do when you go through old negatives as a photographer. I currently record ideas with my phone and will go back and listen to them and find new ideas sometimes, even if it's years later. I also use a notebook to get song ideas down, the more moving parts you have in a song, the harder it will be to keep track of and make into something coherent. So I guess my point it documentation makes creative endeavors easier. Thanks for sharing your process

[pillbugparty]

Thank you, these videos are amazing! Please make one on how to stop overthinking the creative process

[ta]

“When you start thinking, stop.” Said Mr. Stockhausen.

[Кость-йп]

Thanks for this video ! Rly valuable thoughts

[cmdrapollo]

Speaking of recording albums, I have finally finished mine!

[ChunterInfo]

When I was younger and creatively free, I did best composing with the computer. Of course, this was not a DAW (home digital recording was not a thing yet) and the results mixed down to cassette, but the consequence is that all the things people say about the computer getting in the way are opposite for me. I need the computer to be there for inspiration.

[nickhem]

Upgraded my looper recently and it has the ability to save up to 100 patterns. Now I can just get my ideas down without having to open a daw. Broke down a really huge wall for me.

[Shelterovshadows]

I really like shooting a video of my hands playing something right after I write it. Especially when I’m using an odd tuning. Power chord riffs I can figure out quickly by ear but alternate tunings and weird chords can be tricky to figure out by ear sometimes.

[Mogwai_fan]

Love this. Trying to get my mojo back.

[blindianajones]

What did you record it on? I have a couple 4 track cassette recorders that I need to dust off and use. I got them to avoid the hassle and complications a DAW offers but have held off recording due to a fear I need to get over about what do I have to say and will it be any good.

[ta]

Why not tune all strings to A, like Lou Reed did. Do it on a cheap guitar though.

[WhatYouGetWhenYouMessWithUs]

Thank you so very much for saying that the toans in pedal demo's are by and large not applicable to a well balanced and compelling mix.
The guitars on Songs For the Deaf are a perfect example of the illusion of big beefy guitar. The drums and bass are doing all the work and the guitar is sitting in this hollowed out scoop in the mid to upper mid section which on their own sound cool but not as gnarly as you think, but when the drums, bass, synth, or steel guitar join in the ensemble it becomes a monolithic sound.
You should get a medal or a least a sash for your honesty!