How to Record a Full Length Album (And How Not To)

Justin Colletti evaluates the 3 primary ways to record a full length album and offers best practices gathered from 15 years studying how artists succeed in the 21st century.

For the text version, "How Long is This Gonna Take: The Time and Cost of Recording a Full Length Album", visit:

[daggergblue]

Being stabbed in the throat by my mic, like that, would drive me insane.

[kgweiro]

This video is so damn accurate,

I used to be a drummer, had a crazy passion for it, I was watching drum covers daily so I wanted to record something to chuck up for people to see, 2 years later and all I care about is recording music, playing drums is just a side thing. This is really helpful information for all musicians that I collaborate with 👍

[airbee]

I don't have words to say thank you🙏 I was about to make a mistake, record an album without building an audience🙁 I want to do it sooo bad and release it, but at 3am I was looking for advice on YouTube and I found your super x10 helpful video 🙌🙌 I'm sooo glad that I watched this video, thank you a lot, you explained how should I proceed so clear😊 thank you from the bottom of my heart brother 🙏

[jesse_cole]

I'm 8 minutes into this, and I haven't yet heard a single bit of advice about "how to record a full length record and how not to."

[lakajd]

Want fans? play out.
No scene nearby?
Want a following? Record basic stuff and put it online

Did all of the above and want to fully realize your stuff? go to a studio

basically all you need to know.

[manuelg]

Was this an “introduction” to how to record an album?
Cause the video is over and I’m still waiting

[Schilliebillie]

Thank you Justin! Very passionate vlog. Here's the approach of how me and my band record a vinyl album:

We don't give a damn about what happens with the album. We don't care to get an audience. We just love to write and record songs! We live and record to one rule: we don't say 'No' to an idea a band member proposes. No no's! :)

There is nothing better in this world than to go out to a studio or a garage and record your own songs. Buy some SM57's and record the crap out of your gear and play like it's your last day on earth. Enjoy every moment and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes lead to creative solutions.

Happy recording every one!

[bryanplayspiano]

This is such a thoughtful and complete set of suggestions for musicians who are in this place in their journey. Kudos on the great video! Loved the talk about opportunity cost. That’s such an important aspect to all of this.

[melomania]

I dont agree with the whole "you became an audio guy". I think most artists now days are bedroom producers. Now that may not work for everyone and maybe you wont be the next big star but I think if you can do it go for it.

[RhysJacobs]

This has helped me realise the mistakes I've been making. My goal this year is to record music, it's a simple goal when I read it like that, but I've tried so many times but my mindset has always been "let's find a studio and record ten songs!" or "I can record ten songs myself!" but neither have worked. I feel that the one song a day approach is the way forward, thank you for this video, this could be a turning point.

[JahJahBruh]

Love your honesty
I'm kind of in the middle, i love playing jazz guitar, piano and drums making demos, but still I want to be in charge of the mix.

[sbanville]

I for one am a musician / engineer where I gig, write music and do all my own recordings, mixing and producing in my home studio. The days of spending many hours and paying outrageous costs in a profession studio are less and less these days. Also you didn't mention the overabundance of studio musicians who do a fair amount of tracking in their home studio. This is certainly true for many Nashville players and song writers. This video sounds more like a promotion and validation for audio studio engineers with the mindset that a musician with a high degree of talent really cannot track, mix and master their own music in a home studio with successful results along with keeping the musicianship in the forefront.

[lakookala]

Great video Justin! I have been debating these exact things, as I've certainly learned that DIY can compromise my time being spent as an artist. Although, I do think the DIY approach is a great way to start out because knowledge of gear and "sound" as an artist can be a power tool in the studio, there is a time to let go so that the best possible piece can be created.

[bradleyjaymes]

Really massive great insight especially when it comes to those of us chasing that DIY idea. Too many musicians are trying to be everything at once and end up not really becoming anything because of all the hats they're trying to wear. Thank you so much for this video!

[milanthedrummer]

Love how this guy explains things I knew or didn't know. It feels like he experienced all this!

[backchattvsports]

This video helped me so much to help me to decide how to go forward with my projects. I have about 10 demos that I wrote myself so I am gonna take your advice and go with a professional production company and do 1 song at a time. Thanks

[doubleemcastillano]

I became an audioperson/engineer sometime in 2009. I recorded my first song and since, I've engineered for others and started SquareNation Media, a record label in the Atlantic Region/DMV. Years of hard work and learning. I actually worked at a studio for a while. Started producing etc. General music guy now lol

[sethtrey]

This is extremely helpful. The YouTube Musician Advice signal is a dense space, with a sky-high noise floor. Much like this video.

[lastplusfirst]

I was so happy to see tip number three. It's precisely what' I've been doing, writing and recording things in one day on my iphone and them uploading it to soundcloud

[louderthangod]

If it takes you 10 days, you're terrible. Rehearse your material and get your shit together. You should have a recording. Gigging is great till the club you're trying to book says they need to hear your music first. If people like you at that show but can't buy your cd or download or stream it on the ride home they'll probably forget you within a few days. You need releasable material right away.