Guitar Gear Forum

with your music? I mean really pushed to the point that you’re ready to walk out on the situation. That’s been the story of my life over the past six weeks or so.

In mid-August, I went into the studio to record ten of my own songs. It’s a self-funded project and I’m doing lead vocals and most guitar parts. I hired a session drummer and bassist and some friends have graciously lent their talents for keyboards, lap steel, pedal steel and some lead parts. Also, for the first time ever, I employed a producer for the project. This has made it one of the most frustrating, challenging and – ultimately – satisfying musical experiences I have ever had.

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve heard “that’s good – but it needs to be better.” At one point while tracking rhythm guitars, I was ready to just walk out the door in frustration at playing the same part for what seemed like the 100th time. Then I remembered it was my own project... There were also a few points when I was ready to grab said producer by the throat!

However, entering the home stretch and hearing everything come together, I have to say the guy really knows his stuff and how to get the best out of musicians. The music never would have got there with my usual "close enough" attitude...

I’ll post some tracks here as soon as they are available, along with details on the gear used.

Hey, at least all that frustration is paying off in the form of the finished product! I have a tendency to settle on "good enough for rock n roll" all too often.

I don't think I've quite been pushed to that limit but I've definitely been super stressed out to the point of wanting to give up on a particular song or performance I was practicing for. Sometimes I get really frustrated at my time limitations and lack of a quiet place to get work done on the band project and be able to practice what I'm learning in my voice lessons. That strain and restriction is what has lately made me feel like I'm pushing my limits.

Anyway, congrats man. It sounds like something very rewarding and despite the pain sweat and tears it seems like you're going to have something that you can be really proud of and sounds like it was worth it.

When I saw the thread title, all I could think about was slitting my wrists and taking a nice, hot bath! Hahaha!


Wow! Sounds like your project is going to sound fantastic. Can't wait to hear it!

OMG, lately, when I record (at home of course), I have to redo the simplest parts over and over again.
It really pisses me the fuck off!
I can imagine how frustrating it must be especially, if your paying for the time.

itchyfingers wrote:Hey, at least all that frustration is paying off in the form of the finished product! I have a tendency to settle on "good enough for rock n roll" all too often.

Yeah, I'm a Stones/Black Crowes/Neil Young sloppy-is-good kinda player, but I guess it's not bad to be pushed into cleaning it up once in awhile...

M.Mike LX-R wrote: Anyway, congrats man. It sounds like something very rewarding and despite the pain sweat and tears it seems like you're going to have something that you can be really proud of and sounds like it was worth it.

ajaxlepinski wrote: Wow! Sounds like your project is going to sound fantastic. Can't wait to hear it!

Thanks, gentlemen. Can't wait to share!

I always find it frustrating, doing vocals (because I'm just not that good at it). Our guy has 101 ways of saying he wants another take.

The point of a good studio guy is to push for the best result, for both him and the artist, and that's what I pay him for!

Imo, any studio (and there are way too many that do) that would let someone walk out with an inferior product doesn't deserve your money.

"That was good. Try it again." FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

I was thinking anal stretching

After reading the thread title I now have the theme song from Wet Hot American Summer stuck in my head.

skybluegary wrote:. The point of a good studio guy is to push for the best result, for both him and the artist, and that's what I pay him for!

Well said!

I went in having reworked the songs and demoing them until I thought they were perfect. I envisioned the process would just be recreating them. While that happened in some cases, other times he pushed me to rework choruses, change leads and such. Each time, I came away with something far better than what I came in with.

BroSlinger wrote:I was thinking anal stretching

Telephant wrote:After reading the thread title I now have the theme song from Wet Hot American Summer stuck in my head.

Sometimes I forget what of den of debauchery this place is...