10 Costly Mistakes Emerging Artists Make...That Can Easily Be Avoided
Imagine spending 30 studio hours at $65/hr ($1950), only to find that your project has gone off track or over budget due to poor planning, or realizing that you just don't like the record that you created.
Without a clear roadmap, even the most talented artists can find themselves in this situation. Many new artists experience this issue and the problem is that they are not doing the necessary upfront work (preproduction) before taking it to a music producer. Not planning before starting a project often makes it too big or causes it to keep changing (called scope creep), leading to expensive mistakes.
Another issue is the lack of clarity regarding your sonic identity, but we'll save that for another discussion.
Today, we’ll explore the top 10 preproduction mistakes that are costing new artists both time and money. We’ll dive into why these missteps happen, how they impact your budget and timeline, and what you can do to avoid them. By the end, you’ll have actionable insights to help you streamline your process and make your next project a success.
Before we talk further about preproduction, let's define Scope Creep.
Scope creep happens when a project's goals keep changing or its size and complexity get bigger than what was first planned. This can cause delays and extra costs. That's why it's really important to have a strong preproduction plan to help reduce the chances of scope creep.
Understanding Preproduction
So what exactly is preproduction and who is it for?
Some people reduce preproduction to songwriting and rehearsals that bands do before live tracking. Preproduction is more than that; and useful for any artist in any genre.
It’s about laying a solid foundation for your project.
Imagining your record, how it fits your brand, and what instruments, gear, musicians, and studios are needed.
Determining how long would this realistically take.
Effective preproduction ensures that your project runs smoothly and stays within budget, which ultimately leads to better recordings and a more efficient studio experience.
Depending on an artist's skill set, preproduction can be carried out independently or with the assistance of a producer.
10 Costly Preproduction Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Skipping the Preproduction Phase: Many artists jump straight into recording without planning. This often leads to confusion and wasted time. Solution: Use a preproduction checklist to outline your project details before recording.
Not Defining the Project Scope: Failing to set clear goals can result in scope creep and additional costs. Solution: Clearly define your project scope and objectives at the beginning.
Inadequate Song Arrangement: Rushing through song arrangements can cause issues during recording. Solution: Spend time perfecting song arrangements during preproduction.
Overlooking Budget Planning: Many artists don’t budget for all production costs, leading to financial strain. Solution: Create a detailed budget that includes all potential expenses.
Neglecting to Book Studio Time in Advance: Last-minute bookings can lead to higher costs and scheduling conflicts. Solution: Book your studio time well in advance and confirm all details.
Failing to Prepare a Recording Schedule: Without a schedule, recording sessions can become inefficient and costly. Solution: Develop a detailed recording schedule to keep the project on track.
Not Collaborating Effectively with Producers: Lack of communication can result in misunderstandings and additional costs. Solution: Communicate your vision and expectations with your producer.
Ignoring Rehearsal Time: Skipping rehearsals can lead to poor performance during recording. Solution: Schedule ample rehearsal time to ensure a smooth recording process.
Inadequate Technical Preparation: Not preparing technical aspects can cause delays and extra costs. Solution: Ensure all technical equipment and software are ready and tested before recording.
Underestimating the Importance of the legal stuff: Failing to handle legal issues can lead to disputes and additional expenses. Solution: Address all legal matters during preproduction including contracts and splits.
The Bigger Picture
Addressing these mistakes not only saves you money but also ensures a smoother, more professional recording process. By learning from these common pitfalls, you can improve your project management, creative relationships, and enhance your overall experience.
Avoiding these 10 preproduction mistakes can help you stay on budget, meet deadlines, and produce high-quality music.
Key Takeaways:
Plan thoroughly with a preproduction checklist.
Define your project scope and budget early.
Communicate effectively with your producer.
Schedule and prepare for all aspects of the recording process.
By taking these steps, you'll set yourself up for a successful and efficient music project. If you’re looking for a preproduction checklist, I offer a free one here: preproduction checklist.
🧠 Quote of the week
"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." - Benjamin Franklin
Enjoy your week,
Melvin Darrell
