Starting an album recording project tomorrow

[GuitarBilly74]

There's a golden rule in producing. Never say no to any idea, give it a try.

I don't agree this is a golden rule in producing, it leads to problems, frustration and a never ending project. It's a golden rule in songwriting and arranging, but that comes before the actual recording starts.

I produce my band's records here. We do pre-production first, which is basically figuring out the parts, ideas etc... I do that with a single mic in the middle of the room while we play the songs because at that point we're just working on the song structure, arrangements etc .... that's the time not to say no to anything. Bring all your ideas, the more the better.

But once we all agree how the songs will go and we start to actually record, we are locked in. Now, if you want to try a slightly different vocal melody or guitar lick etc... sure, go ahead, but it has to work with what had already been tracked/agreed upon. If it doesn't, it won't go on this record, but keep that thought and we will use it on a future song/record.

Making records is a very artistic endeavor, but it's also a product and a project. The literal meaning of the word producing is making a product. It has to have a defined concept, a deadline and a project leader who manages all the expectations while keeping everything on track .