Production Advice

One of the most common pieces of advice I give people is to include some real instruments in their mix. This documentary about multi-instrumentalist Dominik Johnson proves the point perfectly. Just listen to all those beautiful textures, the unique space and character of the different recordings, the superb performances – this, folks is how it’s done.

But not all of us are lucky enough to be able to play so many instruments – I count myself lucky that I can play just one ! That doesn’t mean you can’t get some of this flavour into your recordings, though.

Want some real strings in your mix ? Talk to Pete Whitfield at Real Strings. For bass I can recommend the one and only Sigurdór Guðmundsson. How about a virtuoso harmonica player ?!? That would be Steve Lockwood. You can even have a full orchestra, using a company like Tadlow Music, if the budget will stretch to it. Check this wiki for more ideas !

My point is, the internet makes all of these options a possibility for anyone’s music – and perhaps most importantly, you get a superb musician and their performance into the bargain. There are even companies who specialise in creating entire arrangements from your demos.

And if you don’t have any kind of budget for this kind of thing – record things yourself ! Maybe you know a friendly amateur violinist or cellist. Just adding one real instrument into a string pad mix can transform it. Or play some percussion – instruments like shakers and tambourines are very affordable – you can even make your own. Having small, real details like this can bring an otherwise sequenced and sampled backing to life, adding a crucial human element, and some of the atmosphere that only real space can bring.

Related posts:

1. Put some real space in your mix
2. Foley Room by Amon Tobin – In the studio
3. Foo Fighters record & mix in Dave Grohl’s garage