Now that you have a song and you have made a live recording, the next step is to record so that you can share it with others.
Recording
You can record your song:
- Using the voice memo/notes app on your phone
- Creating a video recording of a live performance
- Using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) of your choice
- Using a USB condenser microphone placed in the centre of the room as you play the song live
- By ‘multi-track recording’ each individual part and layering them on top of each other (see Production)
Producing
You can produce your song using any DAW of your choice.
You could:
- Use a drum loop or the drum machine to recreate the beat of your song in a new style/genre
- Recreate your instrumental parts/melody using MIDI
- Add effects like reverb, delay, distortion, and/or auto-tune to your channels/tracks
Producing process
Artist and producer Beatrice has created this step-by-step video series to guide you through the process of recording and producing a song — from setup to final mix.
Watch as she works on Al Parkinson’s ‘The One That Got Away’, using techniques you can try.
Before you start, take a moment to listen to one of Beatrice’s tracks Paradise produced using the same tools and creative approach you’ll learn in the videos below.
Producing Step
Introduction
- What is a DAW and how to use it
- Set up your gear to record music
- Basic gear setup: mic, headphones, audio interface, laptop
- Connect everything and hear playback
- Plug in a mic and headphones
Producing Step
Preparing the Recording Session
- Preparing a DAW session
- Finding the BPM
- Using a voice memo as a guide track
- Set up sections in your DAW session
Producing Step
Drums
- Program a drum track using MIDI
- MIDI channel/track = where the instrument lives
- MIDI clip = the notes that tell the instrument what to play
- Use pre-made audio loops
- Try different rhythms to explore genre and feel
Producing Step
GUITAR / UKULELE
- How to record an instrument
- Set up an instrument channel
- Record in sections (comping)
Producing Step
Bass
- Program bass parts using MIDI
- Select bass sounds and input notes
- Choosing bass notes
Producing Step
Keyboard
- Connecting a classic keyboard or MIDI keyboard
- Using your computer keyboard as a MIDI controller
- Creating and recording chords in a new MIDI channel
- Swapping different keyboard sounds
Producing Step
Vocals
- Mic technique, gain levels, and headphone setup
- Creating a safe and supportive space for the singer
- Using reverb or reference melodies to help performance
- Strategies for vocal takes and comping
Producing Step
Backing Vocals
- How to record harmonies
- Layering vocals
- Panning vocals
- Why you shouldn’t just copy and paste the main vocal
Producing Step
Arranging
- Choosing the best takes
- Building contrast between sections (verse, chorus, etc.)
- Deciding when to add or hold back instruments
- Making the second chorus feel different to the first
Producing Step
Mixing & Effects
- Using EQ, reverb, and delay to shape your sound
- Placing vocals and instruments in the mix
- Balancing dynamics across the track
- Simple steps to make your mix feel finished
Producing Step
Save, Store & Export
- How to save your project
- Backing up your files
- Exporting your final mix
- Naming and organising files
Listen back
Here we have it! Take a listen to the full song that Bea produced in these videos.
Written by Al Parkinson, Produced by Beatrice Lewis
