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I'm a singer-songwriter in California. I want to produce three original albums for commercial use. The songs are written and largely arranged.

I had recorded most of the songs over the past 3-4 years and was promoting them but learned they needed more work and to be better recordings. So I've learned a lot. I go to the Rallies. I rewrote my songs. I'm now more confident in my ability to produce. I know what I'm after. I believe in my material. I'm starting over in terms of production. This time, to get it right. I'm pretty sure I can't move forward without great recordings. This is music for the over 40 crowd, fyi.

Am at a crossroad over how to proceed. Session musicians in a studio? Home studio, tracking individual tracks, where I have more creative control? Is it better to have a band play all together when you record? Can you do just as well tracking? Which songs should go on which albums? What angle should I pitch? I could use a mentor who knows about successful commercial recordings.

I'll appreciate any input.

Thanks,
Jennifer

Well, you have many mentors right here on the forum. Listen to the songs in the forwards section and post your songs in Peer to Peer and ask for feedback. Good luck to you.

My advise would be,,,,,what do you want from the songs? If you're trying to be an artist pick an artist who people would click on before you on iTunes and see what they are doing. What kind of production they are using and stuff like that. I think you can get some great results from home recordings. I've had my gear for a couple of months and already there sounding worthy. Hope this was useful, if not I'm sorry. Goodluck!

Hi Jennifer
3 CDs is an awful lot. As you know, if you hire a studio and musicians it gets very expensive. If you have home recording skills, that's a plus but if you are new to home recording, there is a learning curve and I'm not sure how soon you want to put out a CD.

Can you post a link to a few songs? That would help us guide you more. It's hard to know if making a CD at this point is the best option. Sometimes rushing to make a CD before refining the songs more isn't the best choice.

Also, if you drop me a PM, I have some additional thoughts.

Best
Casey