The first steps into a music production studio are a rite of passage for any band or artist who wants to reach that next level and record their first album or EP to either sell at shows, give away to new and old fans alike or upload to streaming services.

It is often a lot of fun and an exciting new experience, but even for a battle-hardened live band, a trip into a recording studio can be quite different, and making mistakes can cost time that can, in turn, cost you money.

Here are some of the most common mistakes made when recording an EP and how you can avoid them.

Not Being Ready To Record

By the time you are in a studio, you should have your songs learned by heart and committed to memory, because as soon as you get into the studio, you are on the clock.

However, some bands forget the adage that if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail, either by not having the parts learned, needing some time to experiment with new equipment or audio setups, or not being focused and ready.

These can be fixed simply by having a band meeting or a discussion during a rehearsal session.

Not Agreeing On The Final Versions Of Songs

A more common issue is less about a lack of preparation and more about not having songs finalised.

Many bands will improvise, workshop and adapt to live environments, which can sometimes lead to sections being added or removed on the fly.

When you are in the studio, you need to have this mostly figured out in order to avoid wasting time.

Not Giving Yourself Buffer Time

You will need time for a break, and you will need to have some buffer time in case a string breaks or a solo section takes a lot longer to record than you expect. Make sure to be realistic with your schedule; otherwise, the vocalist will need to perfect their takes at the end of the day.