When the inventor Thomas Alva Edison invented the Phonograph, he had set the foundation stone for a revolution in music and how it was stored. The Phonograph, invented in 1877, has come a long way from its humble origins. Today, everyone from toddlers to old ladies, seems to be wired into some musical devise or the other.
Compared to yesteryear, making a music album has become much easier and less expensive. With the advent of computers, both professionals and amateurs can make their own music albums. However, this has not sent the ‘recording studio’ into the dustbin of history. A lot of music albums are yet made in recording studios.
To make a successful music album requires a bit of careful planning. It is not an ‘in and out’ process. It takes time and perseverance to make a successful album. What steps should you follow to make a music album?
Define Your Mission Statement:
Thousands of albums are released every year. It is a highly competitive field and trying to get a ‘break’ is not as easy as it seems. Carefully strategize the type of music you wish to create, the image you want to project and your target audience. The wider you target audience, the better your chances of success. Your mission statement should reflect these factors and defined the path you wish to take.
Catchy Songs and Tunes:
This is where your basic talent comes in. Well written, memorable words with a nice tune, are the foundations to a successful music album. Write and rewrite your songs till you feel you have got them right. Create as many songs as you can.
Select Songs of the Same Genre:
Though the words and music can differ, they should have the same flow. Do not mix totally different types of musical styles together. Stick to your strengths – be it rock, hip hop or country. By sticking to one style you will be targeting your audience better.
The Band:
If you can form a band, there is nothing like it. You can choose any name you want, even if it means nothing. You can name the band “Blackout roller blinds“, “PorkChopps” or whatever; but if the name is catchy or memorable, then name recall will be easier for the audience. This will make a lot of difference when your star is on the rise.
If you are going solo, you may need to hire professional musicians to accompany you. There are many studio musicians available for hire. If you are a novice in the field, you may need the advice and guidance of a producer, to strike the correct balance in the music.
Recording Studio:
Most cities will have at least one recording studio which has professional 24/48 track recording consoles. By using music software, the sound engineer, will be able to tweak the music to achieve the desired quality and effect.
If you are on a shoestring budget, you can use your home computer. There is a lot of music recording software available, which you can use to record your album. You will need good quality microphones for each performer. You will have to block out any noises from outside. A music album recorded on a home computer too, can be of good quality.
Your first music album is ready for release.