We seriously think the scene need more releases. If it's not an album, a demo would be good. No doubt, compare to years before now we have a lot more track releases, thanks to sites like Myspace and Imeem. So where's the demo or album? Maybe we can help you. Here's some tips we got from Liquide Magazine years ago.
Ok, you're about to embark to become a recording artiste (even if its home recording). Your stuff should show off your style, your talent and should you want to feature people in your demo, it should be people of smilar interest or clashing styles, then it will be a party. Your demo should show to the world what you or your crew is all about, musically and then lyrically.
1) How many tracks do you wanna do?
The more you record, the more time it will take, the more money it will cost, the more work to be done. A demo EP of 4 - 6 songs is enough to show the world what you're about, but if you're going to take your time and cash is not a problem, hey, do a double disc if you're good enough. But logically speaking, start small.
Out of X number of songs, at least a few must be radio-friendly and catchy enough for people to bop to, memorize or have a DJ want to spin it. Any commercial album usually plans 4 hits out of the whole album.
2) Who's doing your music?
Recording covers is a no-no, and using downloaded instrumentals is a HUGE no-no-no-no. There are 3 ways to do this.
a) if you're a musician, computer or guitarist/pianist, you got a head start, finish all the tracks that you're doing and lay it out. It's best to do the song one by one but if you're doing the music for the whole demo at one go, you'll have a better idea of your production/musical style.
b) if you're not a musician, get help. Get a band or get some producer. It's not wrong. You might be a rap maestro but you are not expected to be a producer too. So scout around for original beat maker, you might get yourself a hit.
c) last resort : if you're not a musician, and you have absolutely no music contacts, you may want to buy your music online. But high chances, the US$70-US$250 megaclub-track that you just bought with your father's or friend's credit card is also used by somebody else elsewhere. Stick to A or B.
3) Who's going to be on your demo?
You might want to give your friends a boost and feature them in your demo, and/or you might want to work with other musicians/rappers/singers to give it variety. Our advice, choose wisely. A guest can make or break your song.
Go safe with
- close rapper friends with tight rhymes/flow
- an established/older rapper/crew to boost you, help you with your song
- a singer who can actually sing to be featured on your choruses
Its important to work together so that the song can be real good and a true group effort. You can't go wrong with the three suggestions but if you have wilder ideas like feauring a poet or sax player from your school band, by all means, live your dreams.
Where are you going to record?
This one is kinda tricky. Sound quality is tough when you're on a budget, and worse if you have no knowledge about it. There's the recording, the adlibs, the mixing and engineering, and mastering. It is the Sound Engineer's responsibilty to overlook all of that and during recording, try to pick it up from him and tell him if it doesn't sound good. Bring hiphop CDs to the studio if the guy happens to have only recorded alternative bands, he might not be familiar with how hiphop music should sound like when recording emcees.
Oh, about the question. There are many small studios that can offer recording and mixing at reasonable prices. The bigger your group, the less money each of you have to come up with, but the more will be spent on recording. Always be prepared, practise really hard and know what you're going to do for your vocals and adlibs, so that you can finish it fast and be satisfied about it.
We'll share some home studios that are currently available with you soon.
5) When you're done recording all your tracks, what do you do?
Do not share it with friends or make courtesy copies for people. No, do not do that. Release 1 REALLY GOOD track as an mp3 and let everybody preview what it is about. Email us (65hope@gmail.com), we'll be more than pleased to help promote your work!
The suggestions above do not necessarily guarantee you stardom but its sensible. We hope it will somehow help you to start off your mini rap career. More HOW TO entries soon. Good luck! :)
