Juggling Studio Roles, How to stay focused when doing it all? Options

[Bonzo3]

I've been wondering why it takes me so long to get from start to finish when making music – and in many ways the answer is obvious: when you're acting as writer, musician, producer and sound technician for the same song, of course it takes time.

However, I feel that one problem with performing all these roles is the difficulty in staying focused. I'm sure I can't be the only one who writes a song with a certain production or instrumentation in mind, and then gets bogged down mid-song by worrying about how I'm going to achieve that sound, rather than leaving this problem to someone else. I think this is particularly a problem when you use programming software as your composition tool, rather than just a production tool.

I'm sure that all of these roles get a little easier through pracitice and experience, but I'd love to hear from anyone how has tips on how to juggle these roles and take things a step at a time, rather than chasing your tail.

All the best,

Bonzo

[Dr. Harmonica]

I don't know about you but for me it's a one step at a time procedure. First I write the song and I don't worry about the recording process yet. Just if the tune can stand up on it's own with just a acoustic guitar or piano. If I'm happy with the tune and arrangement then comes the recording process. First naturally comes the rhythm tracks. The bass and drums, rhythm guitar, keyboards, what ever. Then a scratch vocal. Then lead instruments and sweetening. When all the tracks are done it's time to mix. Does it take a lot of time. of course because one person is doing the job of several one bit at a time. I suppose the trick is to focus on each task one at a time. When your the singer....you are only the singer. when your being the engineer, your only the engineer etc. Focus on the task at hand. When you wear your producer hat then look at the big picture but change hats often. There is no quick way to do everything because everything takes as much time as it takes so......take your time

cheers....Dr. Harmonica