- 1). Meet with the band or solo artist. If the artist isn't experienced, find out her expectations and goals for the song or album and don't be surprised by a false start. Find out what makes her comfortable in the studio, and help set a good vibe with a positive attitude, mellow lighting and possibly food and drink.
- 2). Find out if the artist wants to record with the band or separately. When he recorded James McMurtry, Sullivan recorded McMurtry's vocal and guitar and then added the band around him. Later he recorded another take of the songs with McMurtry and the full band as well, then kept whichever turned out best.
- 3). Get a good take on drums if you record the band's basic tracks all at once. You can always punch in mistakes on bass and guitar, but the drums need to be perfect in one complete take. Be ready to record the song several times if that's what you need to do to get the drum sound right.