REQUIRED READING TO ENSURE A GREAT EXPERIENCE

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• If you are allergic to cats or candles, tell me immediately!

• Vocalists should warm up and hydrate before arriving. Do not drink cold liquids after you warm up—that has the opposite effect.

• Stringed instruments (guitars, violins, etc.) need fresh strings to avoid sounding "dead" in recordings, but they also need time to settle after you change them. Old strings will not have a full frequency response, and I cannot boost frequencies that don't exist. Know your instrument and plan accordingly. (Bring your old strings for recycling.)

• Be rested, and caffeinated if necessary.

• Bring a printed copy of your lyrics and chord chart for me to keep. If you use a capo, provide the actual chords—for example, a capo on the second fret turns a C Major into a D Major, and I need to know what the chord sounds like, not what it looks like.

• Plan your day around your studio session so that you are not rushed.

• Dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. I cannot run the A/C while recording, as that noise gets picked up by the microphones.

• If you can't be on time, be a few minutes early.

• You may park anywhere in the driveway that is not blocked by a traffic cone.

• If you're sick, you must notify me. I will gladly reschedule your session.

• There is a smoking area outside the studio.

• Photography is encouraged! Please tag @theratfactorystudio.

• You will need a Discord account. This is how you will receive your mixes and give me feedback.

• For singer-songwriters, your song will probably be completed over three separate sessions: (1st) record the basics of your song and discuss your vision; (2nd) record lead vocals; (3rd) record harmonies and additional vocals. In between those sessions, I will construct your band (drums, bass, strings, etc.) and send you mixes for your approval.