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These days, with so much emphasis on the gear and technical aspects of the recording process, one of the most important parts is too often overlooked. Whether as an artist or on the other side of the glass, acting as a producer or engineer, you are far less effective if you are not taking care of your own mental and physical wellness. There are, of course, practical and physical things one can do, such as stretching, breathing exercises, short breaks, walks around the block, and eating healthfully. But another important part of being your best self involves what's between your ears. Perspective, attitude, gratitude, and self-esteem are essential!
Below, is a collection of articles focused on some of the non-musical aspects of making records. You may find it worth a read.
Enjoy!
-Geoff Stanfield
Online Publisher
If there was a Grammy awarded for comparing one's life with others and then suffering about it, I'd be a superstar by now. I have a long history of picking up a magazine, such as this one, comparing my life and my "success" with who is featured in it, and then feeling awful about myself. I'll have thoughts like: "I wish I had their studio.” Or, “Their career is better than mine. Look at their achievements; what have I done? What's wrong with me that I don't...
https://tapeop.com/interviews/160/what-success-music/
The Mental Health of Making Records
Making records has been both blissful and traumatic for me. I've made records with people (and in environments) so un-fun it could make a horrifying night on ayahuasca seem like a family trip to the ice cream parlor. I won't bore you with horror stories, but my overall point is that making records can be hard on our mental health, and your mental health can deeply affect your ability to make these records. These two are not separate. My goal in writing this piece is...
https://tapeop.com/interviews/149/mental-health-making-records/
Mindfulness in the Recording Studio
Making records can be messier than a baby's face while eating ice cream. We make plans, but nothing goes accordingly. Gear explodes at random, the bass player shows up a week late to the session because he forgets what band he's in, and the keyboardist's partner spills a $15 green juice on the console. The song we spent eight months writing – and swore was a hit – turns out to make a cat's screech sound like the London symphony. Lastly, what did we need a...
https://tapeop.com/interviews/154/mindfulness-recording-studio/
Studio Fatigue: Fade Out Fatigue
Feeling weary, in and out of the studio? Limiting stressors and establishing healthy habits can keep your body in tune and help you beat fatigue.
If you're reading this, odds are you're not part of the 8-5-workday world. Quite likely, you put in at least the occasional 12- or 14-hour day in the studio, breaking only for a quick meal. You might return home, exhausted, long after most people have called it a day, then collapse into bed until it's time to do it all over again...
https://tapeop.com/tutorials/58/studio-fatigue/
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