Hey there, independent vocal artists and aspiring rappers! Recording vocals can be a tricky process, and as a beatmaker and producer, I’ve seen many artists fall into common pitfalls that hold their music back from its full potential. Below, I share 6 common mistakes to avoid when recording rap vocals, so you can make sure your vocals stand out and deliver a polished performance.
1. Not Having a Clear Plan Before Getting in the Booth
One of the biggest mistakes I see rappers make is not having a clear plan before entering the booth. It’s important to have a clear idea of the song structure, lyrics, and flow before recording. This will save time and ensure that you’re able to deliver a polished performance in the booth.
Sure, some big names out there don’t write anything down anymore, and it works. But should you do that starting out? Probably not—unless it really works for you—AKA, you don’t write anything down and you’re not the only one that thinks your music is great 😉
2. Not Warming Up Properly
Just like athletes, rappers and vocal artists need to warm up before recording. Not warming up properly can lead to a lack of energy and passion in your performance. Take some time to warm up your voice, practice your flow, and get into the zone before hitting the record button.
3. Not Paying Attention to Microphone Position, Room Ambience, etc.
Position
One of the most common mistakes that rappers make when recording is neglecting microphone technique. The position of the microphone in comparison to your mouth, as well as the distance between you and the microphone, can greatly affect the final sound of your vocals.
Delivery
Speak clearly, and avoid shouting or getting too close to the microphone. This can prevent distortion or a lack of clarity in your performance. It’s also important to find the right microphone for your voice, as different microphones have different characteristics and may suit some voices better than others.
Room Accoustics
Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the room you’re recording in and how it may affect the sound of your vocals. Recording in a room with poor acoustics or a lot of echo can cause your vocals to sound muddy or unclear. Some simple solutions to this include using a pop filter, which helps to reduce plosive sounds, and using acoustic treatment to reduce echo and improve the sound of the room.
Overall, paying attention to microphone technique can greatly improve the sound of your vocals and make sure your performance stands out. With the right microphone and a bit of attention to detail, you can achieve a polished and professional sound in the booth.
4. The Mic is Too Hot!
Turn your input gain DOWN. If your recording is “clipping” (i.e. the waveform of the audio is cut off on the top and/or bottom), you’ll need to re-record. Digital clipping results in an awful distortion affect. Whether distortion is what you’re going for or not, NEVER have the raw recording of your vocals include distortion. You can always add it as an effect later.
Remember, you can always bring your vocals UP, but you can’t bring them down if you record them too loud.
5. Overthinking and not having fun
Recording can be stressful, and it’s easy to get caught up in overthinking every little detail. But remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, and enjoy the experience of creating something new.
6. Not listening to the final product
After recording, it’s important to take the time to listen to the final product. This will help you identify any mistakes or areas that need improvement, and will also give you a chance to make any necessary adjustments before the final mix.
And there you have it, aspiring rappers! With a little bit of preparation and practice, you’ll be able to avoid these common mistakes and vastly improve your music.
