This was the year that I got slapped in the face by my ignorance of recording music.

Well, that may be a bit dramatic. But honestly, I’ve been trying to record my first album since September ‘07. I went into the process clueless and I’m coming out of it much wiser and with a much deeper respect and understanding of how difficult it can be to get that “perfect” sound.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that with today’s technology there are many cheap ways to get around the $30-50/hr fees you’ll have to spend at a professional recording studio. For anyone trying to save a buck the best invention of the 21st Century is by far the sound-editing software Audacity. This thing is the equivalent of mana from heaven. And this time I am not being dramatic.

Why am I raving about this software? Well, mostly because it’s free, and for the average Joe with not a lot of cash this program provides more than enough extra features to alter, manipulate, and perfect your original music. As with any editing software, the only catch is that the material you produce will always depend on the quality of your recording.

In order to get quality sound you’re faced with pretty much two options: 1) Pay for your own mics, mixers, etc. and set up shop in your house, or 2) Just suck it up and go into a professional recording studio.

Although I am currently recording at a studio, I have found a way to somewhat avoid the above options but still create some tracks at home in my pajamas. The loophole I discovered is a little pedal known as the DigiTech JamMan. This baby lets you plug right in for picture perfect sound quality, it has a big hard drive that allows for multiple layering, and it’s biggest plus is that it allows you to export any recorded tracks onto your computer. Once the tracks are on your computer, Audacity becomes your best friend, allowing you to alter the tracks in whatever way you fancy.

For your listening pleasure I’ve included an instrumental track I recording at home using the above methods. Enjoy.

Chaos (featured on “Into Tomorrow”, the debut album by Aomi)

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