Less is often more when it comes to recording productions. Space is necessary or you get a mind-numbing muddled sound stew instead of a mind-blowing sound tapestry. This is true in all genres or catagories of musical projects.

Sonic information is best delivered in digestible chunks. Where instruments and vocals DON’T play and sing are as important as where they DO. Space can create a wonderful anticipation and draw the listener’s ear into rapt attention. There are many ways to achieve this space, such as

• Drop some instrumentation. At certain points (verse, breakdown chorus are common places), pare the instrumentation down to just an instrument or two or percussive rhythm. When instruments come in, they should do so without stepping on each other or the vocal. This space should help with creating dynamics that bring authentic emotion to the recording.

• There should be a consideration of frequencies instruments are playing. Too many instruments in the same frequency range sounds like jumbled up noise instead of music.

• Studio musicians should compliment each other in a team effort, not play like soloists vying for attention. A well-chosen, pro studio band doing this is a beautiful sight to see and hear. They communicate with each other and strive for creative, yet well-coordinated efforts, guided and encouraged by a good band leader and producer.

• Make sure background vocals are arranged in a similar way… to enhance the production, not to take attention away from the lead singer. Instruments playing licks, where the actual chord changes take place, how many layers should be sung for effect, etc. and the sound needed for the genre itself need to be taken into account. Sometimes it’s best NOT to do a three part chord and substitute octaves, unison or duet treatment to a part of the song. This also gives the feeling of space. Correctly done, a production is greatly improved by strategic background vocals. Too many of them or having them in the wrong places can kill a production. Most of the time, btw, its best to get a veteran pro background singer to create strategic arrangements, subject to you and your producer’s approval.

• Limit vocal licks. Lead vocal embellishments (scats, licks, melodic variations) should be used with discretion. Gifted recording artists- especially great voices- need to be watched over by a discerning producer to make sure any vocal embellishments enhance and do not distract to deliver the authentic emotional performance. Too many licks numbs the listener’s ear and heart.  I know you’re good, but space, please.

• Get a mix with space. Your mix engineer should, among other things, take care not to “wad everything up in the middle” when mixing the tracks. An expert mix engineer will know how to space and pan things, assign the right space-making reverb plates and eq and edit out anything that conflicts.

Music without space is just noise. Spread out.. give time… make room for the song to breathe. Create a sonic tapestry that begs to be played again!

*Helpful tip:

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