Finally getting a chance to negotiate with an investor or client is both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially if you need to create a presentation to impress them and convince them to work with you. Aside from your content, you also need to make sure that you have the right office ambiance that will make your client or investor comfortable. If you want your presentation to go as smoothly as possible, there are some office hacks you can do.
Office Hacks to Impress Your Clients and Investors
If you are preparing for a big presentation to close a deal with a client or investor, here are some office hacks you can use to create an inviting office ambiance that will put your guests in a positive mood:
1. Use coffee scent to elevate the ambiance – Several studies have proven how the scent of coffee can lighten up the mood in the room and boost brainpower. Brewing coffee while presenting will both benefit you and your guests, creating a more positive environment in the room.
2. Choose an area with the best lighting – Lighting also plays a huge factor in people’s impressions and perceptions. If you want to leave a positive mark on your guests, install better lighting.
3. Add plants – Plants create a refreshing ambiance and better air circulation, making it an effective tool in breaking awkwardness and tension.
4. Rent an office space – If you have no time to redecorate your office, you can hire a furnished private office space where you can invite your clients or investors. If you are looking for inspiration or suggestions, you should consider the private office space for rent in Singapore. Singapore has modern office setups that is both impressive and work conducive, making them ideal for hosting meetings and conducting presentations for client negotiations.
There are different types of water suction machines, and these include submersible pumps and reciprocating pumps. Submersible pumps are used for low-head tasks. They use a reciprocating plunger that pushes liquid out of the discharge valve during its forward stroke. The advantage of these pumps is that they require less operating space, and can be mounted at any height. There are also some disadvantages to these pumps.
These pumps have a single-stage piston that moves the fluid. They use a curved spiral around the core. These pumps are lightweight and run on AA batteries. They also feature an auto-stop valve that prevents overflowing. They also come with a built-in clip so that you can attach them to a container. These pumps are usually quite powerful. However, you should always remember to read the manual before using a submersible pump.
Portable suction machines depend on a few key technologies. One of the most important features of these machines is their batteries, which can be either rechargeable or disposable. Similarly, they have a vacuum pump. The pump is located inside the aspirator, and it creates negative pressure. The collector canister is connected to the pump by connection tubing. The connection tubing should never touch the contents of the collection canister.
There are two types of submersible water pumps. A submersible pump features an electric motor close to the turbine pump. This eliminates the need for a long drive shaft and bearing retainers. Its location is above the motor, and water enters through a screen between the motor and pump. The impellers of these pumps are enclosed to avoid the oxidation of the shaft in the electric motor, which reduces their efficiency.
The most important factor to consider when buying a water pump is the suction head. This refers to the height of the pump. A high suction head is necessary to remove large volumes of water, while a low one is best for small jobs. If you need a high-powered pump, it will be necessary to consider the Total Head Lift (THL) of the pump. This is the vertical height of the pump that dispenses the fluid from the source to the final destination.
Positive-displacement pumps are positive-displacement pumps that can produce the same amount of fluid regardless of the discharge pressure. They are also called constant-flow machines, as they need a small clearance between the rotating pump and the outer edge of the unit. As the discharge pressure rises, the pump keeps producing flow, but if the valve is closed, it will not stop. Therefore, the discharge line will remain in a partial vacuum, causing the pump to fail. https://draintechplumbing.ca
A centrifugal pump is not designed to handle gas and vapours, and therefore it is not recommended for high-volume operations. Despite its low-pressure capabilities, centrifugal pumps are very effective in pumping water from various surfaces, including pipes and reservoirs. Some of them even have a removable canister for the secretions. Whether you need a sanitary pump or a portable one, a centrifugal pump will meet your needs.
These types of water suction machines are essential for a variety of situations. In case of a flooded basement, a portable water pump is essential for emergency situations. It uses a suction tube to draw in water and push it out of the flooded area. Many types of portable suction machines are battery-powered and can be used anywhere. These are especially useful for patients with tracheostomies or chronic illnesses.
The most common type of water suction machine is the centrifugal pump. This pump can be used to remove water from an excavation site. The centrifugal pump uses a circular motion to move water. Its suction hose is long. It is a good choice for a residential or golf course. The machine will help to clear mud, while the centrifugal pump can work in a commercial setting. Drain Tech Plumbing
There are two main types of water suction machines. Some are self-contained and others are portable and stationary. The rotary type is more expensive and more durable, but the peristaltic pump can be difficult to clean. Besides, it is very difficult to clean the inside of a hose when the nozzle is not fully attached to a ring. The axial type is more costly, while the radial type is more convenient for the environment.
Overtimes and overnights are sometimes necessary to pull off an event that is vital to your company’s success. There are instances when it is better for employees to temporarily stay and sleep in the office than to travel home to rest as traveling eats up the time that should be dedicated for rest. During a company’s crucial season, it is imperative to offer your employees a flexible workspace so they will remain productive and comfortable despite the hectic schedule. If you want to have an idea of what an ideal flexible working space has, an excellent example is a flexible workspace in Singapore.
Elements of a Flexible Workspace
Creating a flexible workspace requires you to install office amenities for the employees to have a decent place to rest and relax. Here are some of the office amenities you can put in the office:
1. Sleeping area – If your employees need to stay overnight, there should be a dedicated sleeping quarter where they can rest. The sleeping quarters do not have to be fancy, sleeping bags should be enough, as long as the ventilation is right and the room is far from noisy areas.
2. Locker – If your employees are staying in the office, they should have a locker where they can safely leave their belongings.
3. Shower – A shower should be available for those who want to freshen up after a long tiring day. A shower is also important for employees to maintain good hygiene, especially if they are sharing the sleeping area with other employees.
A flexible workspace is important in keeping employees’ morale high during difficult work situations, making it beneficial to the company and employees alike. A flexible working space is also helpful in boosting employees’ creativity as it provides a comfortable environment where employees can think outside the box.
Overtimes and overnights are sometimes necessary to pull off an event that is vital to your company’s success. There are instances when it is better for employees to temporarily stay and sleep in the office than to travel home to rest as traveling eats up the time that should be dedicated for rest. During a company’s crucial season, it is imperative to offer your employees a flexible workspace so they will remain productive and comfortable despite the hectic schedule. If you want to have an idea of what an ideal flexible working space has, an excellent example is a flexible workspace in Singapore.
Elements of a Flexible Workspace
Creating a flexible workspace requires you to install office amenities for the employees to have a decent place to rest and relax. Here are some of the office amenities you can put in the office:
1. Sleeping area – If your employees need to stay overnight, there should be a dedicated sleeping quarter where they can rest. The sleeping quarters do not have to be fancy, sleeping bags should be enough, as long as the ventilation is right and the room is far from noisy areas.
2. Locker – If your employees are staying in the office, they should have a locker where they can safely leave their belongings.
3. Shower – A shower should be available for those who want to freshen up after a long tiring day. A shower is also important for employees to maintain good hygiene, especially if they are sharing the sleeping area with other employees.
A flexible workspace is important in keeping employees’ morale high during difficult work situations, making it beneficial to the company and employees alike. A flexible working space is also helpful in boosting employees’ creativity as it provides a comfortable environment where employees can think outside the box.
A travel agent is a person who provides travel services to the general public. Before the internet, travel agents were the most important part of the booking process. They handled all of the details, acted as a liaison between the company and the customer, and helped the customer obtain deals they couldn’t find elsewhere. Today, the role of the travel agent is declining, however. Despite the recent upheaval, this type of professional is still highly valued.
Online travel agencies, or OTAs, are websites that cater to consumers’ needs. The OTA market is highly competitive. In order to succeed, OTAs must provide the best service and stay updated with the latest technological developments. Listed below are some strategies that online travel agencies can implement to expand their reach and expand their business. Here are some: (a) OTAs are a good place to start a business.
To increase the number of customers, travel agencies must set up distribution channels. Using metasearch engines can help them gain exposure. These services aggregate deals from different supplier websites and OTAs, allowing travelers to compare prices and pick the best deal. Combined with search engine optimization and online advertising, these services create a powerful distribution channel. In addition, many people use these sites to browse deals and compare prices. Often, travel agencies get featured on a pay-per-click model, a model that can be successful.
While the travel industry has seen plenty of downturns in the past, it has weathered many of them, from 9/11 to the Great Recession. Unlike traditional businesses, online travel services have an established presence on the internet. Because people can easily leave reviews, testimonials, and reviews, users can trust them. Social media sites such as Facebook and TripAdvisor allow travelers to share their experiences. Paid advertisements are also possible, but they would cost hundreds of dollars per advertisement.
These sites allow consumers to compare prices for similar products and services. Moreover, OTAs have an exclusive listing of tour operators and activities in a particular location. As a result, they can book their desired travel experience and save time and money. Some travel websites even have dynamic packaging to keep their visitors interested. Whether the service is an ecotourism provider or a traditional tourist, it is important to have a presence on the internet. http://hampizzanachos22.raidersfanteamshop.com/
The travel industry has changed dramatically in the last decade. Previously, people had to rely on local travel agencies, but in the digital age, people can access thousands of travel companies with the click of a button. Besides, many travel companies specialize in specific markets, and many are more affordable than traditional travel agents. So, if you’re traveling to the Caribbean, consider booking a vacation with an OTA.
Using a travel agent is highly beneficial for certain types of travel. Luxury travel and group travel are two major industries in which the use of a travel agent is widespread. Their experience, expertise, and special business relationships make them the best choice for these kinds of trips. Moreover, they are highly helpful for corporate and group travelers, who may not be able to arrange the trip themselves. In addition, ACTA members have access to a variety of useful resources and can assist their customers in planning their holiday.
The travel industry has changed dramatically on a global level. OTAs must implement new strategies to attract and retain clients. Maintaining the status quo is not enough. Keeping up with the latest innovations is vital to the success of a travel agency. You can’t afford to miss the chance to explore the world. If you’re unsure of what you need, an OTA can help you find it and book it for you. http://hampizzanachos22.lucialpiazzale.com/
The travel industry is extremely competitive. Big companies with 100 years of experience have failed. However, they still have the benefit of a reputation for professionalism and expertise. Hence, if you have a reputation for providing quality service, your clients will be loyal to you. They can also be trusted with any type of trip. Therefore, it is crucial for you to find an agent who is reliable and can meet your requirements.
The importance of dental hygiene for children from an early age is often overlooked, but good habits begin at home. As a parent, it is important to teach your child how to brush and floss their teeth. It is also important to model healthy diet habits for optimal oral health. Using positive language when talking about dental visits and dental hygiene for children will also help them feel more comfortable when visiting the dentist. A warm washcloth can help them feel more involved in the process.
The first dental visit should be at about six months old, but you should begin at an earlier age. At this age, your child should be able to speak and eat normally. This means brushing their teeth twice a day with plain water. You should avoid sharing drinks and food with your child. Make sure you inspect your baby’s teeth often for irregular white or brown spots. If there is an irregularity in the color of the teeth, it is important to make an appointment with a dentist.
Tooth decay is a very common problem for children who have visible teeth. Teaching your child to brush and floss their teeth at an early age will ensure they have a healthy mouth for their entire life. It is especially important to begin regular dental hygiene for children before they get their first tooth. Infants are born with their primary teeth under the gum line and can have tooth decay before they even have their first tooth! You can start teaching your child the basics of oral hygiene at an early age and watch for a healthier smile as your child gets older.
Brushing and flossing teeth daily is essential for your child’s overall health. Keeping their teeth clean is important for a child’s development, and you can encourage this by providing them with the right tools for the task. By using fluoride toothpaste, kids can get a boost in their confidence. It is important to remember to spit out the toothpaste properly, especially if it contains small particles of the substance.
Your child should brush their teeth daily, even if they are young. It is important to take care of their teeth from an early age as they grow into teenagers. In addition to brushing their teeth at home, it is also important to take care of their mouths at home. They may not be able to do this as well as you do, so it is essential to provide them with mouth guards to protect their teeth. https://yolotheme.com/forums/users/babynamesdiary/
Good oral hygiene starts even before the first tooth appears. In the second trimester of pregnancy, teeth begin to develop. At birth, a baby has 20 primary teeth. After the first tooth appears, babies should be brushed with a damp washcloth. Flossing is recommended once a child’s two-year-old teeth touch. When teething starts, the child should begin brushing and spit. The use of water can lead to swallowing the toothpaste.
Starting dental hygiene for children at an early age is very important. It is important for your child to brush their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes, and to see a dentist every six months. By the time your child reaches the middle school years, they should have a full set of 20 baby teeth. At that point, it is important to stop using pacifiers and stop thumbsucking. Checking for cavities is an important part of dental hygiene for children. http://community.getvideostream.com/user/babynamesdiary
The first tooth usually appears between six and eight months of age. Until then, it is best to continue brushing the gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush. After that, change to a soft-bristle toothbrush. Always brush for two minutes each time. Flossing is an essential part of an oral care routine for children and should begin as early as possible. Until the first tooth appears, parents should slowly start weaning the child from the bottle. By the time the child is drinking from a sippy cup, they should learn to brush their tongues.
The suffering of parents when their children reach puberty is a common problem. While it is difficult to be without your child, this is the beginning of your child’s transformation into an adult. Your stress levels may contribute to negative behaviors. You need to learn to accept this change and be confident in your parenting abilities. To help your child, it’s important to know about puberty, and how it affects your child.
As your child reaches puberty, he or she is going through a difficult transition period. Your child’s voice box will change and so will their energy levels and moods. They will also be trying to develop their own identity. During this time, your child will be exploring the world outside of the family. They may also discover their sexual or gender identity through romantic relationships. However, it’s not always easy for parents to cope with these changes.
While these feelings may seem normal and common, they are still a result of a child’s environment. For example, children may be sensitive to changes in body size and shape, but if a parent is unable to change these changes, they are likely to make their child feel anxious. In addition to this, the anxiety parents experience can affect the child, so it’s important for parents to stay positive. It is important to remember that puberty is a time of transition, and it is normal to feel a bit lost.
While this time is an exciting time for children, it’s also a stressful time for parents. It’s not just a physical transition for your child – it’s also a period of change for both. The transition from a child to an adult is not easy, and there are many changes you can make as a parent. Fortunately, you can still do plenty for your child during this phase. You can send a message of safety to your child and show them you’re there for them.
While the effects of puberty can be long-term, it is important to recognize the mental and emotional health implications of early and late development. It is not uncommon for a boy to begin earlier than a girl, and both genders are at risk for mental and physical illnesses. While early-developing boys face fewer challenges than girls, later-developing boys may also have issues. The suffering of parents when their children reach puberty para: Some of the greatest challenges for boys come from late development. While it’s common for boys to develop before their peers, girls will face more psychological problems and be more likely to develop in a similar way. If they don’t grow up at the same pace as their peers, the problems can have lasting psychological consequences. https://yolotheme.com/forums/users/babynamesdiary/
Early puberty is a common condition for both boys and girls. A child’s age at first can be affected by the nature of the child’s environment. A child’s family environment affects how early their children will reach their puberty. In the United States, girls who have a biological father are twice as likely to develop early. While the impact of divorce on boys is less common, the suffering of mothers and their children is often more acute.
A child’s early puberty is particularly stressful for girls. Females experience menarche at age 12 and the first ejaculation at age 13. It is not uncommon for a boy to experience depression and substance abuse. In addition, a child’s gender may begin developing earlier than that of their peers. The stress of early puberty is not only physical, but also psychological. http://community.getvideostream.com/user/babynamesdiary
The suffering of parents when their children reach puberty is not just emotional. It can also affect the child’s mental health. This is why the process is important. The child’s development is a time of great joy for both of you. But it can be difficult for parents to cope with early puberty. As a result, it’s important to learn about the psychological effects of early puberty.
Developing a culinary industry is a great way to promote a city’s identity. It is a growing industry, and there are several ways to promote it. The government should create regulations to encourage the growth of local food and cooking cultures. These initiatives can become the main attraction of a city, thereby generating economic activity. Also, the culinary industry can help improve the image of a country, attracting tourists to the area.
In developing a culinary tourism strategy, the government should support the local food industry. Depending on the location, this may include the establishment of tourism attractions. The tourism industry, including the hospitality industry, is crucial for the development of a community. For example, if the tourism industry is supported by the government, it can help boost public welfare. The tourism industry, which includes hotels and entertainment objects, can benefit from a culinary tourism strategy. By promoting the culture and cuisine of a region, international visitors can discover its unique culture and taste.
The government can help by implementing policies that will foster culinary development. For instance, the tourism industry, through the local government, can encourage regional developers to adopt local development strategies that harness traditional local resources. Such a strategy can help develop a region and attract more tourists. In the long run, this could also lead to economic growth in the region. This approach may also help improve the economy of a region by bringing in new businesses to the area.
While the culinary tourism strategy will benefit the local economy, it can also harm the cultural identity of a community. Many locals may be forced to leave their communities due to the pressure of tourists, causing higher prices for goods and services. Ultimately, this can destroy a country’s unique character. This is not the case, however, as any type of tourism industry can benefit from this approach. So, the best way to promote a culinary industry is to build a strategic partnership with a city or country.
The culinary industry offers the potential to boost local economies and enhance tourism. It can also create new jobs. For example, if a region has a strong gastronomic heritage, it can attract more foreign tourists. This can help the local economy, too. Creating a more vibrant local economy will be a great way to improve the economy and help the economy grow. It will also boost the local community. It will help them develop a greater sense of identity.
Authentic culinary products can portray a destination’s identity and culture and can increase local income. The development of culinary tourism in the Amhara National Regional State in Ethiopia is still a complex process, and it faces many challenges. A food-based business can help the economy to grow and become more competitive, while increasing local revenue. If the food-producing industries are thriving, they will provide a great service to tourists. spanishchef.net
A well-developed culinary industry will increase local economies and promote the health of local people. The tourism industry will help businesses grow. It will also boost tourism. It will also benefit the environment and indigenous food. In addition to its economic benefits, culinary tourism will help boost the local economy. Taking advantage of this opportunity will help the region grow economically and contribute to the development of the community. So, if you want to learn how to develop a food business, there is no better time than now to start!
In addition to enhancing local economies, culinary tourism will also enhance cultural heritage. The development of a gastronomic industry will create jobs and boost economic activity in a region. The food industry will also benefit the local communities and the region. This will create a more vibrant and prosperous community. By fostering the culinary industry, local businesses can make more money. The Ministry of Tourism in Indonesia will also promote the gastronomy in its regions. https://www.beatstars.com/spanishchef/about
A well-developed culinary industry can also boost the economy of a region. It can also improve the quality of life of local communities and attract tourists. As a result, the tourism industry will grow and expand. It will improve local businesses and increase visitors. It will also help local governments. In addition to the increased revenue and profits, it will also boost the local economy. This is a great way to attract more tourists.
For many, this is where the real fun starts. You’ve written your song, recorded the parts, and now it’s time to sit back, relax, and turn this track into a masterpiece. Knowing how to mix well is an art form that takes years of learning and practice. But that doesn’t stop anybody from doing it, and you should feel free to dive right in and start exploring the possibilities.
Mixing is the process of combining all the instruments you’ve recorded into a stereo 2-track mix (left-right or surround if that’s your thing). A good mix will let you hear all the instruments clearly and with detail. It will have depth and motion. It will sound good and support the intention of the music.
Mixing is a world unto its own and many people choose to focus on just this aspect of the music making process. I like to think of it as being the conductor of an orchestra where you get to decide exactly how everything is going to sound: which instruments will be louder than others, where they will be on the stereo spectrum, which will sound up front and which will sound far back, what effects will be used and when.
The amount of decisions that are made during the mixing process numbers in the thousands, and the final mix has an enormous impact on the way your song will be interpreted. A good mix will help people appreciate your song for the genius that it is.
Mixing is a subject that requires much more space than we have here, but a good start would be this video series where you can learn how to start mixing with plugins . If you’re a total newbie and aren’t yet familiar with the various effects used in mixing, check out Sound Basics – a video series to get you started.
We’ll get more into mixing in future articles, but even the first step of adjusting the volume of all your tracks so they blend well is part of the mixing process. Start there and the more you learn about how to mix properly, the more control you’ll have over how your final track will sound.
MASTERING
Mastering has traditionally been treated as its own stage. But for many bedroom producers, it’s simply become the last part of the mixing stage. For most of you reading this it’s probably the latter, but it’s still helpful to know how it came about.
When recording an album, artists sometimes use various studios, producers and engineers for different songs. The result is that each song will have its own sound, sonically. Mastering is the process of making all those songs sound coherent and part of the same album. A good mastering engineer has impeccable ears and equipment, and will correct any minor deficiencies in the mix that the mixing engineer might have missed due to the sound of his/her room. He’ll also raise the level of all the tracks so they’re “hot” (loud) and even in volume. By putting each song through the same mastering gear and adjusting to the same level, it makes them sound more like they are coming from the same album.
Since many bedroom musicians and producers record tracks individually without any intention to combine them into a longer album, the role of the mastering engineer is reduced as there is no need to make a collection of songs sound coherent. The function is then boiled down to making the final mix sound accurate – meaning it will translate the sound as intended on different playback systems – and to bring up the level as hot as the artist wants it.
There are many software tools that allow you to master your own tracks. So unless there’s a budget for a separate mastering engineer, many people choose to let their mixing engineer take care of this last part, or do it themselves if they’re mixing their own music.
As with anything, a professional is always going to do the job best. But you can “fake it” with a good chain of plugins and the right presets.
CODA
I come from a more traditional singer/songwriter background and tend to think about music production in that way. Many electronic producers, DJs and hip-hop artists will probably have an approach that differs in many ways, but the concepts we’re talking about here are mostly universal. It doesn’t matter what style of music you make, there are still fundamental issues involved in making that music sound good. And no matter what your goals are, we can all agree that we want our music to sound good.
There are only two ways I know of to get better at making music: learning and doing. Whether playing an instrument or learning how to mix and produce, there is infinite knowledge out there and no excuse for not soaking it up. But it’s not enough to learn. You need to practice the things you’re learning. Make music without any intention. Press record and see what comes out. Then try and make it sound good. By doing this over and over, you’ll build up your technique and can work effectively whenever you have a message you want to get across.
Music production is simply the process of making music. The more comfortable you are with the process, the easier it will be for you to make the music, and to make it sound good.
Let’s start by defining the process of music production by separating it into six basic stages:
Songwriting Arranging Tracking Editing Mixing Mastering These are by no means set in stone, and are based entirely on how I personally like to think about the process. The breakdown is meant to be used as a general guideline to help organize the process in our minds. Many times, we do a few of these at once (e.g. songwriting and arranging, tracking and editing and mixing, etc.). But on average, these are the general steps taken to produce a track – consciously or not – and it’s helpful to understand what goes into each stage so we can execute it properly and get the best results.
SONGWRITING
What it does it mean to write a song when so much of today’s music is wordless? This is a great question for another article. But for our purposes, let’s say that songwriting is the process of putting musical ideas together to form a larger structure of coherent melody, harmony and rhythm. It’s the process of brainstorming that results in a beginning, middle and end.
What makes a good song? This is also highly debatable, but a question I’m more willing to take on. A good song in terms of content will depend on the listener and what they’re drawn to. It’s totally subjective. However, a good song in terms of craft can be identified more objectively, and will usually have all the elements listed above (i.e. melody, harmony, rhythm, beginning, middle, and end) and will be put together in a way that’s pleasantly recognizable while still being creative and true to the message of the music. When it comes to lyrics, I like to think of prosody – how the lyrics and music work together to support each other. It’s not enough to have good lyrics from a literary perspective. They also need to sound musical when the singer sings them.
A good song will develop as it goes along, taking us on a familiar path littered with surprises along the way to make sure we’re listening. The melody (what the singer sings) will fit with the harmony (what the guitars, bass and synths mostly play) in a way that’s pleasing to the ear, using repetition to help the listener get used to the chord progression before transitioning to the next section and a different set of chord progressions. A good song will also have a good sense of rhythm and can make your foot tap with the groove, whether or not there’s a drummer playing.
For many people the songwriting process is tied into the tracking process as they start with a drum loop and build from there, recording new ideas on top of each other until they end up with a finished song. Even though this may be a different method than the singer/songwriter who sits with their guitar and notebook to sketch out a tune, the result should still be evaluated according to the same guidelines: Are the melody and harmony catchy enough to stay in your head after the song is done? Does the track keep your attention with new ideas as it develops? Does it groove?
Taking away all other aspects of the production, if you had to play the song bare with only one instrument and a vocal (or just an instrument), is it a good song? If not, the rest won’t matter very much. But get this one right from the start and the rest will roll out with ease.
ARRANGING
Of all the stages of music production, arranging is perhaps the least understood and most neglected. When a song has a good beat and melody but gets too repetitive after a while, this is usually a problem of arrangement. It’s the arrangement that makes a song interesting.
In very simple terms, the arrangement of a song refers to the selection of instruments playing in each section – how they’re “arranged” – and how the sections themselves are arranged within the larger timeline of the song.
If you’ve written a great verse and chorus, it’s not enough to just play them over and over, one after the other on repeat. There needs to be a buildup of some sort. For example, the 1st verse only has guitar and vocal, the 2nd verse adds the bass and drums, and the 1st chorus adds the synths and vocal harmonies. This is the arrangement of the various instruments within the song.
And just because you introduced an instrument doesn’t mean it should stay there the whole time. Sometimes you only want a certain instrument playing during the pre-chorus, or you’ll bring it in during the second half of the final chorus for climactic impact, or you’ll have a part playing only on the left side for the first half of the verse and then in stereo for the second half. The possibilities are endless. What’s important is to keep things moving. Even subtle additions can add a lot of interest for the listener, whether they realize it or not.
There’s also the question of how many sections to include. I like to judge by feel. You can usually feel when a section has reached its limits, or if you need to change something up to keep people interested. Again, the song should always be moving, even if it’s very subtle. Instruments should come in and out, building in energy, introducing twists and turns along the way. You can also talk about arrangement at the level of the harmony and what kind of chord voicings you’re using.
Whenever I think about the arrangement, I first try and pick out the one or two elements that are most important to the song and what I want the listener to focus on. Then I listen to the track and ask: What else could I do here to vary it up? Does it need anything else? Sometimes the right answer is to leave it alone. Knowing when to do this is what makes a great producer.
TRACKING
Now we bring the gear in. Since the recording process can refer to many things, we’ll stick to calling this stage “tracking”, and the goal is to capture a performance of the song.
A song exists in the ether. It’s just a collection of musical thoughts. What makes it tangible is a recording of that song at a certain point in time. Playing a song live would make it communicable, but it wouldn’t be tangible as the song would disappear when it’s over. It’s the recording that captures the song in a format that can be listened to continuously at will.
Tracking is the process of recording the various instruments that are used to perform a song. Usually, a song is recorded one track at a time. Every time you record a new track, you hear all the other ones you’ve recorded as well. This is the process of multi-track recording.
Why is it important to think of tracking as a separate process than songwriting? Because songwriting is a different kind of focus than performing. When you’re writing, you want your mind to be free to make all kinds of new associations and connections, so you experiment without any editing. However, when performing a song – for posterity, nonetheless – you need to use your mind to concentrate in a very different way. You need to be focused on playing in time and with the right feeling.
Although you have many editing options for fixing mistakes and helping a performance, there is a limit to what you can do while still having it sound natural, and nothing beats having a superior performance to begin with. If you try and combine the writing and performing into one process, then typically both suffer. To maximize the impact of your song, it’s best to focus on each one separately.
When you push record, give the performance of your life and think about nothing else. Every time.
In today’s music-making world, the only rule is there are no rules. Record whatever you want and use it as a sample. Automate effects in ways never imagined before. Mix rhythms and genres to create beats and melodies that go further and create new categories of music all their own.
However, just because you can do anything in music doesn’t mean you should.
No matter what type of music you make, you want it to be good music. You want other people to enjoy listening to your tracks, to hear the message clearly and to not be distracted by a bad recording or weak playing. Like a chef with a kitchen full of ingredients, there are myriad ways to put your masterpiece together, and it’s very easy to muck it up.
The goal of this column is to help you understand the process of making music from beginning to end, so you can create tracks that meet a standard of quality by which we call “good music”, regardless of style. With each article, I’ll try and give you new ways of thinking about your approach to making music, which you can apply however you want. What’s important is that you understand the process and tools at your disposal, so it will be easier to construct a quality track that delivers your message as intended.
