Having just completed the last vocal on my band's new cd, I have been struck by how differently the recording process has been for me this time than last. For one thing, I have felt more in control and happier with the results. I wonder if that is because of experience or the approach that I took, which was much more forgiving.

For this cd, I laid a scratch vocal down with the band, but then overdubbed the final vocal on every song. Also, during the overdub, I did not attempt to do the entire song in one go, but did it piece by piece got it right and then moved on. If I needed to punch in a line, that was fine with me. I sang the a capella piece straight through to keep the continuity.

On the last cd, I would have considered this use of overdubbing and punching a cop out because I "should" be able to sing it through flawlessly. Everytime I did it, I felt a twinge of failure. I had preconceptions that doing it in one go made it more authentic. Now, I view recording as just that... creating a recording... not doing a show. I have learned to come back in matching the spirit, tone, and breath, and I consider this a skill. I also have the words in front of me when I record, and find this gives one part of my brain a rest so that I can concentrate on singing. By doing a song bit by bit, I give full attention to the part I am singing and stop worrying about the entire song. That frees me and helps me sing better. I think I made a better product this way and after all I am making a cd, and who is watching how I do it.

So, this said... I really look forward to hearing what others have done and if they have made transitions this way, or the other.