FAQ

Our clients range from seasoned pros to living room singer-songwriters recording for the first time. These FAQs cover everything from the basics to more advanced topics.

Getting Started (Before You Book)

Q:
What should I bring to my session?
A:
Bring the instrument you’ll be recording (most artists bring an acoustic or electric guitar, or keys), along with anything you need to perform comfortably — lyrics on your phone or iPad, printed charts if you prefer, and a drink. Our studio is a small, focused space designed for singer-songwriters. You’ll record in the same room where we run the session, and we provide headphones and everything needed on the technical side. There’s seating for you and one guest if you’d like to bring someone along, as long as they’re able to stay quiet while we’re recording. That’s it — the goal is to keep things simple so you can focus on the performance.
Q:
How do I prepare for a recording session?
A:
Come in familiar with your songs and lyrics, and ready to perform them comfortably. Fresh strings can be nice but aren’t required, especially if you prefer a more muted tone. If you have reference tracks or general ideas for the sound, feel free to share them with us. No need to overthink it — the goal is simply to capture a relaxed, honest performance.
Q:
This is my first time recording — what should I know?
A:
No worries at all. We’ll guide you through the process step by step and keep things relaxed. You don’t need studio experience — just show up ready to play.
Q:
Where are you located?
A:
Songbird Recording is based in Kent, WA, USA. Sessions are by appointment only, and the exact address is shared once a session is booked. Most clients are local, but feel free to reach out if you have questions about travel or logistics.
Q:
Can I book multiple songs at once?
A:
Yes — you’re welcome to record multiple songs in a session. Each song is priced individually, so we’ll simply apply the per-song rate to however many tracks you’d like to work on.
Q:
How does pricing work (per song, what’s included)?
A:
Pricing is handled per song, rather than by the hour. Each package includes recording, mixing, and mastering for a single track. For full details on what’s included and current rates, please visit our Pricing page.
Q:
How long will a session take?
A:
Session length varies based on the number of songs and how much production is involved. Simple, stripped-down tracks tend to move quickly, while more layered projects take longer. We’ll talk through expectations ahead of time so there are no surprises.
Q:
How soon after tracking will I get mixes?
A:
Turnaround time varies depending on the song and how involved the production is. For simpler tracks (like guitar and voice), mixes can often be ready fairly quickly. More layered songs — with doubled guitars, harmonies, or additional production can take a bit longer. Since this is a part-time studio, timelines can vary, but we’ll always communicate clearly and let you know what to expect after tracking.
Q:
What if I need to reschedule or cancel?
A:
If you need to reschedule or cancel, please try to give at least 24 hours’ notice when possible. That helps us keep things running smoothly and open up time for other artists. Just reach out and we’ll figure it out.
Q:
What formats will my files be delivered in?
A:
Final mixes are delivered as high-quality, uncompressed WAV files, along with MP3s for easy listening and sharing. The WAV files are suitable for uploading to streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. If you need a specific format, bitrate, or file type, just let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Recording & Production Process

Q:
What is multi-tracking?
A:
Multi-tracking is the process of recording separate audio parts on individual tracks, allowing for independent editing, mixing, and layering.
Q:
Can I record to a click track?
A:
Some artists prefer to record with a click track — a metronome in your headphones that helps you stay precisely on beat. It’s a common practice, especially for keeping things tight in post-production. That said, not every song benefits from it. For tracks with dynamic tempo shifts or a more organic feel, a click can sometimes disrupt the vibe. Ultimately, it depends on the song — and your preference. If it works for the track, we’re happy to record with a click.
Q:
Should I practice to a click?
A:
Some tracks benefit from using a click, especially if we’ll be layering parts later, while others feel better without one. If you’ve never played along with a click or metronome before, spending a little time with one beforehand can be helpful — just in case we decide to record that way. But no worries if you don’t. We’ll talk it through during the session and choose what works best for the song.
Q:
What are overdubs?
A:
Overdubs are recordings added to an existing track to enhance or replace parts of the original performance. For example, if you record guitar and vocals, then later add a second guitar part or vocal harmony, those additions are considered overdubs.
Q:
What is mixing?
A:
Mixing is the process of blending individual audio tracks to create a balanced, polished version of a recording. For example, if a performer is recorded singing and playing guitar separately, mixing combines those tracks — adjusting levels, tone, and adding effects — to create a cohesive sound.
Q:
What is mastering?
A:
Mastering is the final stage of audio production, where the mixed track is refined to ensure it sounds its best on all playback systems. This includes shaping the tone, controlling dynamics, and raising the overall volume to a commercial level — so the song translates well on headphones, car speakers, streaming platforms, and more.
Q:
Can you add production elements and/or drum programming to a song?
A:
Definitely. We can add light production touches such as keys, percussion, background vocals, or other simple overdubs (see our Pricing page). If the production becomes more involved, there may be a small additional cost. Our goal is always to enhance the song without overproducing it, keeping both the sound and the budget true to our focus on capturing the heart of your performance.

After Recording & Deliverables

Q:
Can you provide stems?
A:
Stems are grouped audio tracks — such as vocals, drums, or guitars — exported separately from the full mix to make remixing, mastering, or further editing easier. We’re happy to provide stems upon request once your recording is complete.
Q:
Can I record with you and have someone else mix and/or master?
A:
Of course. While we include mixing and mastering, we’re happy to export your raw tracks if you’d prefer to handle that part elsewhere.
Q:
Can you just do mixing and mastering if I’ve recorded my own tracks?
A:
Yes, in most cases we can mix and master tracks you’ve recorded on your own. The main caveat is quality — if your recordings have very low signal levels or inconsistent volume, they can be more difficult to shape into a polished final mix. That said, we’ve even worked with live iPhone recordings and gotten great (if intentionally lo-fi) results. If the source material is reasonably solid, this approach usually works just fine.
Q:
Can I listen during mixing?
A:
In most cases, mixing is done on our end after the session rather than in real time with the artist present. This allows us to work more efficiently and make focused decisions. You’ll receive a draft mix to review and can share feedback or revision notes, which we’re happy to address.
Q:
How do we handle revisions after mixing?
A:
After mixing, we’ll send you a draft to review and share feedback. If you have revisions, it’s helpful to send them as a single, organized list, so we can address everything efficiently. We’re happy to make reasonable adjustments to get the mix where it needs to be, and we’ll let you know if anything starts to fall outside the original scope.

Studio Logistics & Session Details

Q:
Can we record with a phone/demo as a reference?
A:
Absolutely. Phone demos, voice memos, or rough recordings are totally fine as references. They’re helpful for capturing arrangement ideas, tempos, or feel, and we’ll use them as a guide during the session.
Q:
Can I film or record video during my session?
A:
Yes — filming or recording short videos during your session is totally fine. We just ask that it doesn’t interfere with the recording process or distract from the performance. Since the studio is a small, shared space, we’ll keep things simple and focused.
Q:
Can I bring a friend?
A:
Yes — you’re welcome to bring one friend. The studio is a small, shared space, and we record in the same room, so guests will need to stay quiet while we’re recording.
Q:
Can I bring family or kids to a session?
A:
The studio has space for one additional guest besides the artist, whether that’s a friend, bandmate, or family member. Because we record in a small, shared room, additional guests need to be able to stay quiet during takes. Unfortunately, the space isn’t well-suited for kids, so we generally can’t accommodate them during sessions.
Q:
Do you provide headphones/instruments/amps?
A:
We provide headphones and all necessary recording equipment. We also have a few guitars available, though most artists prefer to bring their own instrument. For electric guitar, we can either mic an amp (we have a Fender Princeton Reverb) or use virtual amps, which is often quicker and more flexible. You can check out our Studio page for a full overview of available gear.

Covers, Collaboration & Special Services

Q:
Can I record cover songs, and what about licensing?
A:
Yes — recording cover songs is totally fine and fairly common, especially for demos or booking gigs. If you plan to release a cover publicly (on streaming platforms or as part of an album), it’s the artist’s responsibility to secure the proper license, which usually involves a small fee. If you’re not sure where to start, we’re happy to point you in the right direction — services like Easy Song Licensing can make the process simple and affordable.
Q:
Can you help with songwriting or arranging?
A:
Absolutely — we love collaborating on songwriting and arranging. While it’s not included in our standard packages, we’re always open to working together in that way.
Q:
Do you offer remote sessions or online collaboration?
A:
Remote sessions and online collaboration may be possible, depending on the project. We haven’t standardized this yet, so availability and pricing are handled on a case-by-case basis. If you’re interested, reach out with some details and we can talk through what would make sense.

About the Studio / Our Approach

Q:
What inspired Songbird Recording?
A:
It started with hearing songs at open mics and thinking, someone should record this. Many of those artists had never been in a studio and didn’t plan to become professionals — but their songs still mattered. Songbird Recording was created to give singer-songwriters a simple, welcoming place to capture those performances without pressure or complexity, while still offering a focused, professional environment for more experienced artists as well.
Q:
If recording is so accessible now, why work with a studio?
A:
You’re right — it’s easier than ever to record at home. But a lot of singer-songwriters don’t want to juggle microphones, software, performance, and decision-making all at once. Working with a studio lets you focus fully on the song while someone else handles the technical side, listens objectively, and helps guide the process. Even artists who can record themselves often prefer having another set of ears and hands involved.
Q:
How and why are your prices so low compared to other studios?
A:
Our studio is much smaller — and our services far more focused — than those of a typical commercial recording facility. That focus allows us to specialize in one core thing, with a few variations: capturing the essence of a song for singer-songwriters, usually with just guitar and voice or keys and voice. We’re not set up for full band sessions. The upside? Mixing and mastering are included — something rarely (if ever) offered at traditional studios.