Serve The Song

Songwriting Tips for DIY Musicians

Write a Killer Live Setlist

Posted by Brian Casel  |  February 5, 2009  |  30 COMMENTS

There is nothing more exhilarating and worthwhile than putting on a killer live performance. It’s the single most effective way to convert new fans and win over your audience. But before you let your musical beast loose up on stage, there is a lot to consider when preparing for your show.

Today I’m going to discuss how to construct your set list to ensure a successful concert from the opening song to the encore. Many artists and bands who are just starting out in their gigging career tend to overlook the importance of considering the order of songs in your set. Don’t make this mistake. Craft your setlists wisely!

The Importance of Using Scratch Tracks in Recording and Music Production

Posted by Brian Casel  |  January 12, 2009  |  1 COMMENT

The art of producing songs in the studio involves a tremendous amount of patience and focus. Songwriters should strive to achieve a recording that will be appreciated for many years to come. Crafting and perfecting your production process is different for everyone. It’s important to be aware of what works and what doesn’t. Learn from past experience and always strive to make progress creatively, technically, and professionally.

Today, I want to discuss the importance of using scratch tracks. Scratch tracks are recorded parts of a song that have not been perfected yet. They are meant to be rough takes, not to be used in the final mix. In this article I’ll talk about how using scratch tracks are crucial part of a successful production process. I’ll also go over how to use playlists to easily record multiple takes in Pro Tools.