In the past I've written many End Rants about how I expect recordists to treat their clients. But I've also stumbled across many online forums where I've see recording engineers and producers bitching about musicians and sessions. This End Rant is not me complaining about my sessions and clients. I have taught myself to communicate well and keep a good attitude. As a result I enjoy myself in the studio, even if it involves hard work. This Rant is for musicians heading into the studio, and how to get more out of recording sessions by treating their recordist with the same respect that they are (or should be) bringing to you. This is also not exclusive to "professional" studio situations; I've seen lots of abuse and confusion when a hobbyist opens their studio to a friend. So take note of this guide for any recording collaboration.
Set working hours, and stick to them. This allows everyone to plan for a life outside of the session. Hint: Shorter days will make people show up on time and stay to the end. Long, open-ended sessions frequently means sitting around for hours waiting for people to arrive.
Don't show up ridiculously early. I've had clients show up an hour before their scheduled time, wanting to start loading in, and asking me where to set up before I've even cleaned up the studio or had my coffee! You're basically asking for free studio time if you do this.
Don't continually ask your recordist if they like the material you are recording. The fact that they have already agreed to work on your music should be your answer.
When booking the session, ask what the recordists' preferred means of communication is. I prefer to book and prepare for my session via email, so I can keep a record of what we will be doing. Phone calls can be handy for sorting out an overall approach or needs of a session, but getting something written down helps. My personal worst is getting various phone calls, texts, Facebook messages, and emails for the same session, and never being able to collate the info in one place for my reference.
Work out financial details long before you enter the studio. Make sure you understand what the rates are, how to pay, and when money is due. Make sure you understand what a deposit means, if they have one, and what the terms are. If someone gives you a discount of any sort, note that and be appreciative, but do not request that discount on your next booking. The majority of discounts are on a case by case basis and are not meant to infer a new, lower set rate.
If you've hired a producer/engineer with experience, let them set the pace and flow of the session. Don't push them faster just because you might be feeling nervous or worried. A pro will have budgeted time correctly; trust that you are in good hands.
Let the recordist work on your sounds, or mix, for some degree of time before making suggestions. Give them time to listen to a song all the way though before trying to explain everything you think about a song or mix. Let them ask the first question; frequently it will also answer many that you already have.
Recordists need to eat, breathe, use the restroom, and sometimes even take short breaks just like everyone else. Studio time can be expensive, but the most productive sessions I've seen include breather moments, where everyone can stretch and take care of needs. As the client, it is a courtesy to extend a moment to your recordist. Trust that you will still be getting your money's worth by allowing a brief down moment.
Keep conversations in the control room to a minimum while work is going on. Talk quietly, if you talk at all. There's a common situation where the recordist keeps turning up the monitors, and the unrelated conversation on the couch gets louder as well. Don't make your engineer have to shut you up just to hear what the player in the other room is saying or to hear a mix.
Respect personal space. Recordists need it as much as you do. Before two of you grab chairs and hem the engineer in at the console, ask if that is okay. It's probably not, as they need to access the patchbay, outboard gear, and live room. If they are taking a short food break, consider leaving them alone for a few minutes instead of loading them with your thoughts about the next round of overdubs. There will be a time for this.