For artists the battle has always raged between the desire for complete artistic freedom and the need to work within a limiting set of rules. Some people insist that creativity and limits are mutually exclusive. I would argue the opposite: people are never more creative than when forced to work within limitations. Limits generate their own kind of creative freedom. Don’t believe me?

With the state of today’s economy, everyone is looking to save cash and cut corners wherever they can. Songwriters and producers are no exception. Instead of paying by the hour at expensive recording studios, they’re turning to the home recording set up as a way to save money and avoid time-constraints. Having a comfortable space to let the creative juices flow and lay down recordings is great way to keep churning out music during these rough economic times. Today’s topic covers a key component in any home recording set up: Acoustic treatments.

Holiday shopping season is upon us and with the state of the economy, this year’s theme is save cash wherever you can. That means getting more bang for your buck. For songwriters and producers who run a home studio, the wish list of hot gear items seems to last all year long. While many of you may be dreaming of a shiny new pro tools rig, a smooth condenser vocal mic, or a trusted name-brand piece of vintage outboard gear, I’m here to tell you that this is the year to think on a smaller scale. But that’s OK, because there are several key pieces that are both essential to any recording studio and also cost under $100.

The rise of the home recording studio has had a huge impact on the way we produce music. These days songwriters have become do-it-yourself recordists with an affordable DAW, a few mics and a pair of monitor speakers. I’d like to share a simple tip for getting the most out of your performance on a recording when you’re playing the roles of artist, engineer, producer and studio assistant all at the same time.