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· THE F18 TEAM

How to Prepare for Your First Studio Session

Your first time in a professional studio should feel exciting, not stressful. The artists who get the best results are usually the ones who prepared well before they walked in. Use this checklist to make every minute of your session count.

Armchair and bookshelf in the F18 studio lounge corner, next to a condenser mic, under soft purple light

Before the Day

Know your song inside out. Learn your lyrics, melody and structure until you don't need to think about them. Studio time is for capturing your best performance, not for writing the second verse.

Bring your beat or instrumental in good quality. A WAV file is best. If you have the separate parts (stems), bring those too; they give the engineer more options later.

Gather references. Pick two or three released songs that sound the way you want yours to sound. References help the engineer and producer understand your vision quickly.

Decide what you want to finish. One song done properly is better than three half‑finished ones. Tell us your goal when you book so we can plan the session around it.

Choose the right session length. At F18 sessions run for 2, 4 or 6 hours. If you're planning harmonies, ad‑libs or several takes, give yourself the extra time.

Look After Your Voice

  • Get a good night's sleep before the session.
  • Drink plenty of water during the day.
  • Warm up before you arrive, with gentle humming or scales.
  • Avoid shouting or straining your voice the day before.

On the Day

Arrive on time. Your session starts at the booked time, so arriving early gives you a few minutes to settle in.

Bring your files on a USB stick or in a cloud link, plus your lyrics on your phone or printed out.

Bring headphones if you prefer your own, though we have monitoring ready for you.

Trust the engineer. Every F18 session includes an in‑house engineer who handles the technical side. Your job is to perform; ours is to capture it.

Take breaks. Your voice gets tired. Short breaks keep your performance fresh, and our studio lounge has tea and coffee.

After the Session

When the recording is done, your song still needs mixing and mastering before it's ready to release. You can order both online and upload your files through our secure link. Not sure which you need? Read our guide: Mixing vs Mastering: What's the Difference?

Quick Checklist

  • Lyrics and melody learned
  • Beat or instrumental as a WAV (plus stems if you have them)
  • Two or three reference tracks
  • Clear goal for the session
  • Voice rested and warmed up
  • Water and lyrics with you

Want Advice Before You Book?

Book a free 15‑minute consultation with Kaey. We'll talk through your song and recommend the best session for you.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own engineer?

No. Every F18 studio session includes an in‑house engineer.

Can I bring friends to my session?

Yes, but keep it small so you can focus. You're responsible for your guests while they're in the studio.

What if I need to cancel?

Cancel at least 2 weeks before your session for a full refund. You can reschedule up to 1 week before. See our Refund Policy.

I'm under 18. Can I book?

Yes, with a parent or guardian's consent. They'll need to sign our consent form and stay with you for the whole session.

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