Field Note #2: How to Prep for Your First Vocal Session
So you’ve booked your first vocal session — congrats! Whether you’re laying down a track for Spotify, recording vocals for film, or just dipping your toes into studio life, walking in prepared makes all the difference.
Here at Sound Farm in Charleston, we’ve hosted everyone from first-timers to seasoned artists, and we’ve learned a few things about what helps you have a smooth, productive, and genuinely fun day in the studio.
Let’s talk about how to get ready — Charleston style.
1. Get familiar with the studio vibe
Here in Charleston, we like to work serious — but we also believe comfort = better takes. At Sound Farm you’ll find world-class acoustics (thanks to designer Wes Lachot and build team Brett Acoustics) and a relaxed, collaborative environment.
Arrive a little early, check out the lounge, grab a drink, and get comfortable before you hit the mic. Feeling good before you start makes a real difference. Warm up on your drive over — a few lip trills, hums, or scales will do wonders.
2. Rehearse and know your material
Even if you’re working with a producer or vocal coach, it pays to come in knowing your lyrics, melody, and phrasing. Take time before your session to:
Practice standing up like you’re performing live
Record yourself and listen back for any rough spots
Print or save your lyrics clearly (with sections labeled — verse, chorus, bridge, etc.)
Pro tip: bring extra lyric printouts or send a PDF ahead of time. It helps your engineer follow along and stay on the same page when talking about specific vocal lines.
3. Send your files early
This one’s huge — and the #1 thing that keeps sessions running on time.
Before the day of your session, email your engineer:
The key and BPM of your song
Your beat, instrumental, or stems (preferably WAVs, not MP3s)
Any demo or reference track for tone or vibe
We love hearing what you’re going for before you arrive — it helps us dial in the mic chain, headphone mix, and session layout before you even walk in.
If you’re using a YouTube instrumental, it’s super easy to rip and send yourself (and saves you from doing it last-minute in the studio).
4. Look after your voice and body
This is non-negotiable. Some of the best tips:
Get a good night’s sleep the day before. (Voices.com)
Stay well hydrated — room-temperature water is best. (SoundGirls.org) In Charleston’s humidity and heat, keep your vocal chords comfortable — we have water, honey, tea if you like!
Avoid heavy dairy, excessive caffeine or alcohol the day of. (Backstage)
Eat before you come — but not too much! Being hungry mid-session is the fastest way to lose focus and energy, but being too full can weigh your voice down. Eat something light before your session — enough to fuel your brain, not knock you out.
And hey, real talk — show up a few minutes early if you need to hit the bathroom first. You’ll thank yourself later.
5. Choose your session time wisely
Your voice has natural peak hours. Early morning isn’t always ideal, especially if you’ve just arrived in town the night before or had a late-night set. (Berklee Online) If you’re not a morning person, don’t force an early slot — your tone and energy matter.
At Sound Farm, we’ll help you schedule your session when you feel freshest — morning, afternoon, or night.
6. Bring references and ideas
If you have a specific sound or vibe in mind — maybe you love the vocal tone on a certain Billie Eilish or Chris Stapleton song — bring that reference! We love when artists come in with examples. It helps us match mic choice, tone, and mix direction to your taste.
You can even share your demos or practice recordings ahead of time by emailing them to contact@soundfarm.studio — it gives us a head start on setup.
7. Communicate during the session
Recording vocals isn’t about getting a perfect take on the first try — it’s about capturing the feeling
Your engineer and producer are your teammates. If something feels off in your headphones, if you want to try a different take, or if you just need a quick break — say it. We’re here to make you sound your best, and that means listening to what you need. We always say: “If it feels good, it sounds good.”
8. Plan for what happens after
Once your takes are done, we’ll move into editing and mixing. If you want tuned, radio-ready vocals, isolated stems, or social-ready video content, just let us know ahead of time.
We can tailor your session for whatever your next step is — from Spotify release to live content.
9. Enjoy it
Recording your first vocal session should feel exciting, not stressful. You’re creating something real — something that lasts.
We’ve built this studio to make artists feel at home. Whether you’re cutting your debut single or just experimenting with your sound, we’re here to help you capture it — comfortably, creatively, and confidently.
And if you’re local to Charleston, don’t rush off after. Celebrate a little — grab a bite downtown, walk the pier, or just sit in your car and replay your first session on your phone. You did it!
Book your next vocal session in Charleston
Ready to put your prep to work? Whether you’re an emerging artist, podcaster, or voice actor, Sound Farm is designed to help you record comfortably and confidently.
We offer professional vocal booths, live rooms, Source-Connect for remote direction, and all the Lowcountry charm you could ask for.
📍 Sound Farm Recording Studio – Charleston, SC
📩 Book now: contact@soundfarm.studio