How can you create a studio recording budget for your first album?

One of the first steps to define your goals should be to determine if you are ready to record an album versus a song. Don't tether yourself to old school thinking. Does your audience (not your parents) 'react' to the song(s)? Do you think the song could have legs through sync opportunities? If so what would be your targets? No matter the answer, do not go into the studio to write. Go in prepared and ready to record. Overdubs don't have to be done within the initial session. They can be done in home studios if possible. Get a scratch vocal and basic track down. Then imagine (big) what it could be like before recording more.

If it's a band project as opposed to a singer/songwriter where session musicians have to be hired, get your rehearsals organized, go over the songs until they feel comfortable and the band can cruise through the sessions. Then go to a good studio with a reputation for their tracks sounding great. Guitar/vocal overdubs can be done at a less expensive studio or on your own DAW. If the band is really together, you can cut a full album in about 10 hours. Do not think you can go into a nice studio and jam out the songs. That will always run you high dollars because it will never go quickly. Singer/songwriters, get together with some players first. Keep your arrangements as simple as possible and get things rehearsed, that'll keep your costs down

The idea of a studio budget is outdated thinking. Most artists record and produce at home nowadays. After the project goals have been defined in terms of production style, etc., and “demos” made (which could be all final tracks nowadays), the last thing to consider is what parts are to be replaced with real musicians. Most session musicians can record professional-sounding tracks at home now, including drummers. Hire the best producer you can afford, who will help you clarify your vision, and make a kickass demo that includes master-quality tracks (nothing stopping you from recording final vocals, for example), and then decide what real musicians you want to have play on the track, and then hire them to record remotely. Smarter money. ????

And budget for promotion. A 5-song EP which you promote to radio is much more valuable then a 10-song CD you paid $$$ to record with nothing left for promotion. If you're not going to promote the music, give it to your friends and family and get a day gig.

Dont spend 30, 40 thousand on a record out of the gate. Find your balance, your style, your voice. Comfort and clarity will allow you to succeed witout high money. Record with the budget, allow the budget to fit the project. Stop buying into the sharks lies in towns of broken dreams. Dont drain your accounts, your parents, grandparent's. Recording an album isnt Karokee. Trust this.

Very few artists require a full album for their first recording. Conversing with a professional and setting a business plan and goals that are achievable with the first recording should come before spending a large amount of money. A three song demo is what I would advise, professionally recorded and used to introduce the artist to industry professionals in their region.