Recording an album with band members can be challenging. How can you keep conflicts from ruining the process?

I have found most of the roles that will be needed in the studio have already been defined in the band. Bands are useless at sitting down and discussing this sort of thing. The songwriter or writers will have a large say in what the direction will be for the tune. I would say the most important role in the room when making a record is the Producer. if the band want to self produce then the person with the most experience could assume the role. As individual advice don’t take it personally if your idea doesn’t fly, it’s all subjective. Have a sense of humour! If the room is full of conflicting personalities, you are probably in the wrong room. Be careful how you disagree. If someone has an idea, let them try it. Be kind be respectful.

I agree wholeheartedly with rhe last statement. Keeping the overall creative flow of the session is more important than stroking egos. A good producer will know when it's time to throw a wet towel over an exchange of musical ideas. It is challenging but important to remember not to fix things that aren't broken. A non hostile work environment is paramount and that is largely dependant on who is allowed to participate in the session from the start. It is a balancing act between creativity , personality conflicts, and raw talent.

In the studio time is money. Try to be prepared for the session. Practice all the arrangements ahead of time. Discuss any changes. Most of all, be a good listener.

Taking breaks is important. The bigger the project the more important they become. I found that working for five days with a day off was the minimum. The more fatigued you are the more likely small disagreements can flare into genuine rows. Put down a take or two then go and listen to it and discuss it’s good and bad points. Look for things that you can keep and without criticism suggest maybe a certain part could be changed just to see what happens. Keep an open mind that’s very important. Just because it’s a digital recording, don’t depend too much on it being fixed by engineer. Feel and vibe have a way of finding their way onto the track. Don’t ignore them.

Positive reinforcement is important. Be careful not to single out one player above the others and praise them while ignoring the solid work someone else has done. I learned a technique from Producer Tom Dowd when you want someone to change their part. You don’t call them out over the Talk back, you go into the room, go to each player individually and tell all the other players that you love what they’re doing. Then go to the guy who you need to play something different and quietly explain what you need. Egos are fragile and no one wants to be called out as the one getting it wrong.