How Producers Should Set Up Folders

You want your recording sessions to go smoothly. One of the best things you can do to make it happen is to organize your file folders. Then you can locate old work more easily and store new client files faster.

Start with one folder to house everything; name it “Recording Sessions” or something general and recognizable. Then, create a folder per client. In each client’s folder, you can add more folders to house audio files from each session. Date and name the files accordingly, then place them in the folder they belong to once you’re finished so they don’t get lost.

Eliminate the guess work. Work smarter, not harder, and stay organized. When clients ask to revisit old tracks, you don’t want to waste precious studio time scrolling through useless or forgotten files.

Use a Recording Template

You can record faster and sound better with a solid workflow. A recording template is a pre-configured Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) project that saves time by having tracks, effects, and routing already set up for recording sessions. While you don’t need a recording template for every client, a single template won’t fit every artist perfectly. 

Create a few well-designed templates that can be adapted to who you’re recording with. Set up your normalization, other plug-ins, compression, EQ, reverb and whatever else you want. Make it so you know your first take will always be up to your standards.

When you’re ready to start recording, find the key and BPM of the beat you’re using, then create a dedicated recording track to work in. This helps you work more quickly and keep up with whoever’s on the mic while using your recording template. 

Export Studio Session Files

For rough mixes, you can just send the MP3 files. But you also want to share your final session files with clients. Start by consolidating your files, then save in the designated folder. You might want to compress your file so it sends more easily. Finally, email the client what you promised.

All in all, you just need a steady workflow to anticipate client needs and be ready for whatever they bring. As a producer, you’re expected to provide a prime studio experience. One of the best things you can do to achieve that is come prepared and armed with your next steps. Stay organized, be adaptable, and make it happen. 

Shout out to this creator for the awesome resource that inspired this article.