When do you start the recording process? When is it time to capture your music? I always recommend that a band play out as much as possible first. Pay attention to your audience closely while you play, or better yet, have your manager take notes during the show. You’ll want to take note of when the crowd was excited, when they looked lost or bored, and when you almost had them. (you can have someone film your show on their phone or digital camera as well) Look at what the audience is doing in relation to what you are doing as well as what the music is doing. Try and figure out what needs to be adjusted and make those changes.

Are your lyrics coming across properly?

If your audience appears to be lost, maybe looking at the lyrics and finding another way of getting your point across.

Is there a problem with the arrangement?

If you see that the audience is head-banging during your verses but seem to stop during your hooks, maybe you need to try some other guitar licks or some other instrument to take over with a cool rhythm that will keep people in the mood.

Is there a section that you want people to clap with?

Decide where those sections are, and make your arrangement worthy of it. Maybe it’s dropping every instrument out so it’s only drums and vocals.

Consider every performance a CD rehearsal. Keep working at your songs and adjusting them until you get everything to where your audience is with you every second. Once you’re at that point, come into the studio and capture it!!!