5 Reasons to Record with Sessions Musicians Instead of Your Band

Okay, we know this is a hot take; let us explain. We’re not here to win over those of you who are sold on bringing in each member of your band to make your record! Some of you have co-invented your sound with your band and feel your collective electric energy and collaboratively-constructed public image is as important as anything else about your record. If you wouldn’t dream of hiring a studio’s session players over your own, and we totally respect it. However, if you’re having some doubts, we want to make a case.

Whether you’re feeling entirely bogged down by the impending logistical tornado, questioning your band’s level of commitment, professionalism, or even skillset, or you’re just looking to save some money, keep reading! If you’re an artist who patches a new band together for every gig, or usually plays solo acoustic shows but are looking for a more filled-out sound for your record, this could be the most important blog you read for your music all year. Here are five cases for going with a studio’s session musician(s) when recording your big new project. 

1. Cost-Effectiveness

As rising independent musicians, navigating a tight budget begs the constant question, how do we cut costs without sacrificing the quality of our musical product? Studio time, mixing and mastering, distribution, artwork and photoshoots, merch, tours and live show costs… it all adds up faster than we think.

At Studio 45b, our award-winning producer and engineer, Grady James, plays all instruments you would need on your track. If there’s something he doesn’t play, he knows exactly who to call. We roll Grady’s playing costs into your studio package, saving you hundreds of dollars on session musicians. 

We’ve seen lots of artists with friends who are happy to “play for free,” but we’ve also seen a lot of those favors go sideways. Just like anything else, the work we are paid for tends to get bumped to the top of the priority list in terms of prep, professionalism, and commitment, and the rest tends to fall to the bottom. 

2. Logistics

If you’ve ever been called the “mom” of the band, this one’s for you! If you’re the vocalist, and we can’t stress this enough, you are not the manager of your band. Many bands underestimate how difficult it is to coordinate uninterrupted time for every member to be present, prepared, and playing for your project. Conventional studio sessions are held during working hours, and accommodating multiple schedules almost always proves more difficult than we think. We’ve seen too many bands waste time in the studio tracking down other members, or working through the record in a less-than-intuitive instrumental order of operations due to logistical nightmares. 

Going with your studio’s session musician(s) gives you reassurance that the professionalism, logistics of being present when necessary, and level of commitment are built into the job. You are entirely freed up to immerse yourself in the creative process and focus on the musical job you have to do. 

3. Skillset

We’ve seen artists excitedly bring in musicians they previously watched absolutely shred on stage, only for the player to fall flat in the recording booth. Being a great player does not equate to being a great session player. 

These session musicians are masters at their instruments. However, they have also quite literally spent their lives honing their craft in this exact setting. With a studio’s session musicians, you are getting top-of-the-line musicians to elevate your music and bring the kind of live passion and energy into the recording studio and throughout your record.

4.  Time Efficiency 

Being able to quickly and easily pivot with new ideas is crucial and makes for a fun and creative session. Session musicians have an unparalleled ability to bounce around between songs and sections, get the take, get creative with the extra time, and keep things moving. Ultimately the efficiency not only helps with the creative flow but also saves you time and in turn, of course, money. 

5. New Connections and Expertise

One of the biggest benefits of working with session musicians in the studio is that they show up to every session equipped with their wide-ranging experience in recording with all kinds of artists in all kinds of genres. They have played and seen what works and what doesn’t, and often have a lot of valuable insight and perspectives to color your music. Not only that, but you are forging new connections and creating a new group of people who are invested in what you are doing; a built-in support network who have connections and support systems of their own. 

At Studio 45b, we have found that when people come in and work with Grady, his playing and musical instincts often inspire new creative ideas and directions for their music. What’s more, Studio 45b has created our own family of musicians and network of industry professionals that we are proud to connect with every artist who walks into the studio. Send us a message and let’s set up a session today.

***Written by Singer/Songwriter Kayla Lunden ***