Be Wary of Unsolicited Advice. (Except, of course, when it's from me.)
Monday, October 31, 2011 at 11:48PM 
I got an email the other day that asked, basically, "I'm about to start making my own record. Do you have any advice for me as I plan and begin recording?" I thought my answer might be a worthwhile post. Feel free to discuss, disagree, add thoughts, in the comments section.
Hey Leonard*
Thanks for the email. That's a big question right there. I could write a book to answer. Maybe someday I will...
But really quickly, I'd say to make sure you run your songs by your friends/harshest critics before you begin. Somebody who's not afraid to tell you the song is too high, too long, too vague, too slow, etc... And listen to that feedback and try whatever they suggest. If you hate it, ignore it, but give it all a shot. You never know.
And also, I say "too high, too long, too vague and too slow" because those are the main issues with most songs. If things aren't hitting as hard as you like, start with that list. Ask yourself, very honestly, if it could possibly be one or more of those things that's the issue.
Don't be afraid to throw away something you've worked hard on. If it's not good, it's not good. No amount of hard work will equal a great experience for the listener, though you won't give them a great experience without the hard work!!!
Always lean on less songs with better quality.
When EQ'ing, always take away the offensive frequencies before adding anything. And unless it's a bass instrument, cut everything below 100hz on every channel. You'll be shocked at how this makes everything fit together.
The more instruments on the track, the harder it is to make everything make sense. Try to do more with each instrument so you need less things overall. Mute with joyful abandon!
Hope that little bit can help!
*name may have been changed to something awesome.
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