One of the most common questions solo artists ask when stepping into a recording studio is simple but important: "How many hours will I need?" The honest answer is that it depends on what stage your music is at and what you want to walk away with. In North London’s competitive studio scene in 2026, understanding this upfront can save you money, time, and creative frustration.
Let’s break it down clearly, from vocals-only sessions to full production and release-ready mixes.
Singing Over a Backing Track or Beat
If you're a solo artist coming in with a fully finished backing track or beat, your studio time will mostly be focused on vocal recording and light editing.
For most artists, this typically takes:
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1–3 hours per song for recording vocals
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Additional time if harmonies, doubles, or ad-libs are involved
In North London studios, you’re usually looking at £60 to £175 per song for this type of session, depending on:
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Studio quality and reputation
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Whether an engineer is included
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Number of vocal takes and layers
If you’ve rehearsed your vocals well and know your lyrics inside out, this can often be completed efficiently in a single session. Artists who come in underprepared, however, may find the clock working against them.
Creating the Music and Recording Vocals
If you’re starting from scratch — building the music and recording vocals in the studio — you’ll need more time. This process includes:
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Beat or instrumental creation
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Arrangement and structure
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Vocal recording
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Initial production decisions
This type of project usually takes 4–10 hours per song, sometimes spread over multiple sessions. The creative process naturally involves experimentation, revisions, and collaboration, which adds time but often leads to a stronger final result.
For this level of work in North London, solo artists can expect to pay between £175 and £400 per song. The price reflects:
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Producer involvement
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Studio equipment and acoustics
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Time spent crafting a unique sound rather than using a pre-made beat
This option is ideal if you want something tailored specifically to your voice and artistic identity.
Mixing and Mastering a Home-Recorded Track
Many solo artists now record vocals at home and come to a professional studio for mixing and mastering. If your recordings are clean and well-organised, this can be a smart and cost-effective choice.
Mixing and mastering typically requires:
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2–5 hours per song
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Additional time for revisions if needed
To achieve an industry-standard, release-ready sound suitable for all major streaming platforms, prices in North London generally range from £120 to £320 per song.
This stage is crucial. Even a great performance can fall flat without professional mixing and mastering. This is where clarity, loudness, balance, and polish are finalised.
So, How Many Hours Do You Need?
Ask yourself:
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Am I recording vocals only, or creating music too?
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Am I prepared and rehearsed?
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Do I want a demo, or a commercial release?
The more preparation you bring, the fewer hours you’ll need — and the better your results will be.
Our Studio Prices for Singers can be found here.
Working With Experienced North London Studios
We work with a select group of recording studios in North London, and have been supporting artists from all musical styles for over 25 years. From first-time solo artists to seasoned performers, we’ve seen how the right studio environment and clear expectations can transform a recording session.
In 2026, studio time is not just about hours — it’s about value, guidance, and outcome. Knowing what stage your song is at before you book is the key to getting the most from your investment.
If you walk in with clarity, preparation, and the right studio support, those hours will work for you — not against you.