Stepping into a recording studio for the first time is an exciting milestone for any band. Recording an EP feels like making your music “official” — capturing songs you’ve rehearsed countless times and turning them into something permanent. However, the difference between a smooth, productive session and a stressful one often comes down to preparation. The more work you do before entering the studio, the better your recordings — and your experience — will be.
One of the most important habits a band can develop is recording rehearsals, even if it’s just on a phone. High-quality audio isn’t the goal here; clarity and perspective are. Listening back to rehearsal recordings allows you to hear your songs as a listener rather than a player. You’ll quickly notice whether arrangements work, if sections feel too long, or if transitions are unclear. This process helps iron out issues long before studio time, where changes can cost valuable hours and money. Knowing your arrangements inside out prevents unforeseen song edits during recording, which can disrupt momentum and performance.
Preparation also means being as well rehearsed as possible. The studio is not the place to learn parts or experiment endlessly with structures. While creativity is always welcome, the core of each song should already be locked in. Tight performances come from repetition, confidence, and muscle memory — and those things only happen in the rehearsal room. The more comfortable you are with your material, the more relaxed and expressive your performances will be when the red light comes on.
Another overlooked but crucial factor is rest. Recording can be mentally and physically demanding, especially when you’re trying to deliver multiple takes at a high level. An early night before a studio session is far more valuable than “loosening up” at the bar. Turning up tired, dehydrated, or hungover rarely leads to great takes. Save the celebrations for after the session — your future self (and your recordings) will thank you.
Communication with your engineer is another key part of a successful recording experience. If possible, send rehearsal recordings or demos ahead of time. This gives the engineer a chance to familiarise themselves with your songs, understand the arrangements, and anticipate what you’ll need. With this knowledge, they can prepare default session templates in the DAW, plan microphone choices, and think ahead about tones and workflow. This preparation can save a significant amount of time on the day and help the session run efficiently from the moment you arrive.
At Select Recording Studios, we place a strong emphasis on preparation and efficiency. For band recordings, we often set up the drum kit the day before the session. This means that when the band arrives, we can be recording within 15 minutes rather than spending the first hour building and tuning a kit. That extra time can be the difference between rushing performances and capturing takes you’re genuinely proud of. Our goal is to keep the focus on creativity and performance, not technical delays.
Budget is always an important consideration when recording an EP. Costs can vary depending on factors such as the number of songs, time required, and level of production. Typically, the price to record a band EP can range from £750 to £1,600, depending on the band’s budget and needs. A well-prepared band will always get more value for their money, as less time is spent fixing issues that could have been resolved beforehand.
Ultimately, recording your first EP should be an exciting and rewarding experience. Preparation, rest, communication, and professionalism all play a major role in achieving the best possible results. By recording rehearsals, finalising arrangements, looking after yourselves, and working closely with your engineer, you set yourselves up for success.
Your first EP is more than just a recording — it’s a snapshot of who you are as a band at that moment in time. Treat the process with care, respect the preparation, and the studio will become a place where your songs truly come to life.