Industry Terms Explained
A Jargon busting reference sheetThe Music Industry has its own language. Here's what the words actually mean.
We work with all kinds of musicians
Some of our clients are seasoned touring artists who need tracks finished fast. Some are stepping into a studio for the first time. Some have been carrying a song in their head for twenty years and are finally ready to make it real.
We don't have one way of working. We design each project around you: your experience, your pace, your budget, and your goals. That might mean a quick, efficient session with files back within the week. It might mean taking time over every decision, learning as we go, spreading the work across months. Both are equally valid. We'll find the shape that fits.
Where are you starting from?
"I have an idea." A melody, a lyric, a feeling. It's not a finished song yet, but it's something. We'll help you shape it. Start at Stage 1.
"I have a song." You can play it through. You know how it goes. You just need it captured properly. Start at Stage 2.
"I have recordings." You've recorded something at home or elsewhere and need it mixed, polished, or finished. Start at Stage 3.
Not sure? That's fine too. Get in touch and we'll figure out where you are together. A first conversation is always free, no commitment, no pressure.
Stage 1: Shaping the Song
What's happening: We work together to turn your idea into something ready to record. That might mean finding the right structure, trying different keys or tempos, sketching out an arrangement, or making rough demo recordings to test ideas before committing.
What you bring: Your idea, in whatever form it exists. A voice note on your phone, a lyric scribbled down, a chord progression, a hum. There's no wrong starting point.
What you'll decide: What's the story? What's the mood? Who else might play on it? What does it sound like in your head?
Your role: This is your song. We'll offer ideas and suggestions, but you have the final say on every creative decision. If you want to explore slowly, we explore slowly. If you arrive knowing exactly what you want, we move.
Stage 2: Planning the Session
What's happening: We plan how to capture your song at its best. This is a conversation about practical details so your studio time is focused and productive.
What you bring: Your song (rehearsed and ready to perform), examples of music that captures the sound you're going for, and any thoughts about who you'd like playing on the recording.
What you'll decide: How many songs are we recording? What's the priority order if time gets tight? Do you need additional musicians or are you covering everything yourself?
What we'll discuss: Timeline and schedule, any musicians or collaborators to book, what the session day will look like so there are no surprises.
Good to know: This planning stage is included in your project. It's not an extra cost. Getting this right saves time (and money) in the studio.
Stage 3: The Recording Days)
What's happening: You perform. We capture it. We'll work through takes together, trying different approaches until we have what we need.
What you bring: Yourself, warmed up and rested. Your instrument if you're playing. Lyrics or charts if they help. Water and snacks. The energy you want on the record.
Your role: Perform. Listen back. Tell us what feels right and what doesn't. You're the artist. If something isn't working for you, say so. If you need a break, take one. If you want to try something unexpected, go for it.
What we handle: All the technical decisions: microphone choice, sound levels, signal routing, guiding you through takes, making sure we've captured everything before you leave.
Good to know: It doesn't need to be perfect in one take. We can combine the best moments from multiple performances. That's normal, most professional recording works this way. Some sessions take a few hours, some take a full day or more. We'll have discussed the scope beforehand so you know what to expect.
Stage 4: The Invisible Work
This is what happens after you leave the studio. You don't need to be present, but we'll keep you in the loop and send work-in-progress versions for your approval.
Editing: Cleaning up the raw recordings. Tightening timing, choosing the best moments from your takes, removing any unwanted noise. Preparing the ingredients before we cook.
Mixing: Balancing everything so it sounds like a finished song. Setting levels, adding depth and space, making each element sit right against the others. This is where a recording becomes a record.
Mastering: The final polish. Making sure your song sounds good everywhere (phone speakers, car, headphones, big system), sits at the right volume for streaming platforms, and is technically ready for release.
Your role: Listen to what we send you. Tell us what you love and what you'd change. This isn't a one-shot thing. We expect adjustments. Most projects go through a few rounds of feedback before everything feels right, and that's built into the process.
Turnaround: This varies by project scope and how busy our schedule is. For a straightforward single, expect masters back within 2–3 weeks of your session. Larger projects take longer. If you're working to a deadline (tour dates, a release window, sync brief), tell us upfront and we'll plan backwards from it.
Stage 5: Getting It Out There)
What's happening: Your music is finished. Now it needs artwork, credits, and uploading to a distributor so people can actually hear it.
What you'll need:
Cover artwork (we can connect you with designers, or supply your own)
Song titles, credits, and lyrics finalised
A release date in mind (aim for at least 4 weeks ahead to give platforms time to consider your music for playlists)
A distribution account (we'll advise on which option suits you)
What we provide: Unique track codes (ISRCs), files delivered in the right format for every platform, and guidance on the release process if it's new to you.
What you own: The release strategy is yours. When it comes out, how you promote it, where you focus your energy. We'll happily advise, but these are your decisions.
Working remotely? Stages 4 and 5 don't require you to be in the same room. If you're on tour, busy with life, or based further away, everything from mixing onwards can happen over email and file sharing. We'll send you listening links, you send back notes. It works.
Stage 4: The Invisible Work
We're collaborative. This is your project and you should understand every stage of it. Ask anything, any time.
We're flexible. Some projects happen in a single burst. Others unfold across months. We'll agree a plan that works with your life, your budget, and your creative process.
We're honest. If there's a better or cheaper way to get what you want, we'll tell you.
We care about how this feels. For full details on accessibility, wellbeing, safeguarding, and what to expect from us as people, pick up the Working With Us card.