People see the finished product—the polished track on Spotify, the music video on YouTube, the Instagram post announcing a new release. But they rarely see what happens before that: the hours in the studio where the magic actually gets made.
Studio sessions are where ideas become reality, where rough concepts transform into finished songs, where creative vision meets technical execution. But it’s not always glamorous. Sometimes it’s frustrating. Sometimes it’s exhausting. And sometimes, it’s the most fulfilling thing in the world.
Today, I’m pulling back the curtain completely. This is what a real studio session looks like for me as Tray Millen—the good, the challenging, and the moments that make it all worth it. No filter, no highlight reel, just the honest truth about life in the studio.
The Day Before: Mental Prep and Planning
A good studio session actually starts the day before.
Evening Routine
Voice care:
I’m conscious about what I do with my voice the night before a session. No excessive yelling, no cold drinks right before bed, plenty of water throughout the evening. My voice is my instrument—I treat it accordingly.
Early night:
I aim for 7-8 hours of sleep before studio days. Tired vocals sound tired. Your energy level comes through in the recording, so I prioritize rest.
Mental preparation:
Before bed, I think about what I want to accomplish in the session. What’s the goal? What energy am I trying to capture? What does success look like? This mental preparation sets intention.
Avoiding stress:
I try to handle any stressful situations or difficult conversations well before the session, not the night before. Creative flow requires mental clarity.
Morning of the Session: The Foundation
A productive session starts with how I treat my body and mind in the morning.
7:00 AM – Wake Up
I wake up naturally when possible, avoiding jarring alarms. The morning sets the tone for the entire day.
First things first:
- Drink room temperature water (cold water isn’t great for vocals)
- Light stretching to wake up the body
- Check voice gently—humming, light vocalizing
- Assess energy levels and mood
7:30 AM – Morning Routine
Breakfast:
Something light but energizing—oatmeal, fruit, eggs. I avoid:
- Heavy, greasy food that makes me sluggish
- Dairy products (they create phlegm that affects vocals)
- Too much caffeine (makes me jittery)
Physical activity:
Light exercise—a walk, some yoga, basic calisthenics. Nothing exhausting, just enough to get energy flowing and mind clear.
Vocal warmup:
- Gentle humming
- Lip trills (motor boat sounds)
- Scales starting in comfortable range
- No pushing or straining this early
10:00 AM – Pre-Session Prep
Shower and grooming:
Feeling fresh physically helps me feel confident creatively. I put on comfortable clothes—nothing too tight or restrictive.
Review session plan:
- Check notes on what we’re working on
- Review any pre-written lyrics
- Listen to reference tracks if applicable
- Confirm session details with producer/engineer
Pack essentials:
- Notebook and pens
- Phone charger
- Water bottle
- Tea with honey
- Lozenges (throat care)
- Headphones (backup pair)
Mindset work:
- Brief meditation or quiet time
- Visualize successful session
- Let go of expectations and pressure
- Open myself to creative flow
12:00 PM – Arrival at the Studio
The Approach
I arrive about 15-20 minutes early. Rushing into a session creates stress that affects creativity.
Greeting the team:
Quick catch-up with the producer and engineer. How’s everyone feeling? What’s the vibe today? Good energy between collaborators matters.
Setting up my space:
- Find comfortable position for recording
- Adjust microphone height
- Test headphone comfort
- Set up my notes and water where I can reach them
Initial vibe check:
We play some music—not necessarily what we’re working on, just getting into a creative headspace. Maybe some classics, maybe current hits, whatever feels right.
12:15 PM – Technical Setup
While I’m settling in, the engineer handles technical preparation:
Equipment check:
- Microphone working properly
- Audio interface functioning
- DAW (recording software) loaded and ready
- Previous session files backed up and organized
Setting levels:
I do test recordings while the engineer sets:
- Input gain (capturing full signal without clipping)
- Headphone mix (balance between my voice and the track)
- Monitoring chain (effects I hear while recording)
Sound check:
I sing/deejay a bit to warm up my voice and ensure everything sounds right. We adjust until it feels comfortable.
12:30 PM – The Creative Work Begins
Scenario 1: Starting a New Track
When we’re beginning a fresh song, we start with the foundation.
Riddim selection (30-45 minutes):
The producer plays several riddims they’ve prepared or we browse options together. We’re looking for something that:
- Immediately makes me want to move
- Matches the energy I’m feeling
- Feels fresh but accessible
- Suits my vocal range
- Inspires ideas instantly
We might listen to 10-15 riddims before finding “the one.” When we find it, we both know—there’s an immediate spark.
Initial freestyling (20-30 minutes):
Once we select the riddim, I freestyle over it:
- Letting melodies come naturally
- Playing with rhythms
- Testing different vocal approaches
- Seeing what the riddim wants from me
This isn’t about creating final lyrics—it’s about discovering the song’s natural direction.
Hook development (30-60 minutes):
The hook is crucial, so we spend significant time here:
- I try different melodic ideas
- We test various lyrical concepts
- Record rough versions to hear them back
- Refine until something feels undeniable
The breakthrough moment:
There’s always a moment when we both hear it—”That’s it! That’s the hook!” That moment of recognition is pure energy.
Scenario 2: Continuing an Existing Track
If we’re working on a song started in a previous session:
Review and assess (15 minutes):
- Listen to what we recorded last time
- Identify what’s working and what needs improvement
- Clarify today’s specific goals
- Get back into the song’s headspace
Picking up where we left off:
If vocals are partially recorded, we continue from where we stopped—completing verses, recording ad-libs, trying harmony ideas.
2:00 PM – Main Recording Period
This is usually the most productive time—I’m warmed up but not yet tired.
Recording vocals (1-2 hours):
We work section by section:
Recording approach:
- Record 2-4 takes of each section
- Listen back and assess
- Re-record if needed
- Move to next section
The process:
- Start with main lead vocals
- Add doubles where needed
- Record harmonies if applicable
- Capture ad-libs and responses
Energy management:
I monitor my own energy throughout. When I notice:
- Voice getting tired
- Performance becoming flat
- Frustration creeping in
- Mental fatigue setting in
…we take a break.
Communication with engineer:
“Let me try that again with more energy”
“Can you turn the riddim up slightly?”
“I want to hear more reverb in my monitors”
“Let’s punch in just that one phrase”
Clear communication keeps workflow smooth.
Creative Moments and Spontaneity
Some of the best moments are unplanned:
Happy accidents:
- A vocal inflection that happens naturally
- An ad-lib that emerges spontaneously
- A melody variation discovered mid-take
- A lyrical change that improves the song
We stay open to these moments and capture them when they happen.
The flow state:
Occasionally, everything aligns—the riddim is perfect, my voice is on point, ideas are flowing freely, and time disappears. These flow state moments are transcendent and produce the best work.
4:00 PM – Break Time
After about 2 hours of focused recording, we take a proper break.
Stepping Away
Physical reset:
- Stretch and move around
- Rest my voice (no talking if possible)
- Drink water and tea
- Eat a light snack (fruit, nuts, something energizing)
Mental reset:
- Step outside if possible
- Check phone briefly (but not getting sucked into social media)
- Listen to something unrelated to what we’re working on
- Give my ears a break from the track
Duration:
Usually 20-30 minutes. Long enough to reset, not so long that we lose momentum.
Listening with Fresh Ears
After the break, we listen to what we recorded:
Critical assessment:
- What’s working really well?
- What needs improvement?
- Are there timing or pitch issues?
- Is the energy consistent?
- Does anything feel forced or unnatural?
Notes:
I make notes on sections that need attention. Rather than trying to fix everything immediately, we identify priorities.
4:30 PM – Refinement and Enhancement
Punching In and Corrections
We address any issues identified:
Vocal editing:
- Re-record specific words or phrases that need improvement
- Tighten timing on certain sections
- Improve pitch on any problematic notes
- Enhance energy on sections that feel flat
Adding layers:
- Record additional vocal layers for thickness
- Add harmonies to enhance hooks
- Record ad-libs and responses
- Create call-and-response moments
Experimenting with Ideas
If time allows and energy is good, we experiment:
Trying variations:
- Different melodic approaches to certain sections
- Alternative lyrics for verses
- Vocal effects for specific moments
- Structural changes or rearrangements
The mindset:
We’re not precious about keeping everything. If something doesn’t serve the song, we cut it—even if we spent time on it.
6:00 PM – Vocal Production and Mixing
With all vocals recorded, we move into production.
Basic Vocal Processing
The engineer begins processing vocals:
Editing:
- Comping (choosing best takes)
- Timing adjustments
- Pitch correction (subtle and natural)
- Cleaning up breaths and noise
Effects chain:
- EQ for clarity and tone
- Compression for consistency
- De-essing for smooth “S” sounds
- Reverb and delay for space and depth
My involvement:
I provide feedback throughout:
“More reverb on the hook”
“That delay timing isn’t quite right”
“The verse needs to sit more forward”
“Can we add some distortion on that ad-lib?”
Rough Mix
We create a rough mix—not the final version, but balanced enough to judge how it’s coming together:
Balance:
- Vocals clear and prominent
- Riddim supporting without overwhelming
- All elements audible and purposeful
The test:
We play it on different speakers:
- Studio monitors
- Headphones
- Laptop speakers (simulating phone playback)
If it sounds good everywhere, we’re on the right track.
7:00 PM – Session Wrap and Planning
Final Listening
We do one final playback of the day’s work:
Assessment:
- Are we satisfied with what we accomplished?
- Is anything incomplete that needs attention?
- What’s the next step for this track?
Decision points:
- Is the song ready for final mixing/mastering?
- Do we need another session to complete it?
- Are there any immediate concerns to address?
Administrative Tasks
Backup:
Everything gets backed up immediately:
- All raw vocal recordings
- Session files
- Any notes or ideas
- Multiple backup locations (cloud and external drive)
Documentation:
I make notes:
- What we accomplished today
- What still needs work
- Ideas for next session
- Deadlines or time-sensitive items
Planning:
We schedule next steps:
- Another session if needed
- Mixing/mastering timeline
- Release strategy discussions
Gratitude and Departure
Before leaving, I express appreciation:
- Thank the engineer and producer
- Acknowledge good work and collaboration
- Confirm next session details
- Leave on positive note
The mindset:
Even if the session was challenging, I focus on what we accomplished and lessons learned.
7:30 PM – Post-Session Routine
Immediate Wind-Down
Vocal rest:
After hours of recording, my voice needs recovery:
- No talking loudly or singing for the rest of the evening
- Drink warm tea
- Avoid cold or irritating foods/drinks
Physical release:
Recording is mentally and physically intense:
- Light stretching or walk
- Shower to relax
- Healthy dinner
Mental processing:
I let the session settle:
- Don’t obsess over what we recorded
- Trust the process
- Focus on rest and recovery
Evening Reflection
Journaling:
I write about the session:
- What went well?
- What was challenging?
- What did I learn?
- What would I do differently next time?
Listening:
Sometimes I listen to rough mixes from the session—not critically, just experiencing the music. Other times I don’t listen at all, preferring fresh ears later.
Not Every Session Goes According to Plan
When Things Go Wrong
Technical issues:
- Equipment malfunctions
- Software crashes
- File corruption
- Internet problems affecting cloud collaboration
Creative blocks:
- Nothing sounds right
- Can’t find the right words
- Voice isn’t cooperating
- Energy is just off
External interruptions:
- Unexpected visitors
- Emergencies requiring attention
- Noise issues
- Schedule conflicts
How I handle it:
- Stay calm and flexible
- Troubleshoot systematically
- Know when to push through vs. when to reschedule
- Learn from challenges
The “Bad” Sessions
Not every session produces gold. Some days:
- Nothing we record feels good
- Ideas aren’t flowing
- Technical problems dominate
- Energy is completely off
The lesson:
These sessions still have value—they teach patience, resilience, and the importance of showing up consistently even when inspiration isn’t obvious.
The Sessions That Change Everything
Breakthrough Moments
Then there are sessions where everything aligns:
- The riddim is perfect
- Lyrics flow effortlessly
- Voice is on point
- Energy is electric
- Time disappears
- Magic happens
These sessions remind me why I do this. They’re rare enough to be special but common enough to keep me showing up.
The Feeling of Creating Something Special
There’s a specific feeling when you know you’ve created something good—a physical sensation, an excitement, a certainty. It’s what I chase in every session.
When it hits:
- Immediate goosebumps
- Huge smile
- Energy spike
- Wanting to share it immediately
- Confidence that people will feel this too
Lessons from Hundreds of Sessions
What I’ve Learned
Preparation matters:
The more prepared I am—lyrics written, voice rested, mind clear—the more productive the session.
Energy is everything:
Technical perfection means nothing without authentic energy. I’d rather have a slightly imperfect take with great energy than a perfect take that feels lifeless.
Collaboration is key:
Working with talented, positive people elevates everything. The right team makes impossible things possible.
Trust the process:
Some songs come easy. Others are work. Both can result in quality music. Trust that the process works even when it feels difficult.
Rest and recovery matter:
You can’t create at a high level consistently without taking care of yourself—physically, mentally, emotionally.
Stay humble and hungry:
There’s always room to improve. Every session is an opportunity to get better.
To Aspiring Artists: What Studio Life Really Is
If you’re dreaming of studio life, here’s the reality:
It’s work:
Real, sometimes tedious, always demanding work. But if you love it, it’s the best work in the world.
It’s inconsistent:
Some days you’re brilliant. Some days you struggle. Both are normal and necessary.
It requires discipline:
Showing up consistently, prepared, and professional—even when you don’t feel like it—is what separates hobbyists from professionals.
It’s collaborative:
No one succeeds alone. Build relationships with talented people and treat them with respect.
It’s a journey:
Your 100th session will be better than your first. Growth is gradual but real. Keep showing up.
Why I Keep Coming Back
Despite the challenges, the long hours, the occasional frustration—I keep coming back to the studio because:
It’s where I’m most myself:
In the studio, creating music, I’m completely authentic and free.
It’s purposeful:
I’m creating something that moves people, spreads positive energy, and represents my culture.
It’s growth:
Every session teaches me something, develops my craft, and pushes me forward.
It’s joy:
At its best, creating music is pure joy. That feeling is worth every challenge.
The Studio Is Home
For me, the studio isn’t just a workspace—it’s a sanctuary, a laboratory, a second home. It’s where ideas become reality, where dreams take shape, where the impossible becomes possible.
This is my life as Tray Millen—the real, unfiltered truth about what studio sessions actually look like. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s always real.
And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
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