Singing in a Studio

So a little while ago, I had the opportunity to sing in a real honest-to-goodness studio. Basically, I got lucky! Art City Records came to my school to find people for a competition they were doing. So, I sang part of a song for them and then 16 other people - and me! - were all asked to be part of the competition. In this, we each went and sang a cover of a song in their studio. Then, the videos of us singing went online and people voted on Facebook. Obviously, I didn't win, but it was still a great experience. Anyway, so the story is this:

  So, I was super worried about going to the studio for one main reason. It was that I'd have to wear headphones while singing. Headphones mean no hearing aids. No hearing aids mean that I am basically deaf! And, well... not being able to hear much of anything + singing = not a very good combination, in my experience.

So when I got there, I talked with the guys in the studio. They were really nice, so my nerves were calmed quite a bit! Right before I went in to start recording, I told them that I wear hearing aids. I warned them that it might be a little tricky. I was expecting to see some sort of look of surprise go across their faces, as that is normally how it goes when people find out that I wear hearing aids. Turns out, I was the one in for a shock. They didn't even blink! They just told me that it would all be fine and that we'd all figure out the best way to do the recording! And we did. I eventually just took out my hearing aids and we cranked the volume on the headphones WAY up. That way, even though I couldn't hear through my normal means, I could still hear my voice as it was being recorded. - I could hear myself through the headphones, and I gotta say... it was pretty cool. :)

Anyway, so once we got that all figured out, I sang through the song once to practice. I definitely butchered it in places, but I was still adjusting to how different and awesome it all was! So the really crazy part was that after I was finished with that rough run through, Tom Jones (one of the head honchos over there who was in charge of the session) said something to me from the other room. Then he disappeared. I didn't know what he said! So I was standing there all confused, throwing an inquisitive look at my boyfriend on the other side of the glass, when the next thing I know - Mr. Jones comes into the room and gives me a hug! I had no clue what was going on, but hey, I'm not one to deny a hug! lol.  Turns out, my silly boyfriend was talking with them on the other side of the glass during my run through. I guess he was explaining to them how severe my hearing loss is - about 70% or so - and who knows what else. All I know is that I suddenly got a hug afterwards, so I guess something he said had quite an impact!

So, after that, we started actually recording. Which was awesome! I've gone through all of my musical training, always trying to get songs perfect for just one play, one concert, one performance. Trying to get all of the bits and pieces absolutely perfect while on stage... It was honestly a relief to be able to perfect the little spots that I would not have even noticed, had I been on stage! It was nice to make something sound as good as I could ever want and have it last longer than just one night!

In addition to that, Tom Jones and everyone else in the studio were so kind! They made suggestions on what parts I should go over and were happy to let me fix the spots I wanted to, as well! Even when we were making the video, they laughed along with me and honestly... it was just a great time!

I've dealt with judgement my whole life, for my decision to go into music. People have always doubted me because I'm hard of hearing - teachers, music professors, other musicians, other deaf people, even some of those who claim to support me. Don't get me wrong! I don't want pity. Ever. Nor have I ever been bullied. I've only heard whispers, caught doubtful glances, and felt judgment from those around me. I have nearly always proven them wrong, and that is something I am accustomed to. It was just nice, for once in my life, to not have to do that. It was nice to be in a place where there was no judgement; no predispositions. It wasn't a mere concert or music class. It was a real, honest-to-goodness recording studio. An actual professional music setting, and despite what everyone assumed, there were absolutely no problems. You know what there was?  Compassion. Understanding. Kindness.

Granted, not every place is like this. Not everyone is as kind as these people were to me. But it is reassuring. - In a world where everyone is quick to judge, there are still those who will give the underdog a chance. There are still those who won't doubt what someone can do, based on something they can't control. It gives me hope to have met people such as this, and I am so glad for the opportunity I had to work with them. It was an incredible experience and it was just so much fun!

If I never get the chance to work in a recording studio again, I'll be ok. I'm just glad that I had the opportunity and privilege to work with the people at Art City Records.

It's not everyday a "deaf" girl gets to sing in a recording studio  ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6Bf2ZEhplA