Question for you tech-y music type people

[eurydicebound]

I currently have a request in from a friend to make a CD of my singing. The last time I did anything of the sort, it involved a tape recorder, a mic, and buttons. I suspect that the only thing similar in the process these days would be a mic, assuming I had one.

I don't have a lot set up for this. I'm basically assuming it'll have to be a cappella, as I have no instruments nor any local contacts that play, and I can't afford to invest a lot of money into things. There won't exactly be multiple tracks, so mixing or worrying about any of that isn't really relevant -- not only do I not have the equipment, I wouldn't have the foggiest idea what to do with it. So given the bare bones needs I'm looking at trying to fill, is there any free/cheap software out there for recording? Any ideas where to get an inexpensive but functional microphone?

In short, any suggestions you could give me as to how to not fuck it up would be profoundly welcome. If any of you have ever heard me sing, I'm also open to suggestions as to content. Said friend was amazingly un-picky about what they'd like to have on it, and it's been a hell of a long time since I had anything like a set list.

Comments

[tfbretz.livejournal.com]

Unless you're planning on doing this sort of thing regularly, your best bet might to be to look around for a little mallfront recording studio that will let you pay to record a couple of tracks to CD on a per song basis.

Jane can probably point you to something better, but that's what I'd do.

[anaka.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, I've not found hide nor hair of any such thing hereabouts. The last ime I saw such a beastie, it was at an amusement park. I know my closest mall doesn't have one. I mean, Seattle is home to more recording studios than I can shake a stick at, so that might just be an overserved market for that sort of thing.

[(Anonymous)]

I don't have a lot set up for this. I'm basically assuming it'll have to be a cappella, as I have no instruments nor any local contacts that play, and I can't afford to invest a lot of money into things.

If you sing covers of other folks' songs, then you should be able to find a kareoke version of the music. Or depending on the song there may even be an instrumental version on the extended play version of the band's CD that you can play in the background.

low-tech Spike

[anaka.livejournal.com]

The kareoke version is possible. I find myself resistant to it, though. Not sure why. Granted, most of my experience with karaoke was very early on in finding background tapes for performances in the late eighties. What I discovered then is that most of the songs were either in a different key, at a different tempo, or otherwise off somehow from what I was used to. Not sure if this is the case any more, but it does make me hesitant to fall back on it as a way of trying to record something. Dunno. I'll research it, though.

[b3zsgirl.livejournal.com]

Find a great song that is already acapella or you thought might sound good that way. Go to your local Best Buy, Wal-Mart, etc. and look for any cheap recording program. I got one for $9 that was a hip hop thing but had one little section that recorded your "raps" over the cheesy stuff you built up. If I could find it I would mail it to you. Actually, I am going to clean out the studio boxes this weekend. Now that I think about it. I have two copies of one software package that came with some equipment. I know where that is. EYou have a PC right? mail me your address and I will send it to you. Then just get yourself a headset like you use for skype and you are good to go.

[anaka.livejournal.com]

Cool. I do have a PC, and I'll send you my address post haste. Thanks, hon. :)