Summer 2022 has proven to be one of the hottest on record. No one on this rock hurtling through space seems to have been able to get away from a soul-sucking heatwave this year. The key to a good recording is a “dead” room. You need to create a recording space that has very few surfaces for sound to bounce off of, as well as as many sound absorbing materials surrounding you. When you’re doing this on a budget in whatever space is available in your home, you most likely have created a tight insulated space that is absolutely not going to be heatwave friendly. You can’t run fans or the AC during the take. You’re gonna cook in that hotbox, my friends. So what can you do?
RECORD EARLY IN THE MORNING
Yeah, a lot of us are night owls, but it takes a long time for the heat of the day to escape. Your best bet is to set your alarm and rise early when the air has had hours to cool down after the sun sets. And hopefully your AC has been running all night, too. There are many obstacles. A roommate or partner you may wake… or a neighbor with an adjoining wall. Aim for 7 or 8AM, within reason of your living situation. Remember that rising early will require some extra vocal warm ups with a newly awakened voice.
HYDRATION
It’s very easy to get swept up in performing and forget to take swigs of water. And definitely make it WATER. Keep that voice fresh. My rule of thumb is whenever I have to pause for sound (an outside interference like cars, planes, helicopters, sirens, barking dogs…) I make sure to take a drink. Have you tried electrolytes? I have a powder I add to water (Sugar-free. That Gatorade stuff is adult kool-aid) The best bet for hydration is for every glass of electrolytes you drink, follow it with a glass of plain water.
KEEP YOUR ENERGY UP
The heat will drain your energy fast. Whenever you have to pause (even for a drink) make sure you are aware of your performance energy. I’ve seen good first and second takes, but by the third the energy is washed out and the take couldn’t be used. If you don’t perform standing, try to do so. I know the heat is already working against you, but by standing you are reminding your entire body to be engaged.
BREAKS
It might be frustrating to be on a role with a character or performance and stop for a break, but, honey, you need it. Find a good stopping point and take a full on break. Throw the AC back on. Snap on those fans. Walk out of your recording area to a cooler location and hydrate. This will give you endurance to keep going.
WATCH THE WEATHER REPORT
What’s your turnaround time for this recording? Keep an eye on the weather report and aim to record on the coolest day available to you.
Stay safe, friends! Heat exhaustion is nothing to laugh at.
-Chrisi (aka Madison)
