I have found over the years that the very last thing I want in front of my face when recording -- is the computer monitor screen.

The view of the transport churning away, the time clock ticking, all that sort of thing takes my mind away from the most important part of recording -- the performance.

So if I have to use a lyrics sheet, I print it out on paper.

Put it on a music stand that makes me have to at least turn away from the computer screen if not step into the "vocal booth" --which is now the closet of the apartment bedroom that has become my "studio".

*With paper lyrics, I can do "markups" -- using the pencil to give me clues and reminders during the performance, breath marks, accents, syllablic divisions, whatever.

*The same applies to any notation sheets or chord sheets when playing an instrument for the recording and not singing.

*Concentrating on what is on the paper -- and not the other stuff on the computer screen - has consistently turned in better performance for both myself and others who come here looking to get something in the can.

*Quite often I can get a paper printout without having to type or retype lyrics due to the wonderfulness of the web search engines. I just highlight the html page of lyrics and hit Print Selection. If the target song is a cover tune, of course. Be careful -- not all the webpublished lyrics are entirely correct, though. Excuse me while I kiss this guy...

*The onscreen lyrics can come in handy when using the program in Live Performance situations, though. However, I still do the "workup" and practicing for the show using the paper sheet first, for all of the reasons given. Once the Performance is rehearsed out a few times or more like that, the use of the onscreen lyrics becomes more of a crutch for memory than anything else. I do strive to try to memorize any song I perform "out" though. Makes a huge difference in delivery when I do that as versus reading my way through a song I don't really know deep down in my heart when in front of my audience. We can't always do that all the time, though it is my endeavor to keep such at a miminum.


--Mac

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