Why do artists work with other artists? There are many reasons, but amongst them is the search for something unique. The perspective shift in the creative process that can only be attained when there is more than one POV in the room (or, in our case, studio – very, very nice studio).
Medha, a longtime collaborator and dear friend of Nest Studios, came in to create her upcoming album (which still doesn’t have a title). This project was more than just putting together tracks; it was about crafting a story, capturing emotions, and ensuring that each song resonated with the essence of who Medha is as an artist.
Laying down a solid foundation for each track
This is where the magic starts. Figuring out the subject matter, the key, and the scale for each song. Medha, with her signature songwriter/acoustic pop style, brought a wealth of ideas to the table. We spent countless hours discussing what each song was about, what it should convey, and how it should feel. The foundation phase is crucial because it sets the tone for everything that follows. It’s like building a house; if the foundation isn’t strong, the rest of the structure won’t be either.
However, it’s not just about picking a key and deciding on a subject.
It’s about understanding the emotions behind the lyrics, the mood of the melody, and the story that the music will tell. When creating with Medha, there is a strong focus on ensuring each track has a strong emotional core. We wanted the listeners to feel something when they heard the songs, whether it was joy, sadness, nostalgia, or hope.
Structuring the album
Once we had a foundation for each track, the next step was establishing a structure. This part of the process is like piecing together a puzzle. Each song needs to fit within the album’s context, contributing to the overall narrative. We experimented with different arrangements, moving songs around to see how they flowed. Creating a comprehensive storytelling experience is important, and each track should lead naturally into the next.
Do people put effort into albums when the focus is on singles and playlists these days? That’s a whole other blog, but we feel it’s important. There’s a lot more to structuring an album than just deciding the order of the songs. It’s about pacing, dynamics, and creating a journey for the listener. We wanted to make sure that the album had its peaks and valleys, moments of intense emotion followed by more subdued, introspective tracks. This balance is what makes an album engaging from start to finish.
The vocal process
One of the most critical aspects of any track is the vocals. It’s hard to have a complete production without hearing the vocals on it. Medha’s voice is one of the most important instruments in her music, and we knew we had to get it right. After establishing the foundation and structure, Medha focused on refining her lyrics. This is where her talent as a songwriter really shines. She has a way of crafting lyrics that are both personal and universal, making her songs relatable to a wide audience.
Once the lyrics were polished, it was time to lay down the vocals, a part of the process that requires a lot of patience and attention to detail. We did multiple takes of each vocal part, tweaking and adjusting until we got the perfect performance. It was essential that Medha felt comfortable and confident during this phase. A vocal performance that lacks confidence is noticeable in the final product, and we wanted to avoid that at all costs.
Medha’s comfort level in the studio significantly affected the quality of her vocal takes. We created an environment where she could fully express herself without feeling rushed or pressured, allowing her to deliver performances that were not only technically sound but also emotionally charged.
A comprehensive perspective of the finished product
This is the exciting bit; the point where everything starts to come together. We listened to the tracks repeatedly, making notes on what needed to be adjusted or added. It’s in these final stages that the album really starts to take shape.
We added the finishing touches to align the album more closely with the vision we had from the beginning. This could be anything from adjusting the mix to adding subtle instrumental elements that enhance the overall sound. The goal was to create a cohesive body of work that sounded great and told a story from start to finish.
What made this project special was the collaboration itself
We’ve worked with Medha for a long time, and there’s a level of trust and understanding that can only come from years of partnership. We each know how the other works, what we bring to the table, and how to push each other to achieve the best possible results.
This album is a reflection of that collaborative spirit. It’s not just Medha’s voice or our production skills; it combines these talents, experiences, and perspectives. We pushed each other to try new things, to take risks, and to step out of our comfort zones. The result is an album that we’re incredibly proud of, one that we believe will resonate with listeners deeply.
Working with Medha has always been a rewarding experience, and this album is no exception. It’s a testament to what can be created when artistic minds come together with a shared vision. We’re looking forward to seeing how listeners connect with the music and where this journey will take us next.
Want a similar experience for your next album?
The experience we’ve just shared with Medha is something we aim for with every artist that comes into the Nest to create. If you are interested in teaming up with us for your next project, we’d love to hear from you.
