Slash’s Preference for Live Recording and Authenticity in the Studio.
Slash recently expressed his preference for recording live, lamenting the over-reliance on technology in modern recording practices.
Recording live has become somewhat of a lost art, overshadowed by the convenience and precision of modern production techniques. While there’s merit in refining recordings to achieve a specific artistic vision, there’s also a longing for the raw energy of musicians playing together in one room.
The Guns N’ Roses guitarist, known for his work with Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators on albums like “4” and the new blues covers album “Orgy of the Damned,” remains steadfast in his approach. In a recent interview with Total Guitar, Slash discussed his discontent with the evolution of recording since he started in the industry:
“From my first session in 1986 to now, we’ve moved into a technological arena where producers play it safe. Everything is meticulously planned, recorded, and overly manipulated with Pro Tools. It’s rare to find engineers who embrace the spontaneity of a band simply playing live in a room.”
Slash values the freedom and immediacy of live recording, contrasting it with the over-analysis that can occur in studio settings:
“For me, ‘4’ was refreshing because it allowed us to capture that live essence. Working with Mike Clink on this new project was similar—he encouraged us to just play and capture the moment.”
Embracing spontaneity in the studio means less overthinking and more genuine musical expression for Slash:
“I thrive in live settings where you react in the moment. It’s less about perfecting every note and more about the energy and feel. When the band locks in and you’ve got a great guitar sound, that’s when magic happens.”
Slash’s commitment to authenticity underscores his belief that the best recordings often capture the essence of a live performance, harnessing the energy and creativity of musicians playing together.
