In the recording studio

- I have a friend in Nashville whose studio name is OGM, which stands for one good microphone. If, in fact, you're going to pick a piece of gear that is essential for your studio, it's a good microphone. At the end of the day, honestly, what it comes down to, when it comes to making good recordings, is a good set of these, a willingness to work and learn, and surround yourself with great session musicians. The reason that professional records sound the way they sound is because they've got seriously skilled studio musicians playing on them. So above and beyond any gear, know your gear, know how it works, whatever gear you have, and surround yourself with great players. First of all, know that you don't have to, nor should you, demo every single song that you write. Think of a demo as only being reserved for those songs that you think are ready for prime time and that you're ready to invest good money in because these demos, if done properly, will not be inexpensive and should last you…