Record a rough take of your songs, either at a live practice or gig. Listening to a rough recording may show production or musical weaknesses.

Have all of your production work and musical parts worked out prior to coming to the studio. "Improv" studio work rarely will work out to your benefit. More frequently it will leave artists over budget and unhappy.

If you plan to use a click track (metronome), and Eternal Sound highly endorses that position, make sure that your drummer is comfortable playing with it. Using a click track is essential in things like over-dubbing.

Priority one is your performance. Take care of your body both before and during the recording session. For starters make sure that you are rested (get some sleep, not just coffee). Don't schedule session the day after a gig. We've noticed every microphone on earth records "fatigue" pretty well. Keep your voice and ears rested and clear.

Make sure you have new strings, cords, sticks and drum heads - it never hurts to bring some extras as well.

Fight the temptation of using new different equipment that you haven't used before, even if it's "better". Be familiar with the gear you bring to record with.

The best recordings are made by the emotion and feeling of a performance, not necessarily the most technical.

Have a "focus" for each track, and plan to spend the most time on that element(s) of the recording. Don't waste your time, and money, on things that don't emphasive the focal point of the music.

"We'll fix it in the mix", will likely become the kiss of death for a recording. Get the sound you want while you are recording.

Budget for and count on unforeseen delays. Be conservative on your estimates.