Congratulations! Your singing has become amazing, and it's time
world knew. You've also written some songs that are just kick you-know-what. They need to be recorded, MP3ed and put on net ASAP. But you've got two problems. First, you can't afford a studio, let alone a band for all this stuff. Second, you don't play all, or any, of instruments. Well there is good news. With a deft combination of internet and today's software, you can do wonders. While it's never going to be same as a true band in a real studio, which you had better hire for that big record company showcase, you can still create great backing tracks.
First, repeat after me. "I love MIDI." Thank you.
MIDI, to refresh your memory, is like sheet music for a pianist. The paper itself makes no noises, but pianist gets all information he needs from it to let us hear Beethoven (especially if music is also Beethoven!). In your computer set up, MIDI file is sheet music, MIDI sequencer or playback program is pianist, and your computer's sound card and synthesizer are piano. That's all you need!
Before we get started, I'll mention ultimate cover song shortcut - Internet! There are tons of great MIDI files of almost every piece of popular music out there. All you have to do is find them. If you can't, or you've got your own material, read on. Be legal, though!
If You Play Keyboard or Guitar Well
First, thank your parents for lessons. Then, get your hands on a sequencer program and record your tracks. Using MIDI, you can choose instrument sound for everything - all you need to do is input notes. For drums, you can either record them from your keyboard or use a plug-in drum machine. If you choose to record them, a quick way to do it is to record a couple of measures and then copy/paste to fill out song. But don't forget to put in some drum fills!
If Your Playing Is Limited to Little or Not at All
For you there are wonderful programs, like Band in a Box and Jammer, to create backing tracks. They are very stylish, meaning, they function in styles. You must, at very least, know chords for your song. You simply enter chords, choose appropriate musical style, and click a button called "compose" (or some reasonable facsimile). Before you can say "Holy guacamole, Batman," your music is playing. The drawback here is that your band will sound canned. And well it should, for it is! But, have no fear, there are ways to mitigate that quite well.
Making it Human
Best thing? Play what you can, at least melody. That, in and of itself, will help tremendously, as it's no longer just a band style playing chord progressions.
Next up, record a counterpoint. Counterpoints make ordinary songs exciting. They are secondary melodies that complement main melody. They usually have a slightly different rhythm, and fill in where melody has breaks. A great example is in song "The Winner Takes It All," by Abba. Listen to theme that is always playing underneath melody - it really drives song.
