Recording

I now know why it costs a small fortune to record music. Not only does it take a lot of expertise to capture the sounds, and apply the correct processing to the various pieces - vocals, rhythm, lead, drums, etc. but the equipment and software are expensive.
I've worked all day to get a decent recording of one song. Mind you, I'm still spending a great deal of time figuring things out and that can get frustrating. Once I got the setup just right, then you have to record and re-record until the music is right.
My friend Fred has taught me a great deal about sound, but the more I learn, the more I realize I don't know squat. What I need to do is set Fred up in my spare bedroom and feed him in exchange for teaching me how to become a better engineer.
I know that once I get really competent doing this stuff it will pay dividends because the sound quality of our music will get better and better.
But sitting here right now, my head is full, my fingers are tired, and I'm thinking about changing my vocation to picking up aluminum cans.