Welcome CAZ
I think you have found exactly the right place to get yourself prepared for this next step
- Can anyone offer general advice on first time collaboration?
Find someone you "get on with" first and foremost - take time to get to know where each other is coming from both personally and musically - and what each other's musical goals are
It is easy to jump straight in to writing together without taking this time only to find out that one party gets really frustrated and is working towards a completely different goal
The only other thing I would suggest is being very clear up front about "splits" - my own rule is that I share all writing credits 50/50 when collaborating - this ensures that only the very best ideas are chosen and you don't end up getting defensive, or try to ensure enough of "your" ideas get included to ensure you get a good split if this is decided at the end
- Equipment? the cheapest/best basics that i might need to buy to aid with said collaboration???
At present I have internet, mac, garage band, some good headphones, my 1992 yamaha keyboard (stock aitken and waterman demos eat your heart out.) and thats it.
I definitely need a good mic... (Im currently recording vocals on my phone, quietly, whilst the kids are asleep in the room next door. lol)
Based on what you currently have I would suggest getting a bundle like this if you can afford it
http://www.dv247.com/microphones/avantone-ck-6-recording-package--105578A cheaper option would be:
http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/focusrite-scarlett-solo-studio-package-2nd-gen--229915You would need to add a mic stand and pop shield - both of which are good investments
- Has anyone had experience of any good online music production courses? Mixing & mastering mainly.
Not yet- but I am working on one
In all honesty I would suggest posting here in the "recording" forum. There are loads of people here that will get you up and running in no time and then you can ask specific questions as you progress
The problem I have found with the current online mixing and mastering courses is that they tend to start assuming you already have a good knowledge!!
If you are starting out I would suggest just concentrating on getting a good vocal recorded, compressed and EQ'd - worry about the other mixing as you go along - again we can all help you every step of the way...
- Not that I imagine anything would ever happen, but does anyone copywrite any of their stuff before sharing work with others? What is easiest way to go?
In all honesty I would say don't worry! The chances of scoring a hit that makes enough money to worry about is so small you have more chance getting hit by a bus - so worry about that instead
A publisher/label will not "steal" a song from you - if you write a hit they wil want YOU - not the song so they can make more money. They want the goose that lays the golden eggs, not the golden egg
- Any other suggestions for beginners things that i need to know would be amazing!!
Hang out on these forums and ask as many questions as you can think of! We have a vast range of experience here ranging from people in the same position as you, those a few steps ahead, right through to signed writers, publishers, recording studio owners etc. - who are all willing to help and answer questions
