Pete 'Boxsta' Martin isn't your typical producer—he's versatile, genre-defying, and dedicated to crafting unforgettable vocal performances. Having worked with artists like James Arthur, Jessie J, Missy Elliott, and Rizzle Kicks, he knows what it takes to create a stellar vocal recording.

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For Pete, vocal production isn’t just about fixing issues post-recording—it's about capturing and enhancing authentic, emotional performances.

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Tools like Revoice Pro and VocALign are vital in his workflow, not to correct bad vocals, but to polish good ones into something incredible.

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In his words,

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"You can’t take a lump of coal and call it a diamond, but even a diamond has to be polished."

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Here are Pete Boxsta Martin’s five essential vocal recording tips for producers and vocalists alike.

1. Always Warm Up Before Recording

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Warming up is crucial, especially during morning sessions. Pete emphasizes that both singers and producers should warm up to get into the right mindset and physically prepare their voices.

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Singing cold can damage your voice and compromise your performance, so always start gently with scales or simple vocal exercises.

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Pete’s pro tip?

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"Keep lukewarm water handy and avoid throat lozenges unless you genuinely have a sore throat—they can actually dry out your voice."

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2. Bring a Positive Attitude

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Your mindset dramatically influences vocal production sessions.

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Pete shares how a singer's mood can either uplift or sabotage the creative environment:

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"Always bring a positive mental attitude because it helps you relax and opens you up creatively."

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The studio should feel safe and respectful, particularly when recording deeply personal songs.

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Pete highlights the importance of respecting this "sacred space" so artists can authentically express their emotions and stories through music.

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3. Collaborate Closely with Your Producer or Engineer

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Clear communication with your producer or engineer is critical.

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Pete explains how small issues—like a wrong headphone mix—can derail a session and make a vocalist sing off-key.

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He advises artists to invest in their own high-quality headphones, ensuring consistent monitoring no matter the studio environment.

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"Headphones vary dramatically," he explains. "Having your own pair helps maintain consistency and confidence."

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4. Stay Emotionally Connected to the Lyrics

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Technical perfection means nothing if you lose the emotional depth of your performance.

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Pete stresses the importance of maintaining emotional connectivity throughout multiple takes.

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"You may need 20 takes of a verse," Pete says, "but the emotion has to remain authentic."

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Stay mindful of the story you’re telling to ensure each performance resonates deeply with listeners.

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5. Trust Your Instincts and Push for Your Best Performance

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No one knows your voice better than you do.

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Pete recalls working with James Arthur, who surprised him with a powerful falsetto after initially being satisfied with the first take.

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"Trust your instincts," Pete encourages, "if you feel you can deliver a better performance, always go for it."

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His ultimate question for singers: "If this were your last song ever, is this the performance you'd want people to remember?"

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Why Pete Uses Revoice Pro and VocALign

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Pete Boxsta Martin relies on tools like Revoice Pro and VocALign not to alter performances drastically, but to polish and perfect already great takes.

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For him, vocal production software helps enhance the emotional depth and storytelling captured during the recording process, preserving every ounce of authentic expression.

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Learn more about Pete Boxsta Martin at boxstamusic.com.