In response to criticism of A&R people – I was one many years ago and I can assure you that when your job is entirely dependent on your decisions, it puts an entirely different perspective on what is acceptable risk. So it might help writers/artists/musicians to remember the guy who is listening to his music has a mortgage to pay and children to feed.

When we booked sessions for CBS Sony, the musicians would often ask if the music was available a few days before the session. Not only did we oblige where possible, we appreciated the enthusiasm of the musician to make sure he would be ready. That’s not always the case though, so it helps if you know the people who are booking you!

Next, as Jay rightly says – top session musicians are not journeymen, they are simply the best musicians in the world. They may not be paid as much as stars, but they are much more respected in the industry and it is definitely something to aspire to.

Last, but by no means least, if you are asked to double track your part don’t shout in gleeful tones “Yes! C’mon you overdub fees!” I once had a muso do that to me in the control room – a deathly silence ensued.