Do you track live with the band or do you favor coming in later and overdubbing your vocals?
Gene Watson: They say it’s old school, but I lay down my guide vocals while the band’s in there doing the tracks, too. I’m inspired by what the musicians play, and oftentimes my singing inspires them. Sometimes that’s how you get your best songs. For instance, “Farewell Party” [No. 5 C&W, Reflections, 1979, composed by Lawton Williams] was cut in one take.
I’ll attempt another vocal later if I’m not satisfied with my original performance. I have also done some harmony overdubs myself. I try to get as much of it done as I can while we’re all in the studio because there’s gonna be a lot of those scratch vocals that you’ll save and want on the final version.