I check whether the walls & floors are hollow or solid & look for unforgiving reflection points
As a professional songsian, I’ve experienced every genre of rehearsal space… I’ve been hired to help out bands who thought it was just enjoyable to cram many grown boys into a dark, hot space no larger than a closet. I’ve also played with bands who were supported by a label & could rent large, luxurious rehearsal space for days at a time! Usually, the rental space is somewhere in-between those extremes. It’s helpful that the internet is available to research potential places… By typing in a few keywords, it’s fairly easy to find a suitable studio to rent, get the rates & even book the space. I tend to prioritize a convenient location & a helpful staff, then as long as the price is sufficient & there’s plenty of good quality equipment available, such as amps, drum kits, mics & PAs, I’m more concerned with comprehensionable assistance. I consistently ask for a quick tour of the rental space so that I can check out the cleanliness, access to power, integrity of equipment & even the bathrooms. Periodically, I’ll ask to try out the studio for an minute or so just to test the acoustics. I don’t want to get all set up & then find out that the sound & vibe of the space just isn’t right for me. If I’m uncomfortable with the studio, I can guarantee a poor rehearsal & lots of wasted time & frustration. I take the chance to adjust the EQ & settings on the amps & PA the same as if I was playing a live gig. I check whether the walls & floors are hollow or solid & look for unforgiving reflection points. I want to think if I’m going to need to stuff a pillow in the kick drum to improve the sound; The better the sound, the easier it is to make good songs. Unfortunately, some rehearsal spaces just lack something, whether it’s the room’s construction or the equipment, even if it’s cheap & easier to just go along with it, it’s best to find a new studio to rent.