In a previous era of recording studios, a red light shining outside a door was more than just a bulb—it was a sign that work was being done, and important work at that. This iconic signal meant "recording in progress," a simple yet profound instruction: Do not disturb. 

Today, the big commercial studios have given way to intimate, often home-based setups. While this evolution has empowered music production for many, it has introduced a new set of challenges, notably the battle against interruptions from both our digital devices and our domestic lives.

The Historical Context

The tradition of the red light in recording studios served a critical function. Beyond its practical role in preventing unwanted noise and interruptions, it represented a psychological barrier, a shared agreement to protect the artist's focus and the integrity of the recording process. From the hallowed halls of Abbey Road to the booths of Motown Records, the red light was a universal symbol, understood by all who entered. Also, TV and radio stations have used ‘On Air’ lights for decades, and in many cases these still serve a vital purpose in making sure shows are not spoilt by inadvertent interruptions.

The Modern Dilemma

Now audio professionals often find themselves working in spaces that serve multiple purposes: studios by day, living rooms or spare rooms by night. Even if you’re lucky enough to have a purpose built studio at home, the family are only a few seconds away.

In these settings, the boundaries between the personal and professional blur, and the once-clear signal of the red light is lost. The result is a constant barrage of interruptions—family members unaware of the critical moments of inspiration, phones buzzing with notifications, emails demanding immediate attention. Each ping, each knock on the door, is not just a momentary distraction but a potential disruption to the creative flow, risking both the quality of client work and the loss of new ideas.

The Need for a New "Red Light"

In the face of these challenges, the spirit of the red light is more important than ever. Though we may not need a literal lamp outside our doors, we must find new ways to signal when we are in the depths of creative work, to protect our time and our thought processes from the relentless pace of modern life.

Red Light Strategies

• Digital Detox: The first step in reclaiming our focus is to manage our digital environment. Utilising "do not disturb" modes on our devices during critical work periods can shield us from the constant notifications that fragment our attention. My phone has been set to silent for about a decade. I used to find the ‘Focus’ options on my Apple devices annoying, but now I’ve come to find them really useful and use them when I need to do something that requires concentration.

• Physical Signals: For those sharing their workspace with family or housemates, creative physical signals can serve as the modern-day red light. A simple sign on the door or a specific item placed in a visible spot can communicate that it's a time for focus, not for interruptions. Just yesterday my wife had a meeting and asked me to leave anything outside the door. 

• Scheduled Focus Times: Establishing clear, scheduled work hours where interruptions are minimised can help recreate the undisturbed blocks of time that were once a given in professional studios. This structure can aid in setting expectations with others and with ourselves. I’ve started scheduling specific times in my calendar as ‘Focussed Work’ so that I can make sure I make time for it and I protect that time.

• Communication: Lastly, clear communication with those around us about our work needs and schedules can ensure they understand when and why we should not be disturbed. My wife and I both work from home. If she’s in her office, albeit one of our spare bedrooms, I always knock on the door before entering. She can see if I’m working in my studio as it has glass doors and when that is the case, she leaves me alone. This mutual respect for work time can help foster an environment conducive to creativity and productivity. We often catch up over lunch.
  

• Resources: I’m reading an excellent book on focus right now ‘Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life’ by Nir Eyal. He goes deeper into protecting your mind from distractions in this modern world, I thoroughly recommend it.

Put On The Red Light

While the red light outside recording studios may belong to a bygone era, its essence remains crucial in today's digital and domestic workspaces. The need to protect our creative process from interruptions is as vital as ever. 

By adapting old principles to new challenges, we can find ways to signal when we are in the zone, ensuring that our work—and our creativity—flourishes. Perhaps it's time to reinvent the red light in our own image, crafting strategies that respect both our need for focus and the realities of our modern lives. 

Sharing our experiences and strategies can help us all find better ways to manage distractions and maintain our focus. Share your own methods and thoughts on protecting your creative space in the comments below. Together, we can redefine what it means to have a "red light" in our studios, ensuring that creativity always has the space to thrive.

The image of the recording sign is from Daughters of the Revolution