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“My music
sounds great!
Thanks for doing such a good job!”
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Music
 For
musicians, vocalists and songwriters, professional audio production can
make the vital difference between winning and losing in a highly
competitive marketplace. Although a high-limit credit card can purchase
basic recording equipment, experience won’t be part of the package. In the
final analysis it’s the experience, not the equipment, that’s most
important.
For a CD you can be proud of, it’s easier, simpler, cheaper – and far more
effective – to use an established production studio. With that said,
consider what you want to record – and what you’ll use the recording for.
Getting Booked
If you want to perform your music for live audiences, a demo CD will help
you get booked. Three, four or five songs should be enough to allow
someone to make a booking decision in your favor. If you play music that’s
already well known, most of the tunes on your demo should be up-tempo with
the best-known song first.
Getting Signed
If you write original music and want either a recording or publishing
contract, a similar demo will enable you to present your work effectively
to the necessary contacts. Once again, put your strongest material up
front. Getting Rich
As long as you’re in the studio anyway, consider recording an entire
album. There are two very good reasons for this.
1. 40 years ago, three guitarists from the West Coast decided to form
their own record company rather than sign with one of the major commercial
labels. They hired a studio, contracted specialty companies for pressing
and printing, then placed ads in popular music magazines and began selling
their records through the mail. Others began to follow their example. Now,
independently produced original music is a $50 million per year market.
With a little effort, you can have your share.
2. If you prefer the traditional approach, a record company representative
receiving your album, rather than just a demo, will know immediately that
you’re serious enough about your music to have already made a substantial
commitment. The more you demonstrate your faith in yourself, the more
likely someone will share that faith by investing in you and your
creativity.
Included with Your Recording Session
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A recording engineer
with many years of experience as a professional guitarist, singer and
songwriter – and 43 years in professional audio |
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If desired, coaching can be provided in guitar, voice and musical
arrangement technique. |
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An 8-track digital
recording system combining Macintosh, Mackie and ProTools, expandable
to 24 tracks. Many musicians play more than one instrument, so a trio
can sound like several more players. Multiple tracks also permit
making revisions at a later time without disturbing anything already
recorded. |
Fees
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$65.00 per hour,
one-hour minimum, payable by cash, check or money order. |
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After the first hour,
sessions are billed by the quarter-hour. |
Fine Points
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For vocalists who
don’t play an instrument and have no access to musicians, several
companies provide pre-recorded music tracks for an amazing variety of
songs. Pocketsongs.com is just one; there are many others. |
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Ask about neatly
designed and printed CD labels, covers and tray inserts. The better
your CD looks, the more likely someone will actually listen to it – or
buy it. |
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Before anyone else
can do anything for you and your music, you must do something for
yourself. If you don’t make a concerted effort at building your career
in music, you’ll live out the rest of your life wishing that you had.
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How to Prepare for Your Recording Session
For an enjoyable and productive session, follow these hints:
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Decide in advance exactly what you will sing or play.
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Determine the final order for your tunes, then rehearse them in that
sequence until you can perform them in your sleep. For a guitarist using a
capo, grouping same-key songs together makes it easier to keep in tune.
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If you’ll be using music charts or lyric sheets, bring extra copies to
the studio for the recording engineer. Someone else may hear an error that
you miss. It’s faster and more economical to record another take
immediately.
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On the day before your session, check your instrument(s) for the
condition of guitar strings
and cords, amplifiers, rosin, valve oil, reeds, power supplies for
keyboards, extension cords, etc.
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On the night before your session – sleep! Although there is a certain
“show biz” mystique about working long hours without rest, your
performance will suffer as a result of fatigue.
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On the day of your session, arrive early to become comfortably
acclimated to the studio environment.
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Listen carefully to all playbacks, then direct all mixing.
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