1) I want my studio to be a place that people want to record. In other words, I'm not at all concerned about my studio's "creds" (i.e., gold records on the wall, etc. etc.). Rather, I'm striving to create a place with a great vibe, where people can be creative, and have a recording that sounds great to boot- at a price that is attainable.
2) I recognize that the recording industry is rapidly changing. The reality is that most artists just don't have the cash to go into a commercial facility for all their recording needs. Moreover, artists are working ever faster, and there are aspects of a commercial facility which are clunky and time consuming. If you want to put up a single on Myspace or Bandcamp, etc., it just doesn't make sense to go spend $800/day at a big studio, and then have it mastered, etc. I'm hoping to be a happy medium between your friend who has an interface, some Chinese mics, and a computer, and a big commercial studio. My studio has proper acoustic treatment, a decent mic selection, and a good headphone scenario. It has the infrastructure of any commercial studio. It does not have a vintage Neve 8048 mixing console or fancy vintage German mics.
3) I take recording very seriously. I consider it an invaluable part of the creative process in music. I view recording as more than simply documenting music- I try to tap into the spirit of a song, and make a recording that translates that spirit to the listener. My hope is that people see the value in working with someone who cares as much about recording their music as they do creating it. I also think that, just as in music, there is an important recording lineage, a lineage which I study as ernestly as I study music. One of the things I take seriously is archiving recordings. I make sure to document each recording, and create archival DVD backups of each session. I worry that with the speed of technology, and the busyness of life, many great recordings are going to be lost because of careless file management. Unlike a big reel of 2" tape, digital recordings have a way of disappearing...
4) I would like to offer a discounted rate to students (high school and college aged students).
5) I can see opening my studio up to a hybrid model of clientele/studio relationship. More and more musicians are recording at home, or tracking basics at a commercial facility, and mixing, etc., at home. I think my studio could have a potentially valuable role in that model.
So, what do you think is a fair price for recording at my studio? I foresee having an hourly rate, as well as a block "day" rate. What is a fair student discount rate? Feel free to post a comment below this blog, or shoot me an email: vlsending14@msn.com
