Trying to open shop

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audio snob
Member Since: Jan 02, 2005

Ok, so I got a decent home studio now, enough to entertain myself for days on end. I want to get into recording demos for other people so I can generate a little money from all this stuff. I don't know where to start. How do I find people who are serious about getting their demos made but can't afford the big studio? Can anyone offer some advice on how to promote this venture?

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Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Jan 04, 2005 02:47 am

Well, I went the slow route. But quite frankly I am more interested in helping young artists get started than making money at recording. I simply made up some simple business cards and started talking about my hobby when the opportunity was ok. I started by charging only materials. I would have them buy me a hard drive, some CD's and etc. I retained rights to use what I produced for a 'portfolio'. Within a year I had a few bands backed up waiting at the door so to speek. Well, before long those folks were telling me to start charging and they told their friends.

I still don't charge much. Like I say it is a hobby for me.

Anyway, just how I did / do it.

Member
Since: Apr 22, 2004


Jan 04, 2005 05:43 am

Cool Walt...thats basically what we do...just get the bands to provide CD's and have their permission to post their work and keep them in a portfolio...during the burn, we stick on the studio name and engineer. They are supposed to provide a hard drive too.

In return they get to use almost all our gear to help produce what they want...and at this stage anyway...they can come back as often as they feel they need to, within reason...and generally take their time over the recording.

We only record teenagers, don't charge ... my son gets to practise more...everyone wins!

I also get an undertaking that if they make it and I need them for charity or motivational work...they will oblige.

Cheers,

BM:-)

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Jan 04, 2005 12:57 pm

wow what fresh clean replys!!!! I too am a "starving artist" and wouldn't change it for the world. I've got this "problem" of doing recording because i love it, and not trying to make a living off of it....my father and i fight ALOT because he's got this baby-boomer mentality of the man who dies with the most toys wins, and expects me to charge people $50/hour for my services!!!!! the man has no clue. it's that same mentality that has lead him into bankruptcy. dooing what you love will give you far grater results than expecting to make money off it. it's DAMN HARD to make a living recording people, or playing music, or any other form of art. it's sad really, but that's the reality in which we live. jesus where am i going with this, oh yeah.....what i'd do if i were you is literally whore yourself out for awhile, you need to get as much experiance behind you as possible, cus trust me, you might have the right equipment, but knowing how to use it to it's fullest potential is what seperates the men from the mice, and that only comes with hours and hours and hours and hours and months of experimenting. i started off helping out friends for free, until i got comfortable with myself and felt i could churn out a good product, after that i decided since the going rate of your average digital multitrack studio is roughly $30/hour, i'd do $100/song, start to halfassed mastered, nomatter how long it takes...i'm doing this to build up speed so i can compete with the $30/hour crowd...right now i'm a bit slower than i'd like to be and would feel bad fumbling around infront of people and charging them an hourly rate. anyway sorry for the rant i'm not trying to discourage you in anyway, just don't "expect" to make lots of money, that way if you do, it'll be a real nice surprise, and if you don't, you won't get mad at yourself and sell all your gear and quit.


peace

wyd

audio snob
Member
Since: Jan 02, 2005


Jan 04, 2005 01:56 pm

Thanks for all the advice. I'm not trying to make big bucks at this. I just want to work with the starving artists. My space isn't big enough to handle big egos just yet. I spend all my free time making music for myself and I'm clueless on how to make some contacts or where to find people that are serious about putting together some kind of demo. I probably wouldn't charge at first. I just don't know where to find people.

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Jan 04, 2005 01:59 pm

your best bet is to generate leads by doing the best you can....all it takes is for you to make say 3(the more the better) local band demos, if your name is on it and all three bands like what you've did with them, they'll tell their friends and so on and so on, work on building a reputation for yourself, you want people to think of you when they think of audio. network!

peace

wyd

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Jan 04, 2005 02:37 pm

Cheers to all!

I am gratefull to hear that the spirit of contribution still lives. And Mum, as I have stated you are just 'ok' (understatement etc.)

I have gotton to the point where I can offer groups a quality that meets and sometimes exceeds what the average commercial studio will offer. It takes me longer and the group has to participate to a greater degree. I have become an accepted band member with a few of the groups and will do studio bass for them as necessary as well as help in marketing them. They have all responded well to the charity contributions as it is win / win as well as just a good feeling for them and I.

Whoosyourdaddy,

Sory to hear bout your dad. I too am in that generation more or less. The whole monitary / possession gig can get real hollow. Obviously balance is something each of us needs to find, but to focus on 'bigger better more' constantly is realy demeaning to the human spirit.

Oh God, did it again. Phylisophical, sikening sweet swill. But it's true!

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004


Jan 04, 2005 02:53 pm

Yeah I have had similar disputes with myself...it hard to get rolling. But I figure once it gets rolling it goes good...

Where to find contacts??...you gotta find the local scene if there is one...maybe high schools for upstarting bands something like that...There is always someone out there...

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004


Jan 04, 2005 02:57 pm

Walt, there is a local radio show here in good ole Minnesota and this host has a guest who calls up regularly and his call-in name is Walter the Secretary of Insight...

So Im gonna dubb you our(HRC's) "Secretary of Insight"

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jan 04, 2005 02:59 pm

HA! Secretary of Insight it is!

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Jan 04, 2005 03:03 pm

Oh my;

I've been dubed a lot of things. Never anything that nice however. I must be lossing my Shreck / Grinch esk persona. Not good, not good. People will want to visit! They will want to become those 'friend' things!

Outa my swamp!

The thought of it!

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Jan 04, 2005 03:04 pm

dB, you schithead!

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jan 04, 2005 03:06 pm

bwahahahaha

of course you always have the power to remove it, but eh, I hope you don't :-)

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004


Jan 04, 2005 03:08 pm

Walt you make not think so but from our side of the fence you wear that fitted hat quite eloquently(sp)

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jan 04, 2005 03:09 pm

agreed

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Jan 04, 2005 03:17 pm

EEEE gad, what a revoltin predicerment!


Jason,

Man, its wierd. I'll just be babbling with someone, mention recording, maybe play a little something I am working on and they come out of the walls.

Three times in the shop (a car repair facility I recently closed) I was at the counter babbling with (happened to be women) and each time the woman got up, closed the door to the back room and started singing. Blew my socks off each time. Fabulous voices. One wanted to do a piece for her dad, one wanted a demo for actual 'find a band' purposes, the third just created a song for her church. So, OK fine. We can do this. They had friends and band mates. Those friends and bandmates had affiliations with other musicians. Next thing I know I am taking names and puting them into my PDA promising to call them when the current groups got done. Reminds me, a couple probably think I stiffed them. Better say hi before long.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jan 04, 2005 03:55 pm

Yep, I like it Walt. It does indeed fit you well.

As for how I get bands or jobs in here. It is really just word of mouth. This can be slow at time, which is OK with me for the most part. Going out to the small clubs such as a local place that caters to teens were my son and his friends hang out occasionally is great as well. I have gotten to meet several bands that way. Peep's who may allready have a low grade demo and want something better. Sometimes they allready have track done but just need them fixed and mixxed. That is were I come in. But it all rolls out from there. Most of these bands are pretty tight with each other, and doing a good turn for one gets the word out to the others.

And as has been said allready, money isnt an issue here. Yes I would be lying if I said making the money on other projects isnt great, because that is what keeps me in gear and new software. But it is the ability to give something away to those who truly deserve it that really gets me going. I will usually want to here them before I agree to anything, and if they need to work on performance before they come I will tell them so. It has gotten to the point now were Tuna gets CD's from all kinds of bands, big and small. They guys here by him or others that his dad has a studio and works well with the stated starving artists. And so it goes from there. Tuna now has friend who intrun will also somehow turn up the occasional band needing a demo or what ever. Slow but rewarding is the process.

So if you have some small clubs around that cater to new bands I would try going to some of them as well. More then likely you will find many who might be interested.

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004


Jan 04, 2005 03:56 pm

Yeah it is wierd and with me and my situation, granted, I am not as "involved" with the amount of clientel...as some of you all are...but I have grown alot since being on here...I got this guy asking me constantly "When are you open next?" but its not as if I am something special, he just needs work to be done...but 3 months ago I wasn't doing sh**...

Anyhow...I hope it continues to grow and I can build up some confidence cuz I don't have sh** now...All I got is the fact I know my equipment VERY well...

I don't where I am going with this so I'll quit...

audio snob
Member
Since: Jan 02, 2005


Jan 04, 2005 04:28 pm

Thanks for all the input. What about putting an ad in a local paper to do record for free as long as you bring the supplies? Would that be a good way to get started? All the people I've met around here "know someone" who may be interested. I just attract flaky people for some reason. About the money, I'm not trying to cash in or anything. I mostly just want to work with people other then myself and the occasional drunk bastard that wants to play with my toys on the weekend. Although a little money here and there wouldn't hurt...these toys are getting expensive. My wife seems to think we should be saving for the future rather then blowing thousands of dollars on my musical toys. Some people really don't have their priorities straight.

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004


Jan 04, 2005 05:25 pm

Petruso...we have rowed the same boat but at seperate times...That's pretty much what I do/did...was have a buddy over and we'd come up with stuff and occasionally get liquored up...but I was looking to get more into the mix of things...

I want actual business...and he doesn't like the people I work with (for no apparent reason) which is why I haven't heard from him in a grip...even tho I want to start him on his own project...but **** 'em...what can I do...

And your wife as many of our 'sig. others' feel that way, but like any craft one has a huge passion for you need good tools to work with...and they are expensive for the average kin...

audio snob
Member
Since: Jan 02, 2005


Jan 04, 2005 05:37 pm

Jason, it does sound like you came from where I'm coming from here. It's hard to find serious people. Eventually you get tired of the mindless fun of it all and that's when people either seem to slip away from their toys or try to do something with it. But it's still all fun.

Member
Since: Apr 22, 2004


Jan 04, 2005 06:24 pm

Hey Noize...we've found the same...the bands are pretty tight with one another...and so word of mouth and as whosyourdaddy says...reputation are part of the base to springboard from.

Recently, the first band recorded here...got one of their songs on mainstream radio...thats also good for us.

I don't know about the money side of things yet...but my feeling is that on the one hand, recording is art and on the other hand...very competitive.

Sometime this year we will start also renting out space for paying bands (not teenager bands tho')...to record mibbes just drums or just vocals or the whole shabam...or whatever.

But I suspect it's like most things...you get your feet wet and you take it from there...I'm a firm believer in getting the basics right for others to do their razzle dazzle...and then more options will present themselves.

Always with this kind of attitude though...hard work and determination are needed. But when...as Jason says...you're passionate about what you're doing...it doesn't always seem so much like hard work...well not at first perhaps.

Cheers and thanks for the compliment Walt :-),

BM:-)


Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Jan 04, 2005 10:20 pm

Welcome as always Mum!

Jason and Petruso;

Just had to empathize with the 'finding someone serious' bit. When I decided to get back into playing, I started with a praise group. I love them whole heartedly, but they had a low ceiling to their musical interests. I learned a lot with them, got my reading skills back up a little etc. But to move on to where I was comfortable, I had to do just that....move on. Snagged a chair with a local big band and that made a huge difference. All of a sudden I was networked with booco bands, groups, etc. that were playing at a level I enjoy. I do a lot of subbing for other bands. I have gotton on quite a few 'on call' lists. And the connections keep growing. Everything from studio work to pit orchestras.

All I can say, is keep playing and learning. Don't get bogged down. You don't have to break relationships. I still help out the praise group from time to time. But the neat thing is that a couple other bass players have cycled through the praise group since I left and are now moving on asl well.

All good stuff. Stick by your guns...so to speak.

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004


Jan 04, 2005 11:29 pm

Thats pretty much what I did...When I started it was going to be a rap label. Were not talking Death Row Records type stuff but stuff we wanted to record for us...I had the stuff going and they were the talent cuz I can't do sh** but hear things a certain way and adjust it...but over time people came and went...except my #1 guy...he has always been there...till now...

Back then we started ripping a local rap label behind closed doors just because like many others, they claim to be hard and tough and all that personna rappers tend to carry...but we thought their music wasn't as impressive as some thought...yet people were all over them...I was a tough love critic but with that I always said "atleast hes got something going..." so we ripped em partly outta jealousy and partly because we didn't see the big deal like their (his) following did...well fast forward 2-3 years and now I am working with these people...And since I mentioned it to this sidekick of mine, he's flaked on me...but his logic ain't really concrete...

Why did I want to work with him??...partly because he was on the scene and partly because it would help get the ball rollin. I figure if I can get this going it would bring in other things and it also taught me how to approach potential clientel...all in all its been fun...there are still some wrinkles I gotta iron out but its been ok so far...I just wish I had a more professional get up cuz as I said I can't find confidence in walking people into a spare room to record...

So for now I think:
In time.....in time


Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Jan 04, 2005 11:42 pm

Everybody's gotta start somewhere. Sounds like your making progress in many areas. With that attitude you will no doubt get the pieces to 'snap' together, as you say 'in time'

Ps: Thanks for the bi-line. I am truely honored. I just hope no-one else reads this post now. Ruin my whole ogre thing.

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004


Jan 04, 2005 11:44 pm

So with this said I am also pondering a name change and scrapping the site to compose a new one...

I have learned alot and contrary to a quote that I said about "I haven't taken much from this site and applied to my workings"...I will admit that I do take in ALL of the stuff when it comes to operation and composing a reputation... dB, Noize, Walt, BM, Ms. Karyn and on and on...have unknowingly inspired me & kicked me in the *** so to speak...cuz I'd be willing to bet my stuff...had I not been on here as much, I'd still be in my black leather chair plucking the same 5 keys on my Triton night after night

Member
Since: Apr 22, 2004


Jan 04, 2005 11:45 pm

Hey Jason H...'The first million is the hardest'...you heard that saying?

It's not so much about money as it is about the effort required at the beginning right through until the business is running itself...thats a wee while...

Like y'say...in time...all in good time.

Cheers Jason and keep up the good work,

BM:-)


Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004


Jan 04, 2005 11:48 pm

NP Walt...it just fit so well...I read that post and said, "Man this guys got insight on everything"...

then it just popped....

And for dB, whether or not he cares...to hint on the name change I am dropping the 's' off of Studios...to become non-plural...

Him and I bickered about that and I have had a change of heart...

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004


Jan 04, 2005 11:49 pm

Lotsa love in this string...Sweet of you as always BM thanks...

Member
Since: Apr 22, 2004


Jan 05, 2005 12:30 am

Hey Jason...did I inspire or kick yo' ***!...hehehe!...THAT is sweet of you...but I don't actually know anything much yet about recording.

In fact, I'm so lame...I can't even set up my own mic without help.

Cheers Jase,

BM:-)

PS Most of us have the answers in us...its more a matter of having the right people around us.

audio snob
Member
Since: Jan 02, 2005


Jan 05, 2005 02:03 pm

...I just wish I had a more professional get up cuz as I said I can't find confidence in walking people into a spare room to record...
I can definitally hear that one...That's been an issue with me to. I was cutting demos with a local guy here, and he got a group together. Well, he brought them through, and they didn't even want to mess with me because it was in a spare bedroom. So now they go to commercial studios and pay lots of money so they can feel like big shots going to a "real" studio. And the studios seem to have a radar for that mentality because I've heard the stuff, and it really doesn't sound all that glossy. Then they send each song off individually to get mastered as they are recorded. I tried to tell them that it may be better to get them all recorded and have the album mastered all at the same time, but nope, I don't know sh!t cause my studio doesn't cost a couple million dollars. These guys paid 1000 dollars for an album cover 3 years ago. That was a year before they even started recording. Now the guy that I used to (and still do) record a little bit with lost over 100 pounds and looks nothing like the guy on the album cover. Hahahaha...what? Yeah, I'm jealous. I wish I could spend that kind of money on this stuff too. And it irks me that these people can be such "studio snobs" These guys think it's all about how much money you spend. A properly configured DAW and a lot of loving care can compete with the Big Studio sound any day. Especially when the big studio can tell that the only thing you here is the sound of your money being spent. Bastards!

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Jan 05, 2005 02:42 pm

yeah i feel ya, my friends brought me a cd that they made in a "real studio" and i couldn't believe my ears!! not only did they pay out the prairie dog hole, but they themselves thought it sounded good....silly musicians! ยง=oP

apparently the people at the studio did a good job of inflating their heads and catered to their every need (PS2, pizza, beer ect.) which in turn let the band get a taste of the rockstar lifestyle and totally lost perspective of why they were there. yuck.

i explained this to them and proceded to record their practice in the singers garrage, and heres the setup i used

2 58's over the drums
1 radioshack in the bass drum
1 57 on each guitar amp (2 total)
Vox went direct from the PA
Bass was direct

all to a Roland VS-1680
took it home dumped the tracks into Sonar
and spent i'd say roughly 10 hours on about 30 mins. of material

the end result (aside from the snare drum bleed into the guitar mics, which made for an awful tennis court effect) blew their "professional" recording outta the cd player.

i learned something that day, let the finished product speak for itself. sure enough i've earned that bands trust and business by proving to them that i can match or even do better than my compition, not only that but any of the five members will surely send people my way because they know first hand i can produce results......and honestly my recording was way under par compaired to what i could have done in a more proper recording environment.

my advice if you wanna go all the way with audio, is first read, read, read, there's thousands of articles on the web about every aspect of the recording process, i'm not talkin' about reading one article about M-S miking, read ALL of them, even if it seems redundant, everyone has something to add. Basically you can educate yourself for free this way.

next practice your craft as often as you can stand, and then some. All the knowledge in the world will not do you any good without knowing how to apply it...and really it's this second half that really gets stuff in your head...you're gonna make a hundred bad mixes before you make one awsome one, but you will take with you the understanding of what the differance between those bad ones and that one perfect one. i cannot stress this enough, if you have any musician friends (not the mag lol) invite them over and track them....then experament with those tracks, hack them up, do a remix, lay down some soft-synth tracks on top....you get the point.

ya gotta become a sponge and soak up all things audio, hang out with other musicians, or anyone else involved with music, no matter how insignificant they may seem...these people (we) are your peers.

peace

wyd

audio snob
Member
Since: Jan 02, 2005


Jan 05, 2005 02:56 pm

Very true, very true...I definitally keep myself busy reading...My biggest problem has been being able to surround myself with the right people...partly my own fault though. I'm very inconsistent with my interpersonal relationships and I refuse to take the lithium!

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jan 05, 2005 03:01 pm

Half the problem of my youth was who I surrounded myself with...when I decided to change my life and better myself I dumped almost EVERYBODY in my life, even my best of friends. After a little while I learned who my REAL friends were, cuz they were the ones that understood what I was trying to do and supported me...mind you, that wasn't damn many.

And my life has improved because of it.

audio snob
Member
Since: Jan 02, 2005


Jan 05, 2005 03:09 pm

Yeah, I tried that too. Unfortuntatley it seems there was a shortage on real friends that day.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jan 05, 2005 03:16 pm

I'd rather have no freinds, than bogus friends.

But yeah, I know what ya mean, it was really a sad realization for me personally, but at the same time, it did reafirm to me that I was doing the right thing.

The funniest part, years later, I bump into some of them now and then at the mall, gas station or wherever, and they are still at the same place in life they were 10 years ago when I left...which is sad...cuz I feel I have accomplished so much in that time, and moved so far in life and so much happier than they seem...I dunno, I guess ya only get out of life what ya put into it.

Member
Since: Apr 22, 2004


Jan 05, 2005 03:19 pm

Real friends have always been few...we just try to make the most of what we have.

Cheers petruso and like Walt says...stick at it,

BM:-)

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jan 05, 2005 03:21 pm

It's all about looking out for #1, And not stepping in #2 - Rodney Dangerfield.

::bows head in respect::

Member
Since: Apr 22, 2004


Jan 05, 2005 03:23 pm

ditto

audio snob
Member
Since: Jan 02, 2005


Jan 05, 2005 03:24 pm

Damn, this thread is getting so sensitive. Hugs all around!!

Member
Since: Apr 22, 2004


Jan 05, 2005 03:27 pm

Lol :-)

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jan 05, 2005 03:30 pm

Yeah, we get these "feel the love" threadsevery so often, but there is a lot of truth when it comes to subjects like friends and environment.

Hang with losers your gonna lose, hang with winners you are gonna win...obviously not totally true, but not too far off.

The main problem comes in with environment. Each crowd has leaders and followers...I have usually been in the "leaders" group myself, I dunno why, I just was never much of a follower. But the winners and losers in any given "clique" is relative to the clique itself...

Myself, I have chosen to hang around more motivated, positive thinking people, lead when I need to and follow when I need to. I have learned a lot, and made some really good friends...I think...

audio snob
Member
Since: Jan 02, 2005


Jan 05, 2005 03:40 pm

That reminds me of a Tony Little DVD I saw...That guy's a hoot! But you're right. I guess I'd say I'm between cliques right now...having a early mid life crisis I think.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Jan 05, 2005 03:55 pm

Kum-By-Ahhhhh

OOppps, sorry, momentary flashback.

Man, I gotta chime in on the 'commercial studio' chatter. Not much different than a 'commercial builder'. Hire them and bird dog their every move as most will cut every corner possible! Obviously I'm not talking MGM or the ivory tower boys here, but the average 'commercial studio' is something that if I can't do better than, I need to re-think what I am doing! At least in my area. I keep using parens when refering to 'commercial studio' because they have only one aspect of 'professional' down pat. They collect money for what they do!

Webster 2a:
Professional "Participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amatures"

Webster 2:
Amateur: "One who engages in a pursuit study, science, or sport as a pastime rather than as a profession"

Now obviously there are connotations of proficiency etc. in other definitions of both, but I don't think that is what we are talking about here folks with the average 'commercial studio'

Sorry bout what is about to come from me, but this will be a short rant:

[Begin rant]

There are a lot of STUPID people out there with the paradigm that two monies will get more than one money!

[/End rant]

I guess to a great degree I am very gratefull those people exist. Imagine how bad our economy would be right now if everybody wised up!

Massive unemployement!

Stupid people.... I LOVE YOU!

Wow... Back to:

Kum..By.Ahhhhh.........

Member
Since: Apr 22, 2004


Jan 05, 2005 03:59 pm

Lol Walt...man...you're on fire! :-)

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Jan 05, 2005 04:00 pm

Carefull there Mumz, You remember the last we troded on the 'light my fire' concept. Notgood, notgood.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jan 05, 2005 04:01 pm

don't make me lock this thread

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Jan 05, 2005 04:04 pm

Yes dear!

Member
Since: Apr 22, 2004


Jan 05, 2005 04:17 pm

It's been a great morning!

Cheers,

BM:-)

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004


Jan 05, 2005 05:48 pm

well...the thread has been one experience...I looked on it this morning and saw 30 threads...last one left by BM...and I look just now (this afternoon) and its up to 49...I think we all have our gripes about where we are (or once WERE) at, and that really shows passion...I think once one becomes content its more about treading water rather than learning to swim...

Once more, if we didn't have passion for all this we wouldn't gripe about how we wish things were better or how we wish people used common sense...and we surely wouldn't be on HRC learning, ranting, sharing tips and occasionally being dubbed sub-names . So I think even on our darkest days in the studio, on the stage, or with instruments in hand...as long as we enjoy the peaks and accept the pitfalls, and are willing to step up to another day, whether it be another gig, another late night recoding session (lol...dB)...I meant recording session or whatever have you...atleast we got that to fall back on...

I don't know what the hell I just typed so I'll stop....

audio snob
Member
Since: Jan 02, 2005


Jan 05, 2005 06:04 pm

Wow this is a great site. I look forward to many lessons learned and heartaches shared from this place. Yup, the downers are kicking in just in time for me to get off work...I'll be mixing into the wee hours on another song that will never go anywhere but my heart. And that's what makes it all worthwhile. When people tell me I should be making money off this I ask them if they get paid to watch TV. You do what you do to do it. Not for status. Although it is easy to blur the line. I worked with a guy in Germany on some tracks. I could blow that up to the unsuspecting masses and say I'm an internationally known music producer. So if you're just doing it to look good. Save your money and lie to everyone. Me,
I'd rather spend every free dime on more toys. They are my children, and eventually you gotta put your kids to work. Just part time though. Keep the love....Now what the hell was I talking about. Anybody else got the Bipolar? I heard it's common among us.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jan 05, 2005 09:28 pm

Well, since we are sharing the love I will share a bit more.

The people here at HRC are what keep me interested in doing what I do. Both with my music, as well as with others. I have shared with as well as been shared to by members of HRC so many inspirational things it is uncountable.

I can honestly say I love what I do here. some days may be better then other, but that is the nature of the beast. Some people learn in one or two post's, others it might take three or four threads to ,ale things clear. Its all good, and they are learning, and so am I.

Friends, I am the same as dB. Left many of them behind as I grew older, and wiser. Good thing that came from that is the time I have to do what I like. Camping with my 2 youngest son's, and working in the studio, and being part of HRC. And thats in no particular order of preferance. Now the boys are staring to become more interested in making music, and that is good.

In regards to how others may or may not feel toward your studio, be it big or small, a closet or bedroom, luandry room or bathroom. If you can make good music in it, then it is a studio. If you learn your gear and make good use of it, then it is a studio. Dont let anyone who thinks it isnt get you down.

I have been priviliged enough to have been at the top of the heap, more then once in my musical life. And the way I look at it, I am not done yet. I have had the opportunity to play in some very fine and well known studio in my life as well. And to tell the truth, yes I loved every minute of it. But I wouldnt trade all the time in the world in thoses places for the moments I have had in here, when the light comes on over some kids head and he realizes, "Damn, my music sound really good!"

To all of you struggling with those who say you cant. I say you can!

And that my friends is the bottom line! You can do anything you want to, and become anyone you want to, because your life is in your hands. You control your own destiny by what you put into your life. Wether its your music, or helping someone else with their's, it is what you put into it that matter most.

K, nuff rambling.

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004


Jan 07, 2005 01:56 pm

Its Jan 7th about 1:05:04pm here in Minnesota...I just read Noize's last post and I hate to ruin that as a cap so pretend this post is invisible...I had to share this, even tho this is not new for some of you out there...but its new to me so I figured it would apply to the rest of us who are JUST now...setting up shop.

Had my one and only client over last night...he wanted mixdowns for two tracks we had been working on...So before he got there I mixed the two tracks to the best I could that way he would just make minimal volume adjustments here and there...so I mixed it to where I thought it was good. Then he came in, and was impressed...he said I did a good job mixing them and he didnt make one adjustment on any channel...all we did was run two mixdown processes and burned them on a CD...

It was a pretty good feeling...I like to think my skills are pretty good when it comes to that, but some people have egos as such that even if there isnt something wrong with it, they will still change something just to feel as if they had the final say in the mix...

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jan 07, 2005 02:02 pm

OR, you get people that have really good ears and mix something oddly and you learn something from it.

Hell, I was talking to Earle from Har-Bal on the phone last night and he started talking about Waves Linear Phasing and schooled me for a couple of minutes. No ego, nothing like that, just a cool little tip I hope to try over the weekend after I get done doing some bass sessions for a dude...

even if you are the one getting paid, you can learn from your client, just don't let him know that :-)

Oh, and fix your clocks Jason, it's 1:02.

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004


Jan 07, 2005 02:06 pm

My clock aint wrong it just felt like 130....THERE I FIXED IT :P

I have learned such and he is pretty picky so thats kinda why I took it as a compliment

Normally I wouldn't cuz I think I hear things pretty well, not to be confused with having an ego

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jan 07, 2005 02:07 pm

LOL

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004


Jan 07, 2005 02:11 pm

God you coulda just let me dream that this Firday was going by so fast it was a half hour ahead but NOOOOO...Mr. dB (subname...Secretary of Technicallity) had to take his correction wand and burst my bubble...


Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jan 07, 2005 02:13 pm

Leave it to me to piss on anyone's parade.

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