How To Choose The Perfect Studio For Your Recording Project
We know it can be hard to find a studio that you trust to record your music. It is a major decision when picking someone to take your most cherished writings and turn them into a fully produced hit song that you hear so vividly in your own head. Don’t fret - we are here to help with this decision!
We’ve had countless new clients coming to us explaining that they didn’t feel like their artistic vision was met when they recorded elsewhere. This can be for many reasons, but one reason is that a lot of studios sell their time without a producer, and rush you through the process in order to make sure you are in and out quickly. Lots of Studios are out there to make money, and are not invested in the final product.
We want to stop this problem from happening! Here are three ways to find a studio that will work for you, and not take from you.
Are there artists on your level that have a recoding that you are blown away by? Ask them where they got it done.
A lot of artists love to help other artists. Ask them. They will be honest with you and tell you their experience. One of the best compliments we have at Studio45b is a client referral.
Ask other artists questions and research what their process was.
Did they work with a producer? What musicians did they hire? How long did the recording process take? How fast was the turnaround? How long did mixing and mastering take? Did they feel like their artist input was heard in the studio? Did they feel rushed? Would they do anything differently the next time around? Was there anything they would’ve changed?
We could go on and on with a million questions, but the main point is to ask a million questions to people in the industry that you trust. The more you know, the better the outcome will be.
2. Talk to multiple studios before you decide on a winner.
Research online studios in your area (or that record remotely) that you would love to work with. Read through their entire website, listen to the projects that they’ve worked on, and research their clientele. Research their team and see who on their team you think you would vibe with. We use the word “vibe” because that is what a studio is all about! Setting the best recording “vibe.”
Do not settle on the very first studio you come across. There are a ton of very talented producers, engineers and coaches to choose from. Make sure you are making an educated decision before you take action and book a date.
If they give you an option to have a free phone call with them, absolutely do it. It’s so important to utilize every chance you can to get to know the people that will be working on your project with you. Make sure to ask them those millions of questions that we mentioned in point #1!
3. Know your budget.
We get it. Recording at Abbey Road Studios might be a huge dream of yours (that can absolutely happen some day!) but before you get too far into loving a studio, make sure that you ask what the prices are. We don’t want you to be disappointed.
We talked a little bit about this last week in our blog post. (you can find that post right here.) We wanted to expand a little more on this!
You might not know your budget right off the bat. Perhaps you need to call around to a few different studios before you figure out what recording costs are, before you know what budget you have in mind for your own project. Calling around and asking for prices will give you a better understanding of what a full project might cost. Once you figure that out, and your own finances, then search for studios within that budget.
Our point is, find a studio that you can afford before you fall in love with a studio that you can’t afford.
If you’re ready to do some research, contact us today for our rates.
4. Decide which producer to work with, and if one is needed at all.
Believe it or not, a lot of people aren’t quite sure what a producer actually does. (If you’d like more info on that, check out our previous blog here!) We will get more into detail on our next post, but here is a quick rundown of a producers job.
Generally speaking a music producer overseas and understands the project as a whole, alongside the artist themselves. A producer knows how to create a certain sound within certain genres and can help the artist pull bring those sounds to life on their recording.
Lets give an example. What makes Brad Paisley’s guitar playing so different from John Mayer’s guitar playing? A producer knows that a Brad Paisley guitar tone will come from a Fender Telecaster, and a John Mayer signature sound will come from a Fender Stratocaster. Not only that, a producer knows what notes, bends, stylization and chords make a country sound, and knows the difference in that sound and a pop rock sound.
A good producer will know the styling, tone and instruments in certain genres and how to get your song sounding the way you want it to sound.
There are instances where you might not need a producer. We will cover that next week on our blog about finding a producer for your project.
Contact us here for your free consult call with our head producer, Grady James.
5. Listen to your gut.
It feels like we say that quite often. However, it is true. You need to find a studio that you are comfortable with. That comfortable sound will come across in your recording. Choose a studio that listens to you, pays attention to you, and is excited about your project. You will know when you chat with them if it is the right fit or not. Follow your instinct and you won’t be wrong!
If you are thinking of launching your project into action, give us a call today! We would love to help you on your recording journey.
***Written by Singer/Songwriter Danielle Todd ***