Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by MArc-Alan Barnette on March 9, 2011 at 9:25pm

If you are being asked for something you should answer your own questions. It is relatively easy to record things these days. Find a studio you like, pick some songs and do a small CD. Keep it affordable and enjoy yourself.

MAB

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Permalink Reply by Brad Warren on March 9, 2011 at 9:51pm

Thank you for the advice, Marc. I agree that I should just take the plunge and put together a small project.  However, I'm not really plugged in to the local studio scene.  What studios would you recommend and why?

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Permalink Reply by Drew Sanford on March 10, 2011 at 6:16am

Brad,

So far so good - if people want a CD make it. That might be the hardest part. As far as what studio, it really depends on several things. How many people are in on the act? Can all the parts be recorded individually, or is the recording going to work best with everyone playing in one big room? Some studios can't support the latter, there's probably a guy down the street from you that can make a decent recording in a situation like the former. Tell us a little more.

 

Drew

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Permalink Reply by Brad Warren on March 16, 2011 at 11:18am

Thanks, Drew. Any good recommendations for the South Nashville area?

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Permalink Reply by Mike Radcliffe on March 16, 2011 at 1:02pm

Brad, are you going to produce this?  Do you have the skill and knowledge to produce... have you done it before?  If not, would suggest finding a producer and letting him worry about the studio.  With all the producers in Nashville, you are likely to find a patriotic one who would really jump on board with you.

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Permalink Reply by Brad Warren on March 16, 2011 at 2:26pm

Mike, I have no idea.  I've cut a few things from home that sound "ok" (mostly for my personal listening only), but definitely nowhere near commercial quality.  As for the patriotic route, I certainly wouldn't mind taking it that direction since that is already part of my day job anyway.  We always play a few commercial patriotic tunes, and a good helping of good ol' rock, R&B, and soul,  when entertaining our fellow troops and the general public anyway.  So, I'm comfortable with it.  Do you guys have anyone you would recommend?

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Permalink Reply by Mike Radcliffe on March 16, 2011 at 3:09pm

As far as a recommendation.... that's like asking us all what we want on our pizza... except pepperoni was never invented.  :-)  

 

I'm just a drummer... but some advice from someone who's not trying to sell you anything or get you to choose me.... 

First and foremost... for the most part, keep in mind you get what you pay for.  

Secondly... it's quite possible that a bunch of songs recorded as "demos" at a demo studio at demo rates might be perfectly fine for what you need.  I've heard some pretty good demos come out of some really cheap-rate (literal meaning) demo studios.  A guy with some talent, decent gear and a pro-tools rig can do some great work, especially in this economy where a lot of guys are just looking for any work at all to keep their chops up and pay some bills.  Problem is, there are as many guys with a basement/garage and a pro-tools rig in this town as there are drummers.  :-)   You never know what you're going to get.  

 

You have to decide what a realistic budget is for you and look for the best product at that rate.  

$100/song.  They exist and there are diamonds in the rough, but in most cases, it will sound like recorded yourself at a bad Karaoke bar.  

$250/song.  There are guys in here who will want to lynch me for this, but one can get a decent demo for this price.  It's not something you want on the radio, but it may be fine to sell at your gigs.  

$500-$1000/song.  You would find some guys in here who will knock it out of the park for this amount.  You would end up with a really nice sounding product.  

Above $1000/song and you can really do some decent stuff.   

 

Once you decide what your realistic budget is, talk to some producers.  Ask them to be honest and not hold back.  Ask them if and what they can do with your budget and more importantly, ask to hear some of their work that was done in that price range.  

 

I hope some producers will chime in on this and feel free to rip me a new one.  :-)  

 

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Permalink Reply by Bret Teegarden on March 18, 2011 at 11:49am

Brad, I'd be surprised if you didn't already have people messaging you recommending themselves.

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Permalink Reply by Brad Warren on March 18, 2011 at 11:52am

I guess now is the time to be surprised.  :-)  No recommendations thus far.

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Permalink Reply by Dave Bechtel on March 18, 2011 at 9:57pm

Well... Give me a ring then:)  If I can't help you I'll point you in the direction of some folks that can.

 

dave.

615.969.5287

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Permalink Reply by Brad Warren on March 23, 2011 at 1:39pm

Dave, I might very well do so.  Thanks for your input!

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