[HANASHIR:9419] Re: recording budgets

[Andy Curry <acurry...>]

Chaverim,

I'm posting this message about recording projects to the list, not just to
Rachel, because I think it's important.

In this day and age, you can do it yourself.  You need a fast computer with
a good sound card, a mixer with good microphones, some software, and a DAT
unit and/or CD burner.

Caveats:

It's not for everybody.  If computers and things electronic intimidate you,
hit the trashcan button.  Or, if have no interest in learning more about
music, do the same.

It's not THAT cheap.  Don't expect to slap a $100 piece of software on your
PC, plug your Radio Shack mic into the Brand-X sound card, and be getting a
Grammy for it.

It does involve a lot of learning.

But consider these points:

You can spend $5,000 for a few days of studio time, or you can have some
pretty good equipment which will last a very long time, and which you can
use any time you want for as long as you want.  And, if you use MIDI, you
can compose, arrange, and play any instrument you want!

The quality of recordings done on digital-audio workstations (PCs & Macs)
can be every bit as good as those done in a professional studio.  The main
challenge involves mixing the raw recorded tracks and mastering the overall
project for the end-product CD or tape.  This is the part which may best be
entrusted to pros.

While we're discussing quality, I don't think it's news that many
recordings by great artists don't come close to presenting the artist in
his/her best light.  They're overproduced, underproduced, swimming in
reverb, have cheesy instrumentation, cheesy arrangements, incomprehensible
song selection...the list goes on.  When you go to a studio, you may or may
not have a producer.  The studio is primarily in the technical business,
not in the business of producing and making artistic decisions.  It is best
to have a producer IF that person understands your craft and appreciates
the musical neshama you are trying to project.  If a producer DOESN'T
understand and appreciate, you're better off without.  With the advent of
the digital-audio workstation, you can be a producer.

And don't ever expect to make money from it (especially if you're making a
Jewish-music record!).  Most performers signed to record labels don't make
much at all from record sales.  Where the monetary benefit comes is being
able to charge more for live performances.  Lately, many performers have
realized this and have chosen not to feed the "music industry" but instead
post their recordings on the internet.

Now, it's testimonial time.  I've been recording on my PC for about 3
years.  I keep learning how to do it better, and this summer my Jewish band
is doing a recording project in this way.  Every one in the band, even the
technologically challenged, have expressed how much of a POSITIVE
experience it is.  If we were using a professional studio, we would hear
the clock ticking and have to settle for less.  If you're a serious
musician/performer, one of the most rewarding things you can do in your
musical life is to invest in a recording rig like I've described and learn
to use it.  You will learn SO much, and have a whole lot of fun.

My 2 zuzim.

Kol tuv,
Andy

At 09:21 AM 6/26/01 -0700, you wrote: 
>>>>
Hi Rachelle,
  
I think it's OK to send this to the list.  The most obvious rule is "you
get what you pay for". It's up to you to decide what degree of quality you
want for your project - and that will be the most significant cost-factor.
You may want to find CD's that are similar to what you have in mind - in
terns of production style, and find out the cost.  In very broad strokes -
you're looking at a range of between $10,000 and $20,000 for your bottom
line.  Personally I don't know anyone who produced a CD for the lower
figure... but it may be doable. But it always comes down to quality...
  
Good luck on this project... it's the most incredible thing to do!
  
Shirona
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- -
 
 A question for those of you who have recorded your own CD's:  I am putting
together a budget for a recording project and would welcome any help in
listing expenses.  Off the top, I can think of studio time, side
musicians/backup vocals, cd production, artwork, liner notes, packaging,
and distribution.  I am also interested in knowing how many hours you have
budget per cd cut and any other do's and don't's you may have learned along
the way.  
  
 Please reply privately to <mailto:notfranz (at) total(dot)net>notfranz (at) 
total(dot)net
  
 Thanks,
 Rachelle
 <mailto:notfranz (at) total(dot)net>notfranz (at) total(dot)net
  

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Andy Curry, Kansas City
acurry (at) san-carlos(dot)rms(dot)slb(dot)com

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