Sonic Quality

If there’s one thing I hope you’re really picking up on with these blogs, the news, your boarded up record stores, iPods, mp3s, youtube, iTunes, MTV (cough, cough..”M”?), etc….is that THINGS ARE CHANGING!  And with that, you must ask yourself, “am I just following what’s been done or trying something new?”  Follow me here…I do have a point and question I’m answering…

Most bands, starting out, get together, write some songs, friends and family tell them they’re great, save some money, then spend it all in the studio recording an album, throw it up on myspace, and share it with the world.  Congratulations…welcome to the black hole!

Here’s the question…Mathew asked if recording quality counts?  Or more specifically, “Is the price of a studio really worth it? Do people our age really care that much as long as it doesn’t sound like crap?”

Topic – Should we spend our money for a studio recording or just keep it in my basement?

Advice:
It really depends how well you can record by your own means.  I’ve heard demos come from basements that sound better than most albums out there.  Also, it depends on the goals of your band.  If you’re just playing for friends, family, and fun…no…don’t spend the money..mom will think everything sounds great!  But if you’re trying to gain a fan base, sell music, and take a stab at this…then yes.  Listen to the music you own, does yours compete?  It has to…..to a degree.  See “sound like crap” is relative.  Fundamentally, you must have great songs…that’s the cake..the production is just the icing…but, if you buy the cheap icing with a bad flavor and slab it all over your cake…it ruins the cake and no one’s going to enjoy it.  Get it?

Now…do you need to spend thousands?  No…but maybe a thousand for 10 songs.  You can find someone great at recording, who has a few great mics, and knows the sound in his basement that can get you a great record.  I believe you’re right…within reason.  I’ve never heard a kid say, “I love this song, I love this band, but the kick drum doesn’t sound right so I’m not going to buy it!”  No.  It’s not like it used to.  I CRACK UP when I sit in these A&R guy offices with their floor to ceiling speakers blasting polished turds commenting that the guitars are just a little this…the drums are a little too that…maybe the cymbals should be a tiny more here…no one cares.  And it’s their ridiculous budgets and neurosis that are killing young bands!!  Really?  Really Mr. record label?  Those big budgets, fat cat producers, and insane studios are worth it?  Must be…SINCE NONE OF YOUR ALBUMS ARE SELLING!!  Hahaha..I love it and can’t wait for them to go bye bye.  It’s all about ego.   Nirvana’s “Bleach” was recorded for less than $700.  You don’t need the budget…you need the songs.

For example…check these guys out : The Feelings Mutual .  It’s a brand new band I’m working with (hey…I have to go through all of your gratuitous plugs..take one of mine! ; ) ).  The EP sounds great, getting incredible reviews, and we spent $300 recording it.  You just need to find the right guy for the job.

Now, don’t blow everything you have on recording…I’m finally getting back to this blog’s introduction…you need to allocate some money towards marketing efforts!!  How are you going to get peoples attention on these incredible songs you have?!  You need some cash for posters, stickers, merchandise, local ads, promotion for local gigs, etc.

So…I checked out the songs on your myspace, Mathew, and they don’t compete sonically.  You need the recording good enough to NOT distract from the song.  Good demos, but I would recommend working with someone. Some advice on that…maybe…you can track the music and hire someone to mix it for you in an effort to save a little money.  Delivery them the goods and they can add the polish.  I’d talk to a couple local guys and see if they’re into that idea!

Lemme know how it works out, man!
Ben