Posted by Michael on March 11, 2009 under Misc | 
What is this website all about?
I’m a music producer, engineer and songwriter with a recording studio in Times Square, the heart of New York City.. I specialize in working with solo recording artists in many genres.
Here, at different times, I will shed light on the recording and creative process as well as write some personal articles, reviews, etc… The relationship between an artist and their producer is an extremely personal one, so perhaps here you may get to know me a little better and decide if I might be a good match for you as an artist.
Read more of this article »
Posted by Michael on February 16, 2009 under Articles, Recording Tips |
I find it amazing that the first question most people ask when talking to me about recording is, “What Are Your Rates?”
I understand this is important to most people, but the correct question should be “What is This Going to COST Me?”
1. People who work on hourly rates work at different speeds and capabilities. Someone whose hourly rates are half of someone else’s could still easily end up COSTING you a lot more for the finished end project.
2. Producers like me, who work on a package price for the whole project, need much more information before we can truly answer that question. (Which is why I offer a free consultation to prospective clients.) Read more of this article »
Posted by Michael on September 29, 2008 under Articles, Recording Tips |
Many artists and musicians think they don’t need a producer. They have the artistic vision, why should they hire someone else?
There are many jobs a true music producer does, many of which have little to do with the actual creative output of the music. So why should you use a Real Producer?
What is a Real Producer Good For?
1. Do you know which studio to book? Do you know if they will really have what you need to accomplish your goals? Real Producers know this. Many have their own studios as well, so the price isn’t much more, and if their studio isn’t up to the job, they’ll be able to take the portion of the project that needs another space and coordinate everything.
2. Do you know how long it will take to record all the pieces? Not guessing… really know? Producers know how long everything will take, and can schedule everything with you to make sure you are getting the most efficient use of your time. Read more of this article »
Posted by Michael on August 18, 2008 under Articles, Recording Tips |
There are some musicians who seem to think that they can find a producer/engineer who will be willing to work with them for free (“On Spec”). Or they may have heard that if they are “good enough” they shouldn’t have to pay for recording… someone will front them.
While in a few number of cases that can be true, as I’m sure someone has told you, “Nothing is EVER free.”
I’ll walk you through a few common scenarios, and explain where the hidden “costs” are… should you actually find someone willing to work with you on Spec.
1. Established producers will “cost”: The truest form of a spec deal is with an established producer who actually has industry contacts and is producing you because they feel they can possibly get a deal for you. However, getting their attention is difficult. Unless you have an inside connection to them in the first place, you will need a very good quality demo to get them interested in the first place. Then if you DO get the deal,YOU WILL NEED TO HIRE AN EXPERIENCE MUSIC ATTORNEY. This will cost you quite a bit, but you need to protect yourself, because the well connected producer is certainly protecting himself. The last thing you want is a scenario where the demos he produces don’t secure you a deal and/or aren’t stylistically where you want to go musically… and then you find yourself lucky enough to actually land a deal later on (not having anything to do with his demos) and have him suing you for earnings.
2. Inexperienced producers will waste your time (and time is money!): Many newcomers will work on spec, but if they don’t have the skills in the first place, you may spend a lot of time working on recordings that never showcase you well in the first place. You can find yourself running months (or years) behind your goals for yourself.
Of course there are all sorts of producers in between, but with ALL of them, including the categories above, these are some of the other hidden costs. Read more of this article »
Posted by Michael on August 16, 2008 under Articles, Recording Tips |
In most areas, it holds true that You Get What You Pay For. Spend more money you get better quality. Unfortunately for many reasons, that just doesn’t hold true in the recording business. In fact there is very little rhyme or reason whatsoever when searching for Producers – studios – engineers.
This makes it difficult to find the right person to deliver your musical vision, and I truly feel sorry for the musician searching for the right production quality in a market where the product just isn’t concrete.
If you are looking for recording, there are three categories where most producer/engineers will fall. I will list why each could be good or bad… with the most common outcomes first. Read more of this article »
Posted by Michael on under Articles, Recording Tips |
There has been a recent issue that many of my current and potential clients have brought up recently. And in the hope of saving someone some heartbreak in the future, I am going to address it here.
Some people think that for the amount of money they are spending, they hope the producer will shop their project for them. And if the producer says he has contacts and will shop their finished recording they get really excited and take the bait.
Don’t take the bait. Don’t ask if he/she can shop your project for you.
If a producer says he can shop your project, he is either lying or naive, and neither one is particularly good.
Here are several reasons why this is the case: Read more of this article »
