What do I need to know about doing a Demo or short run CD for the purpose of getting bookings?
Typically, a short run or demo CD is used to showcase your ability to other entities, that if interested, could desire a working relationship to develop. This could be you submitting your songs to a talent agent or other soliciting agency. It might also be recordings that you use in the promotional info you send to perspective clubs or venues that you want to perform at. In any event, typically, the level of engineering and "fine-tuning" required for these endeavors is far less than when you want to release a full blown retail product. A studio may elect to do a simple two microphone ambient setup and let the whole band play to capture the energy, while keeping the bill to a minimum. Most demo and short run CDs include 3-5 songs, which can generally be recorded and mixed to an acceptable level within 2-4 hours per song. This can be a very cost effective direction to choose if you are new to the studio environment, or if your checkbook is currently thinner then you might like it to be. Your product is generally duplicated to CD-R's, with standard inkjet labels and CD jewel case inserts. Need a large run of CD's duplicated? Purple Sound provides a professional duplication service; all done in-house at our studio. Check out more about our CD duplication and copying service in Cairns. What can I expect to pay for a full length, retail ready project? There is a tremendous amount of room for extra hours to creep into a project. As the artist you should be aware of the pitfalls and be prepared to address them as timely as possible. Assuming you have a high level of preparation (songs fully written and arranged, well rehearsed, and a realistic schedule, etc), an average full fledged CD of 12-14 songs with a total playing length of 50 minutes that's ready for retail distribution may take upwards of 65-85 hours of studio time for tracking and mixing. Photography, if necessary for any graphic work can be a few more hours.
What's My Budget?
A successful CD project starts with one key ingredient, knowing and understanding your budget. Nearly any project can be completed on nearly any budget. The only variable is the quality of the end product.
If your budget is limited, then you may have to accept limitations like only allowing a few takes, no vocal pitch correction or comping tracks, no waveform editing and restricted time constraints for mixing.
It is important that both the artist and the studio find a common ground between what the client is able to spend, and what the expectations are for the end product.
Can't You Just Quote My Project? Unlike many industries, short of any special package offers, it is very rare to find a studio that will quote a project and hold that number. Why is that? It is nearly impossible for a studio to know all the variables that will impact a project.
Will band "XYZ" show up on time?
Will they be prepared?
Are they competent musicians?
Can they really sing in pitch?
Are they going to make me do five different mixes of a song so they can compare and then pick one?
Are their songs really completed or will they start re-arranging in the studio?
Will the bass players guitar she/he brings in be fraught with buzzes and hums?
Recording is not unlike painting a picture, it's very easy to "never be done", you can keep throwing paint on, layer after layer.
Using an hourly rate helps everybody to focus and use the time they have as efficiently as possible.
We can help you determine your budget and your outlay plan. If the project is successful and the artist is happy, then we've achieved our primary aim. It is important for us that you succeed; we look forward to working on several CD projects with you, so it is in our best interest to assist your directive needs.
Can we hire the studio space for band rehersals?
Yes. Purple Sound is an ideal place for your band to practice. We are in an industrial warehouse complex, so you can make as much noise as you like! Turn that amp up to 11 and beyond! All our rooms are climate controlled (quality Daiken airconditioning) so you can practice in comfort. Also, all our rooms are double wall construction with acoustic insualtion complete with absorption and diffusion panelling.
So what does this all mean? Well, it means minimal sound gets out or in. So you can get on with band rehersals without any distractions whatsoever (or the neighbours calling the cops). Call us now on (07) 4035 6006 to book in for your next band rehersal, contact us via email.
Cost is $25/hour (inc GST).
Minimum booking of 2 hours required. Click here for more information about our band rehersal rooms.
I'd like to make a recording of some cover songs. What do I need to do to ensure that copyright laws are adhered to?
If you are making a recording that features songs written by other people you will need to ensure those composers receive a royalty as per the Copyright Act.
For musical works administered by AMCOS (the vast majority of popular music is), this royalty can be paid through a licence called an Audio Manufacture Licence. Note that it is up to the artist to obtain the proper licenses for recording cover songs.
For further information about your copyright obligations when recording 'covers' please contact AMCOS on 1800 642 634 or via email: mechlic@apra.com.au
Of course! We're more than happy to show you around so you can see the studio first hand.
Give Damian a call on (07) 4035 6006 and we'll be more than happy to make you a coffee or tea and show you around the studio.
School groups more than welcome.
We do not release any reference material (CD's, MP3's or other) until the outstanding studio balance is paid. This protects our investment in the project from clients that may take a reference CD and never return.
At the end of the session is when most clients sort out their bill. Yes.
The process of copying recordings from one playback medium (such as a tape or vinyl record) to a different medium (such as CD or MP3) is known as
format-shifting.
In order to offer the format-shifting service, a studio or business must obtain a special music industry licence called a
Blanket Reproduction Licence.
Purple Sound Recording Studios has been granted a Blanket Reproduction Licence and is therefore able to offer the format-shifting service.
New laws in Australia passed in December 2006, allows the owner of the physical tapes or vinyls records to make copies of those tapes or vinyl records for playback on a device that the person owns.
If you would like to learn more about the Blanket Reproduction Licence and what it covers, please contact:
Non-retail Licensing More information on this subject can be found in the Australia Copyright Council fact sheet available at http://www.copyright.org.au/publications/G070.pdf or visit the Australia Copyright Council website.
You can view all other fact sheets relating to music and copyright by going to http://www.copyright.org.au/publications/infosheets.htm#M
Most of the acoustic panels used throughout the studio are a deep purple colour with much of the studio themed around purple.
The physiological and psychological effects of the colour purple is advantages to the music making process.
Purple is related to sensitivity, beauty, high ideals and stimulates creativity, spirituality and compassion. Purples have been shown to help balance the mind and transform obsessions and fears.
Indigo is often associated with the right side of the brain; stimulating intuition and imagination.
Violet is associated with bringing peace and combating shock and fear by a producing a calming, cleansing effect often alleviating emotional disturbances.
Some more trivia for you: Did you also know that violet has been shown to alleviate conditions such as sunburn due to its purifying and antiseptic effect? This color also suppresses hunger and balances the body's metabolism. Indigo, a lighter purple, has been used by doctors in Texas as an anesthesia in minor operations because of its narcotic qualities.
Disclaimer:
Purple Sound Recording Studios is by no means a provider of legal services and as such makes no guarentee to the accuracy of the information stated in the pages on our website
www.studiocairns.com
relating to legal issues such as copyright and licensing. We recommend you contact the relevant licensing associations (APRA/AMCOS) to confirm any requirements you may need to fulfill.
|
|