Question posted on Google+Recording and Mix Engineers Forum. I think it's safe to say recording studios as we use to know them are pretty much dead... or obviously dying. Here in Toronto (ON), most of the big studios have closed, become schools, and/or offering rates that really make you scratch your head considering what they were charging a few years ago.
Of all the things to point the finger at, I think a major cause has to do with who the bands/artists actually want to record/work with. When it comes to any service based profession/trade, we want to work with people we trust, especially in the beginning since recording can be so expensive. We ask around and typically make decisions based off referrals and past work. The guys around the city that are doing well (keeping their lights on and heads above water at least) are known in the scene and jack of all trades (engineers, mixers, producers, writers, musicians). You might argue it's better to specialize and it's good to have "fresh ears" throughout the process but it's just the new breed of studio folk. Less cooks in the kitchen... and less cooks cost less money... most of the time. We also have studio set ups that keep our overhead much more reasonable than a room with a giant SSL and $80K worth of outboard... which I feel mainly gets used for show these days. Word of mouth, quality of work, and your reputation will attract the attention. Yes it takes time, but that's how trust and experience work. Once the bands/artists understand what people on our side of the glass have to offer their career, they want to be friends with us. We know things... and they need our help. We all love recording... but you have to reach out and build those connections. Too many, especially young engineers and producers think "if you build it, they will come." The bands don't really care though, they're already busy working wherever their friends are.
1 Comment
11/10/2017 06:16:21 am
I have been involved in the recording industry over the last twenty two years and have seen many recording studios come and go. It is now 2017, and I am pleased to say that JL Recording Studio is still going strong. We were able to weather the storm quite nicely by acquiring a large client base and offering exceptional client service, and always striving to exceed our clients expectations.
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Mike Langford - Official BlogBeing on both sides of the glass, I get the chance to wear many hats in the music industry. This is a place to share my thoughts, views, predictions, rants, stories and news! Categories
All
Archives
October 2017
|