F.A.Q.

This is a very hard question to answer, because every band is different, and to a large extent how long it takes you is based on how well practiced you are, and how much needs to be done to each song. For example; one band recently recorded and mixed an LP in less than 8 hours, and on the other hand, I've had bands spend more than a day on a single song. In order for me to give you a rough estimate it is best to let me know the average length of the songs, and how many tracks of different instruments you plan to put on them (vocals included). I would suggest trying to go for what you feel is a reasonable goal. It's always better to have extra time, rather then feeling rushed, which can affect the outcome of every song.

You should bring everything (drums, amps, guitars, pedals, extra strings, picks, etc....) you would normally need to practice or play a show (except for a P.A.).

The studio does have drum parts, amplifiers, and speaker cabinets available should you need them. If you will need to borrow something, please let me know in advance so that I can make sure that it is here, and can have it set up for you when you arrive. Also, any details would help, i.e. if the amp needs channel switching, how much gain you need, if you use pedals, etc.....

Bringing a friend can be cool, and can help ease the potential tension of a recording session, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind. The studio is not that large and can feel crowded and noisy very easily, which can make it hard to work for many reasons. Because of this, I would advise against bringing non band members, and please be aware that there may be an additional hourly charge, per person, if more than 5 people are present. If you feel you need an exception to this rule (there are 6 members in the band, or you need a couple of people to do some quick backups) please get in touch about it beforehand.

No. If you spend less than 7-8 hours on your demo it will actually end up being cheaper than $200, but it will never be more as long as you finish in a single day.

The rates, equipment, and availability are all essentially the same, regardless of whether the recording is for a demo or an album. The price difference that can exist between the two though is related to the amount of time taken with the recording. Depending on how far you wish to take it, fine tuning your instruments' sounds, and making sure you got the right take is where extra time (and therefor cost) will be added. Also, for bigger projects it's recommended to mix on a separate day, so everyone has fresh ears and has a clearer concept of what needs to be achieved with the recording.

A flash drive / thumb drive works great.  Emailing in advance also works well and I can have it downloaded and ready to drop into the recording when you're in the studio.

Both ways are possible, and both have their benefits. Most bands that I work with record all of their instruments live, and then add vocals/overdubs as needed. This tends to be a faster, more natural, and easier way to work for many people, and therefor makes sense for most demo recordings, as well as for albums.

It is possible to just track drums, or drums and another instrument with scratch tracks as well. This process usually works well if you want to be very critical of each piece you are putting together, and if you want maximum separation (although very good separation can be achieved through live performances as well). If you have any further questions about this, please let me know. Unless stated beforehand, I assume bands will be recording everything live and set up accordingly.

Yes, I have done a number of such projects and am always happy to do them again, though it's true that I primarily record full bands.

The current studio has been functional since November 2000. Before that I had recorded occasionally at various facilities for a couple of years, but not to the extent that I do now.

I do not offer CD duplication, and unfortunately I don't know any small duplication run companies that I could recommend.

Unfortunately I can't put bands up for the night while they are recording. UMass has a decent list of local hotels/motels that is pretty informative, although I do not know how up-to-date it is.

The rough concept is that this is similar to playing a show, or a radio show, where you arrive, set up, and play through your set, and then you're done!

What does this really mean in terms of limitations for the recording or performance?

- Everything ( Literally! ) is Performed Live
- Time wise you have two hours to load in, set up, play, break down, and load out (see rough time break down below)
- No Overdubs
- No Punch-Ins
- No Edits (besides beginning and end of songs)
- What you perform live is what you get.
- No "Audience." - Unfortunately the studio simply can't accommodate that.
- If you want to re-take a song or the whole set and have time then that is fair game.

- I mix the recording based on comments, input, references, etc given during your time here. One mix revision is included in the cost. In my opinion, anything beyond one revision and the general concept is getting somewhat lost: this is supposed to be a fast, fun, recording, not something to obsess over small details with.  That said, in certain cases further revisions may be negotiable and additional fees may apply  (and no, this isn't some sort of crazy scam where the first mixes sound bad and you have to pay a lot more later).

Here's an approximate timeline of how this works:

• 7pm  -  Load in and set up
• 7:45pm  -  Sound check: play and record a song then listen back and slightly adjust anything if needed.
• 8pm  -  Play and record the set, or batch of songs. This can be a thirty minute set, or the same five minute set played five times, or whatever works for you.
• 8:30pm  -  Break down and load out.
• 9pm  -  You're headed home. (please note that for this time frame to work with its price and concept that it doesn't allow time to hear back the full recording while in the studio)

There is a no alcohol/drugs policy in the studio. Food/beverage is permitted.

Cash payment is preferred, and Paypal also works.  At the end of every session (day) payment is due so there is no confusion, or books to keep up with. If this is a problem please let me know.

I am always happy to provide bands with directions after a session has been booked, but I do not give out my address as various navigation devices and apps tend to miss a couple of important details to get you here without confusion.