In these challenging economic times, it’s becoming very difficult for a lot of musicians to produce a high quality album. Many are choosing the DIY (Do It Yourself) approach, and that’s all fine and good, but you might not be getting the best sounding final product. A major reason musicians are choosing to make their own albums is because it’s so much cheaper than going to the big recording studios. Many studios around the Cleveland and Akron areas are charging rates that the average unsigned band and artist can’t afford. The good news is that with the rapid growth in technology, it has become possible for indie studios to choose to compete with the bigger studios at a much more reasonable rate. Just remember that when it comes to quality recordings and mixes, there is no substitution for experience. So how do you come up with the money for a high quality album or demo?
Watch your spending.
Most people spend as much as they make or more a month (the average American has around $7,000 of debt outside of their mortgage). By cutting back on your discretionary spending, you can save money over a period of time that can be used towards your next album. For example, a 3 piece band where each person puts $100 a month away will accumulate $3,600 over 12 months. That money will buy substantial studio time. For example, at RCR Recording Studios you could get 144 hours worth of recording and mixing time. Even a single artist using the same principle could save $1,200. The more you put away, the more you can invest in the studio you choose. Maybe you could cut back on junk food, soda pop, Starbucks, movies, and other little things that add up over time. Is your next recording worth it?
The bottom line is if you can discipline your self with the small things, you will have more than enough money to record your album and get the high quality you might not be getting otherwise.
Cary Crichlow, Senior Producer and Engineer
RCR Recording Studios
