The Wind-UP Shop
Audio Recording & Mixing
Great Sound - Serious Fun!
You probably have some questions...
Here's how to save some money
Q: Do you know a good bass player?
A: I know a great bass player (several, in fact). And I know great drummers and keyboard players and singers and horn players… I can recommend lot’s of folks that you will love!
Q: Will you mix something that another engineer recorded?
A: Sure! It’s one of my favorite things to do. Projects can really benefit from different points of view.
Q: I have most of what I need already recorded. Can I come to your place and just do vocals?
A: Absolutely. Sing away!
Q: Will you travel to my location to record?
A: Yes. House Concerts make for great live albums and they’re inexpensive to make! Perhaps you just want to capture that special piano at your grandparent’s house… I can definitely help with all of that.
Q: A friend of mine is working on a CD in Nashville and asked me to sing some harmony parts! Unfortunately, I can’t get to Nashville. Can I record my parts here and have you send those tracks to the folks in Nashville? Will it sound good?
A: Yes. I can do that, for sure, and it will sound great. I’ve also done the reverse! Want your friend in Sitka, Alaska to play lead guitar on a song you’re recording at The Wind-Up Shop? Need a string section “flown in” from Austin, Texas? I can easily coordinate with other engineers around the country or around the world to exchange high quality audio files.
Q: Do you have a drum kit?
A: I can rent a drum kit for you (for an extra fee), but I have found that most drummers prefer their own gear.
Q: Do you have any guitars I can borrow?
A: Yup. As long as you’re nice to them.
Q: Do you have any guitar or bass amps I can borrow?
A: I can rent an amp for you (for an extra fee), but I can also get excellent results recording without amps. Of course, you’re welcome to bring whatever you need.
Q: I did some stuff in GarageBand. Can I bring that to you to mix or incorporate into our sessions?
A: Sure! Feel free to bring in tracks from any program and I can incorporate them and enhance them. If possible, let’s talk first to ensure we’re working with the highest quality audio files.
Q: How much does it cost to make an album?
A: I really wish I could tell you… but this is pretty impossible to answer without knowing the details of your project. Like most recording studios, The Wind-Up Shop operates on an hourly basis – so time plays a roll. For example, an album consisting of songs with only your voice and two instruments will take much less time to record and mix than an album of songs filled with horn arrangements, drums and a gospel choir. Click here for a great article on this topic.
Q: Can you teach me how to record and mix my own music?
A: Absolutely. I have taught recording and mixing workshops at Folk Alliance Conferences across the country. Ask me about private lessons or group workshops.
Q: I understand you can “clean up” audio. Can you do that cool stuff I see on “CSI” and clean up the sound on my wedding video? I can’t hear the best man’s toast.
A: Actually, I can! Well – to a certain extent… That stuff on TV is a little exaggerated. But I can usually clean up quite a bit.
Here are some great tips that will help you save a lot of cash while keeping the recording process enjoyable!
Always talk with me before your first session. It costs nothing (except maybe a cup of coffee) to meet with me and discuss your music and your vision. That way, we can hit the ground running.
Prepare a budget before starting your project. Include costs for recording, mixing, mastering, design/photography, manufacturing, publicity... anything you can think of.
Bring in some CDs that have the kinds of sounds you’re looking for. We’ll use these as references to make sure you’re getting the kind of recording you want.
Make sure your instruments are in proper working order before your session. This means change guitar strings a few days before we record, so they have time to stretch and settle in. Make sure nothing rattles or squeaks – especially you drummers!
Get some sleep, for goodness sake. You’ll feel better and sound better if you take care of yourself. A rested mind is a focused mind.
Stay hydrated. This keeps your voice sounding it’s best and keeps you from getting tired and cranky… which will waste time.
Practice your songs. I know that may seem silly, but I’d hate to see you get frustrated from making a bunch of mistakes. I’m definitely all for improvisation and seeing what happens in the moment. Just be sure you can easily find your way around.
If you don’t usually play with a drummer, percussionist, loops or click track but are interested in doing this on your record, try it out at home first. It takes a little getting used to. No need to pay me to listen to you practice. Honestly I’d rather you spent that money on marketing your CD! Here’s a simple metronome to get you started.
Get here a little early. I won’t charge you for getting here 15 minutes early to settle in. Take off your coat, pour a cup of coffee, and tune your guitar before the clock starts. I think that’s great! See? You just saved money! Nice.
If you dabble in recording, feel free to bring in any pre-recorded stuff you want to incorporate. (drum loops, basic tracks, etc.) If possible, please talk to me first about proper levels and audio formats.
Like the Boy Scouts say: Be prepared. Arguing with your band mates about decisions that should be made before entering the studio is expensive (and kinda kills the vibe). I’d much rather we were making great music!
Have fun! Your playing, and the recording itself, will reflect how you feel. (Even the sad songs will benefit from you getting lost in the moment – rather than worrying about stuff.) Let’s bring your listeners on a wonderful journey.