Professional Audio Production At Home - Can It Be Done?

The move to digital recording has dramatically reduced the cost of a personal audio recording studio. It is now entirely possible for an individual to have his or her own personal recording studio at home. But is it really possible to produce professional level audio recordings at home?

Absolutely YES!

A home recording studio can now have the exact same equipment (computers, software, microphones etc…) used in professional recording studios. Unfortunately, having the same gear as professional studios, does not guarantee the same pristine, glimmering, professional sound. Getting that professional sound is going to take training and practice.

Once you own the equipment, you can spend as much time as you like practicing. and getting the training is now quite easy. The Internet is filled with free tutorials on every aspect of audio production. Just some of the areas that are covered by on-line tutorials:

Setting Up A Home Studio-There are articles about what general hardware and software you will need, reviews and recommendations for specific items, and instructions on hooking everything up to work in the best most efficient way possible.

Basic Recording Concepts and Techniques-After everything is purchased and hooked up, how will all this hardware and software work together? How do you utilize the various options your setup allows? What are the different types of microphones and how are they used? It is easy to find answers to these basic questions with a simple search.

Software Tutorials-Instructions for using specific software packages abound on the Internet. Every major recording package and even many free packages have tutorials available in written and video formats.

Using Audio Effects-Although you can always just try out various effects to see what happens, it is essential that you understand how each effect works in order to control and "tweak it"to achieve just the right sound. A little bit of online research will yield a tremendous amount of information on how audio effects such as reverb, compression, and delay work, as well as numerous tips and tricks to maximize the use of these devices.

Advanced Recording Lessons-Once you know how everything works, you can find lessons on many advanced audio recording and production techniques. In the past, many of these techniques, were only possible in the most expensive studios. Now, however, the flexibility of digital recording with virtual devices, allows anyone explore complex and sophisticated approaches to audio production. These techniques include areas such as recording, EQ, effect processing, mixing, and mastering.

Instruction in these areas and more are available on the Internet for free. However, if you choose, you can also purchase entire courses in any of these areas. Additionally, some very well known audio schools allow you to take many of their courses on-line for credit.

With all these opportunities to learn the craft of audio production, the last step - practice - is still absolutely necessary. Knowing all of this will make no difference unless you try it out and learn how to use this knowledge. The experience gained from this practice, is what will finally allow you to produce professional quality audio recordings at home.

by Joseph Fosco

Run Your Own Talent Agency - How to Start a Talent Agency

Looking to run your own talent agency? It's not very difficult, and really can just be boiled down to two major activities - finding the talent, and then finding work for the talent you now represent. There's a lot of talent out there in today's world who are just dying to be discovered. When you run your own talent agency, you develop an eye for finding these talented people almost anywhere.

For example, how about that cool band you heard play all that awesome music at that bar you and your friends went to that weekend? Are they well represented? Or even those talented musicians who struggle to put a CD together and try to put it out into public reach by posting it up online on MySpace, Facebook or YouTube? These people need representation.

There are also those up-and-coming comedians or singers we might find performing on "open mic" nights at some of the clubs in your community who show bright promise, but aren't yet properly represented. This is a great place to scout for talent when you run your own talent agency. What about that surprisingly talented illusionist performing magic tricks at your sister's graduation party? Like many of us out there, you may even know one or two people looking to break into the modeling field, or see some of them trying to get discovered at an auto show, or trade shows.

Finding work for these talented people when you run your own talent agency can be as simple as the resources are plentiful. Many bars and clubs are looking for talented acts such as rock bands, illusionists and comedians. Models can be placed in magazine ads, catalogs, clothing store ads or showroom exhibitions. Actors can be placed in TV commercials, voice-over jobs, animated voice acting gigs, TV shows, and the list goes on - care to learn more?

by Lewis Waller

Film and Video Production

Film and video production is the process of creating a motion picture film. This process consists of the activities from the initial development to the final distribution stage. While the process differs from one production company to another, there are certain stages through which film and video production goes.

Typically, there are the pre-production, production, and the post-production stages. Though the production stage is the occasion when the actual filming takes place, the other stages, particularly the pre-production stage, significantly influence the entire process of film and video production.

The pre-production stage is concerned with the development and revising of the script. Budgeting and financing decisions are made at this stage. More time spent on planning and designing the process helps with keeping costs low during the entire course of the process. Scheduling, casting, and set construction are completed during this stage.

The production stage is when the equipment needed for filming is set up and appropriate lighting and audio devices are put in place. This is the phase of principal photography, when the actual filming takes place with the director of the film overseeing the operations. This is arguably the most critical and expensive phase of the production stage. Generally, the start of the phase of principal photography signals that the production of the film would, in all probability, be completed.

During the post-production stage, those sequences or scenes that were missed during the phase of principal photography are shot. Film editing and the addition of visual effects are done during this stage. Also, sound editing, musical scoring, and enhancing with sound effects are completed during this stage. The culmination of the entire film and video production process is when the film is distributed for marketing.

by Alison Cole

Lyrics And Songwriting Ideas

A song is totally based on its lyrics and melody. Writing lyrics for a song may seem difficult at first. Some people think it takes years of formal training to write good lyrics and become a decent songwriter. I believe it's quite the opposite though. Lyrics are all around us every day, if we just be observe. You have to develop a lyrical mindset. Songs can be written about anything.

It is easy to get ideas for writing lyrics by listening to conversations in day to day life and by observing activities going on around you. Inspiration can be found everywhere, in magazines and newspapers, on the radio, and even in your workplace. Some songwriting start out composing their thoughts as a story, and then putting these ideas into lyrics and rhyme.

When you get your lyrical ideas down on paper, you refine it and start searching for words that will make your lyrics rhyme. However, you don't always need your lyrics to rhyme. Don't just add words to a song because they rhyme, if they don't make sense in the song. Also, if you can't get the last part of the lyrics to rhyme, you can try to think of combinations of words that would rhyme. Whatever you do, you want your lyrics and rhymes to flow naturally.

Don't worry about trying to finish an entire song in one sitting. That just isn't practical most of the time, although sometimes someone can feel really inspired and write whole songs worth of lyrics at once. Really though, you should just write the lyrics down as they come to you, and you will eventually be able to take the best lines and best phrases to complete the song with original lyrics.

As with everything else, practice makes perfect. The more you write, the better you will become. Besides just jotting down lyrics as they come to you throughout the day, try to schedule a regular time each day and think about how to compose those lyrics into a meaningful song. Some people find early mornings to be the best time, when they feel refreshed and get better ideas. Today, there is even songwriting software available on the internet to help aspiring lyricists. You may want to look at some of the songwriting software on the market.

by Jason Bridges

Recording Studios Take Your Music to the Next Level

Even with the abundance of software and hardware available to create your own recordings at home, there comes a time when you're ready to take your music to the next level. Recording studios may seem intimidating to the musician who is taking the leap, but the reality is that there are high quality, low cost recording studios that can make the transition painless. Once you've made the decision to book studio time, you need to find a studio that will give you the support you need to create great recordings. Word of mouth recommendations can be helpful, but they're not always reliable. It's worth your while to do the legwork and check out each facility to see what it has to offer. Here are some things to keep in mind while making your decision: Acoustics: A music studio should have top of the line acoustics. This means that there should be an elevated soundstage and high ceilings, as well as several isolation rooms. Engineering: A sound recording studio should provide highly skilled and trained professional engineers to help you achieve the optimum quality of your recordings. At the minimum, the engineer should be proficient in monitoring and metering, controlling signal paths, assigning tracks, and mixing. Equipment: Equipment varies by recording studio. Some Southern CA recording studios, for example, offer at least two mixers, over a half dozen outboards, a wide variety of software, over a dozen different types of microphones, quality monitoring equipment, and a variety of amps. Although it may seem like a minor point, it's important that the sound recording studio use high quality cables. If they don't, it could have a detrimental effect on the recording. Musicians and Instruments: Many state of the art recording studios have a variety of new and vintage keyboards, guitars, and percussion instruments available for use, as well as accessibility to professional musicians who can help you create the sounds you desire. Cost: As a whole, musicians don't have a lot of disposable income, so it's important to find recording studios that have reasonable rates. Some Southern CA studios, for example, have low introductory rates of $40 an hour or less. In order to avoid unwanted surprises, be sure to ask about minimums, as well as extra equipment charges. References: Every reputable sound recording studio should be able to provide you with a client list, as well as phone numbers for references. You should also ask to listen to samples of recordings from the Studio. Try to find a sample that is comparable to what you are trying to achieve, and ask questions about what was involved in that recording process. It will give you a good idea of what to expect when you go in to record.

by Chris Robertson

A Career In Audio Engineering

Audio engineering is a promising career that offers immense opportunity in film, video production, sound broadcasting and advertising. Sound engineers use a number of recording devices such as high-tech microphones that are required to record even the slightest variations of sound.

The general concept of Sound engineering relates to building bridges, buildings, roads and similar kind of work. Most people do not think of audio engineering as a form of traditional engineering. However, it is one of the highest paying jobs and has many successful people working in the field.

There are many areas; some are basic and easy to grasp, while others are time consuming and require vigorous education to learn to operate the equipment. It is not a sexy job, but once you start working in this field of career you will get an opportunity to work on many exciting projects.

A lot of commitment and interest is required in order to excel in this field.

Areas of Work

Sound Engineers may find jobs in the following fields:

• Movies: In movies, sound engineers may be required for voice overs, sound tracks and scenes.

• Television shows: Many television shows and commercials also require audio engineers in various departments prior to the final airing.

• Music: They play a significant role in the field of music; particularly in live concerts, recording studios, and video albums.

• Meetings: Big corporate companies require audio engineers for managing audio equipment in seminars, meetings and lectures.

• Sports: They handle live telecasts, commentaries and many other functions.

• Schools: They may also find jobs in schools while managing audio in sports functions, dances, student gatherings and in lectures also, if the class is big and requires additional audio equipment.

Audio engineers working for television, films and music recordings will find their names among the credits. They can also be found in the following places:

• Recording studios: Recording studios require audio engineers mainly to operate microphones, software and mixers. It is one of the most lucrative jobs; besides money, it also brings recognition.

• Auto stores: An audio engineer may also find a job in an auto parts store selling stereo equipment and to assist in installations.

• Home audio stores: Home audio stores also need audio engineers to provide customers with assistance in selecting the right type of speakers and also help in installing them.

Audio Engineering Schools

In order to get the skills required for an audio engineering career, it is important to take formal training from an audio engineering institute. There are number of schools that offer audio engineering lessons, but you need to analyze what type of work you wish to do in this field to select the right kind of course.

by Tony Jacowski

Rock Bands - Get Discovered Without Losing Your Shirt and Your Sanity

Finding your way to be seen or heard by a record company doesn't need to require spending an enormous amount of time and money. It only requires a little industry knowledge and some great song writing. I can give you the industry knowledge. The rest is up to you. Here are 5 GREAT tips to help you on your way. These tips alone, if followed, will save you a fortune and narrow your focus of what it takes to get signed.

1. A hit song. This outweighs everything. You can record in a basement 8-track studio or in a fully digital $500/hour recording studio. If the song's a hit, the song's a hit. Don't waste your money on studio costs. An 8 track recording should be sufficient enough to play for a record company. Record labels will see through the "slickness" of the recording and hear the song for what it's worth. In fact a record executive would rather hear a hit in its roughest form. It makes them think they discovered a hidden gem that they can make into a diamond. One band I worked with called Extreme released a song called "Hole Hearted". The song was recorded in a bedroom on an 8 track but sounded good enough to release as is. The song went to # 1 in a lot of countries around the world (# 4 in the United States)

2. Showcasing for a Record Company. I've had many bands showcase for me over the years; bands looking for a manager to bands looking for a record deal during my years at EMI Records. I would show up at their rehearsal studios and find elaborate food and drink set-ups, big lighting rigs brought in to make them look like a stadium rock band and some bands had every family member and friend they ever met squeezed into the studio to applaud after each song. Ok, ready? Forget the food, forget the lights and unless I'm going to a club to see the band perform live, leave your friends at home.

I'm not coming to your rehearsal room to have dinner. If I need a cocktail to enjoy your music then your music probably isn't worth me coming down to hear. I don't need concert lighting in a little rehearsal studio. SAVE YOUR MONEY. You want to blow my mind? Turn on all the house lights, stand there and play me one original hit after another. If you do that, I'll leave with the biggest smile on my face and the excitement in my heart as if I discovered the next Beatles. Also, I don't need friends clapping after each song. If you perform a hit for me, I'll be sitting there thinking about you on an arena stage selling millions of concert tickets.

3. "Break" your own record. This approach shows the record labels that if they put in the time and money to sign your band, that you guys are taking it very serious and are willing to do the work necessary to break the band instead of the band sitting around waiting for someone to hold their hands and lead them. Sell your own records. These days CD's are very cheap to have pressed up. Produce your own with 4-5 of your best songs on it. Sell them at your shows. Sell them at the local record shop (or merchandise shop if record stores are no longer around in your area. Most small store will agree to sell your CD on consignment (the store pays you after the CD sells).

You're not looking to make money on these sales, you're only looking to get your music in as many hands as possible. Next step is to approach a local radio station; the smaller the station, the better response you'll get from them. Try to be creative in ways of approaching them. Yes, the guy in the gorilla suit delivering your CD's been done. Try to get them to spin your record, no matter what time of day. Even if it's once.

But be prepared to have friends or family call the station after it's played to comment on liking it. If it's played at 3am, don't have 7,000 people call the station. Make it look like the real thing. They'll be happy to know what the listeners like and that listeners are responding to their airplay. Record companies have online charts (ie BDS) showing them what every radio station in the country, no matter how small, is playing at any given time. If an unknown band is getting airplay, the record companies will come to investigate. Another artist I worked with, Afroman, got his record deal just like that. He recorded and released a single called "Cause I Got High" on his own and got a local radio station to play it.

He got a major record deal when record companies went to investigate what that little blip on the charts was. Same thing happened with the band Godsmack. After being turn down by all the record companies, they started selling their own records and got local airplay until the point where they were selling 1,000 CD's a week without the help of a record company! Not only did labels come after the band, but the band was able to negotiate a major $$$ deal because of their hometown sales are already so large.

4. Play Live Nothing develops a band better than playing live. Videotape your first show and videotape your 100th show. The difference will amaze you. I can't speak to every small city in the U.S. but any mid size to large city has record company staff living locally. They "work" the local record stores or accounts, they work the radio stations in the region, bringing them new releases to get airplay and bringing their companies bands by to say hello. These guys (and girls) are the local eyes and ears of the label. They are out there at the clubs. They listen for local chatter about what local bands are happening, they talk to club owners about what local bands they like and which local bands are selling tickets. There are publications that list the local record representatives (reps.).

One is called the Yellow Pages of Rock. Search online, there are others out there; probably now available online Track one down, get them your CD or just keep playing out live. If you're playing out all the time, whether you know it or not, they're aware of your group. When I lived in Manhattan, I used to see top record execs club hopping downtown, going club to club watching bands. Most bands are wondering how to be seen by the labels while they're being watched by some of the top record people in the business. So if you want to be seen, heard and known, get out there and PLAY LIVE.

5. Find a Manager Finding someone with bigger and better connections, more industry knowledge and the ambition and work ethic of a bull, could be the best thing for a band starting out. Someone with local knowledge could save the band a lot of time and money and open some doors than would otherwise be closed; either with local radio, local retail stores or the local clubs. Hey, maybe you can get lucky and find someone with even bigger industry ties and can push the band into an even bigger playing field nationally; maybe even internationally.

The one warning I will give you, is to be VERY careful at what you sign. A bad management contract can cause enough internal problems to break up a band; on a local band level as well as an international stars level. ALWAYS have a lawyer look over any contracts handed to you to sign. A manager deserves protecting his interest in a band if he's going to work his tail off and use his connections to get a band to the next level but he shouldn't own the band for the length of their career. All artist management contracts should stipulate that the manager is given a certain amount of time to secure the band a major recording contract or the management contract becomes null and void. This term can be anywhere from 6 months to two years.

A band should not be signing a contract with a manager for 5 years without the manager securing certain objectives for the band. Never sign all your rights away. This also includes Publishing (the ownership rights to the bands music). Managers should receive between 15 - 25% of a bands income (minus certain expenses) for the length of the management contract only. A manager should also get his percentage in perpetuity (for a longer period of time) for any deals the band enters that the manager negotiated for the band while the band was still signed to the manager.

These 5 Tips should change the entire direction a band should travel in its quest to get the mighty ole recording contract. If these tips are followed, a band should be able to save themselves a lot of time and a lot of money, taking only the most important steps needed, without the fluff, to get into the hands of a record executive with the power to sign an act to the company label

by Scott Bernstein