Record Label Info...

[suav]

Hey,
In a thread I posted previously, I was typing about the shop two friends and I are opening..

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with producing CDs and / or with sound studio equipment.

Why?

*I think it would be fun to have a drop-in / schedule-in record label in my shop.
*Looking for suggestions on the best equipment.
*Checking if anyone has tried this before, and how successful it was.

-This has been another dream of mine for awhile, and it would tie together with some other plans (of expansion) I had in mind.

Any feedback, comments or criticisms are welcome...
Thanks,

-Josh

[camps764]

I have a lot of friends who have had varying levels of success recording for bands around town. There are a few key things that will help determine if it will be successful for YOU.

1) Audio Engineering experience- This is a big one, you can buy all the equipment in the world, but if you dont know how to properly run it, you wont do much recording. A lot of people go to school for a long time to do this.

But, you can always learn as you go.

2) 99% of the gear you are going to need to do this is relatively expensive, it takes a lot more than just a recorder and a computer to produce quality sounding recordings.

3) Location-It's weird how finicky location is when it comes to music. Sometimes there are lots of bands in an area, but with no money. Sometimes there are a few bands, but they can pay to get stuff done. And sometimes you just live in a town full of shitty bands. Your reputation as an engineer goes on the line everytime you record an artist.

With all that being said, I do think your idea sounds like a good one, jus wanted to let you know some of the problems/issues you might encounter. Good luck, if you find the right combo of people and investors I'm sure you can make it work!

Steve

[Dylan Phelan]

Hi suav

I've been playing in bands for about 10 yrs now and have recorded a few albums, dealt with a a couple of record companies etc. feel free to give me a shout.

[ipwatchdog]

I used to be involved in (i.e., I was part owner and General Counsel) an independent record label in Orlando, Florida. It was Orlando Records.

In my experience, which lasted a couple years, it became clear that in the independent business those who made money were the ones who had recording studios and sound engineering capabilities. There are all kinds of independent bands out there with dreams, many of them well funded by moms and dads, and all need at least a demo or want to publish ther own album.

I cannot help you with what equipment, but Full Sail in Winter Park, Florida is one of the premiere institutions in the country for sound engineering and production. You might want to try and hook up with someone there.

Good luck.

-Gene

[suav]

Thanks "camps764" and "ipwatchdog" for the feedback and suggestions, and Dylan for the offer.. probably be hearing from me sometime or another..

So far it sounds pretty encouraging!
Suav~