Frequently Asked Questions: - December 11, 2008
1. Just what do you mean by "You Don't Need A Band?"
It's not always easy to assemble a team of dedicated, talented musicians who share your vision when it comes to putting a quality performance (be it live or recording) together of your original material. There are obstacles that could get in the way of your precious compositions seeing the light of day. With varying egos, lack of professionalism, scheduling conflicts and a host of other unexpected obstacles, putting a band together can often be quite frustrating.
At Rockgarden Studio, you'll be working with a seasoned, professional engineer who's also a rare, gifted musician who can play all the missing parts to your songs. I'll play drums, percussion, create smokin' grooves and beats, bass lines(acoustic/electric/synth), strings, brass arrangements, or minimal instrumentation... whatever your style calls for. All at a World Class level of musicianship. Uniqely creative MIXING capabilities bring it all home.
2. I'm not too proficient on any musical instrument, but my songs are in my head and I need help getting them out. Can you help me with that?
Many of my clients just sing their song, maybe play drums using their hands slapping their knees... you'd be surprised at how some artists communicate their vision. I'll begin by playing some synth or piano chords that properly support the melody and quickly start the process of "building" up the other instrumentation, one track at a time.
You (the client) always have the final say and together we can make musical decisions as to where the song is going. Before you know it, there's a working "musical blueprint" taking shape and it's time to begin laying down some vocal tracks. The whole process can be very exciting, always satisfying!
3. I've already gotten some tracks recorded at another Hi-end studio but their rates are astronomical and exceeds my current budget. Is it possible to bring the unfinished files to Rockgarden for completion?
Yes! You're welcome to bring in any previously recorded material originated at another facility. The recording gear at Rockgarden is right on par with the most notorious studios worldwide, so any additional recording we do will still retain the overall sonic integrity of your initial tracks (if not improve on them). We'll blend it all together and mix and master a professional finished product ready for broadcast.
4. I'm also a programmer/producer and know just what I want in every facet of my project, so I basically need you to just engineer the sessions while I do the rest. Is this OK?
Yes. You're free to be as creative and hands on as you need to be. If you're a keyboardist yourself, you're free to sit in front of the keyboard and play away. I'm always there for support, and have no problem letting you be you, free to do your thing. If you just need me to simply engineer, I'm happy to do so.
5. I'm a vocalist with a closet full of just lyrics, no music. Can you compose in the style of my choice to fit the lyrics and my voice?
I'm well versed, creative and stylistically wide ranging when it comes to composition. Not only can I write original Bass lines, String and Brass arrangements, saxophone solos and piano beds, but I can assist with melodies, harmonies, musical hooks and arrangements. There's no additional charge for this type of work....it's all part of the process!
6. I notice some studios offer full packaging to market and distribute my finished CD. Is this available at Rockgarden?
While I'd be happy to assist you in your search for CD duplication, graphic art and overall packaging services, I've chosen to not offer these services myself. I say let the experts do what they do best! I'll point you toward a few reputable companies that excel at this type of work, where many Rockgarden clients have had great satisfaction.
With me we'll concentrate on the music and nothing but the music! When you're project reaches it's final completion, you'll be armed with a broadcast quality CD that's ready for all of the above!
7. How far in advance do I need to book a session?
While it's always safe to book your session weeks ahead of time, you're always welcome to call anytime and see what openings are available on a day to day basis. With occasional openings in the schedule, It's always possible to book a session at short notice.
8. I have a few CDs from my favorite artist/producer and I'm kind of looking to take my project in a similar direction: Are you opposed to giving them a listen so you can better understand what I'd like to achieve?
This is a good question! While we always strive for originality and unique perspective on your original creations, it never hurts to get a feel for what you the artist consider to be worthy of my attention, whether it's for the instrumentation, arrangements, production values or just overall "vibe". In this business we're Never "done" learning and growing, sometimes even taking a step "backward" to achieve a "vintage feel/sound. So yes, feel free to bring in any music you feel will expedite the process of getting your vision clearly across to me.
9. When people say "Well, you know what THEY say"... just who ARE THEY?
Unfortunately I can not disclose the answer to that at this time. They're watching me.
10. Will the NY METS ever put it all together?
We can only pray! They've (hopefully) learned some valuable lessons the past few seasons when it comes to signing or trading for veteran players who have no true understanding of what it takes to be a successful ballplayer in NYC. Players who come to the METS for the first time seem to feel they need to push harder, prove to all that they are worthy of the teams consideration and high salaried contracts and hit a 5 run home run every time they step up to the plate.
When you have some success here, the fans cheering and noise level can be truly exhilarating, and a player can become addicted to that sound, always trying a bit harder than usual to do "good for the fans and the team.
Unfortunately and all too often though, when that success is a bit less than desired and things aren't going so well for a period of time, the inexperienced (as far as playing in NYC goes) ball player will start to press the issue. He becomes tense and suddenly losses grasp of the skills they've always seemed to display in other cities where the scrutiny isn't so intense.
Baseball is NOT a game where you can press, play above your head, etc...You must remain relaxed and focused. Confidence will build and success will follow!
Bottom line:: The NY Mets are not only playing against the competition, but also the power of NYC!
(Now, back to our regularly scheduled FAQ!)
11. What methods of payment are accepted?
I accept cash payment at the end of the session. All fees are satisfied right then and there, with no "balance" or money owed. You can also pay before the session via PAYPAL on the internet (I'll give you the details).
12. Do you think Barbara Streisand should have considered a nose job?
NO! Babs is beautiful inside and out! Why mess with a classic?!
13. I'm really in need of just a simple songwriters demo, not a broadcast quality fully instrumentated CD. Is this do-able?
Yes. If you need to cut a basic demo, we can quickly put together some bare bones tracks to simply get the point across (if it still happens to sound great, blame me)!
14. I just completed some sessions at this Dude's apartment who claimed to be a professional audio engineer. His hourly rate was ridiculously low, so this seemed like a no-brainer considering my budget constraints.
His mother kept screaming at him to clean his room. He even charged for me for what is basically crappy sounding tracks. Can you possibly help salvage the tracks if I bring them in to you?
Sometimes yes, sometimes not so easily. For the most part, "Crap in, Crap out". While I'm as skilled as anyone in restoring and maximizing the sound quality of previously recorded material, it's awfully hard to polish a turd. Beware of "Dudes".
It's not always easy to assemble a team of dedicated, talented musicians who share your vision when it comes to putting a quality performance (be it live or recording) together of your original material. There are obstacles that could get in the way of your precious compositions seeing the light of day. With varying egos, lack of professionalism, scheduling conflicts and a host of other unexpected obstacles, putting a band together can often be quite frustrating.
At Rockgarden Studio, you'll be working with a seasoned, professional engineer who's also a rare, gifted musician who can play all the missing parts to your songs. I'll play drums, percussion, create smokin' grooves and beats, bass lines(acoustic/electric/synth), strings, brass arrangements, or minimal instrumentation... whatever your style calls for. All at a World Class level of musicianship. Uniqely creative MIXING capabilities bring it all home.
2. I'm not too proficient on any musical instrument, but my songs are in my head and I need help getting them out. Can you help me with that?
Many of my clients just sing their song, maybe play drums using their hands slapping their knees... you'd be surprised at how some artists communicate their vision. I'll begin by playing some synth or piano chords that properly support the melody and quickly start the process of "building" up the other instrumentation, one track at a time.
You (the client) always have the final say and together we can make musical decisions as to where the song is going. Before you know it, there's a working "musical blueprint" taking shape and it's time to begin laying down some vocal tracks. The whole process can be very exciting, always satisfying!
3. I've already gotten some tracks recorded at another Hi-end studio but their rates are astronomical and exceeds my current budget. Is it possible to bring the unfinished files to Rockgarden for completion?
Yes! You're welcome to bring in any previously recorded material originated at another facility. The recording gear at Rockgarden is right on par with the most notorious studios worldwide, so any additional recording we do will still retain the overall sonic integrity of your initial tracks (if not improve on them). We'll blend it all together and mix and master a professional finished product ready for broadcast.
4. I'm also a programmer/producer and know just what I want in every facet of my project, so I basically need you to just engineer the sessions while I do the rest. Is this OK?
Yes. You're free to be as creative and hands on as you need to be. If you're a keyboardist yourself, you're free to sit in front of the keyboard and play away. I'm always there for support, and have no problem letting you be you, free to do your thing. If you just need me to simply engineer, I'm happy to do so.
5. I'm a vocalist with a closet full of just lyrics, no music. Can you compose in the style of my choice to fit the lyrics and my voice?
I'm well versed, creative and stylistically wide ranging when it comes to composition. Not only can I write original Bass lines, String and Brass arrangements, saxophone solos and piano beds, but I can assist with melodies, harmonies, musical hooks and arrangements. There's no additional charge for this type of work....it's all part of the process!
6. I notice some studios offer full packaging to market and distribute my finished CD. Is this available at Rockgarden?
While I'd be happy to assist you in your search for CD duplication, graphic art and overall packaging services, I've chosen to not offer these services myself. I say let the experts do what they do best! I'll point you toward a few reputable companies that excel at this type of work, where many Rockgarden clients have had great satisfaction.
With me we'll concentrate on the music and nothing but the music! When you're project reaches it's final completion, you'll be armed with a broadcast quality CD that's ready for all of the above!
7. How far in advance do I need to book a session?
While it's always safe to book your session weeks ahead of time, you're always welcome to call anytime and see what openings are available on a day to day basis. With occasional openings in the schedule, It's always possible to book a session at short notice.
8. I have a few CDs from my favorite artist/producer and I'm kind of looking to take my project in a similar direction: Are you opposed to giving them a listen so you can better understand what I'd like to achieve?
This is a good question! While we always strive for originality and unique perspective on your original creations, it never hurts to get a feel for what you the artist consider to be worthy of my attention, whether it's for the instrumentation, arrangements, production values or just overall "vibe". In this business we're Never "done" learning and growing, sometimes even taking a step "backward" to achieve a "vintage feel/sound. So yes, feel free to bring in any music you feel will expedite the process of getting your vision clearly across to me.
9. When people say "Well, you know what THEY say"... just who ARE THEY?
Unfortunately I can not disclose the answer to that at this time. They're watching me.
10. Will the NY METS ever put it all together?
We can only pray! They've (hopefully) learned some valuable lessons the past few seasons when it comes to signing or trading for veteran players who have no true understanding of what it takes to be a successful ballplayer in NYC. Players who come to the METS for the first time seem to feel they need to push harder, prove to all that they are worthy of the teams consideration and high salaried contracts and hit a 5 run home run every time they step up to the plate.
When you have some success here, the fans cheering and noise level can be truly exhilarating, and a player can become addicted to that sound, always trying a bit harder than usual to do "good for the fans and the team.
Unfortunately and all too often though, when that success is a bit less than desired and things aren't going so well for a period of time, the inexperienced (as far as playing in NYC goes) ball player will start to press the issue. He becomes tense and suddenly losses grasp of the skills they've always seemed to display in other cities where the scrutiny isn't so intense.
Baseball is NOT a game where you can press, play above your head, etc...You must remain relaxed and focused. Confidence will build and success will follow!
Bottom line:: The NY Mets are not only playing against the competition, but also the power of NYC!
(Now, back to our regularly scheduled FAQ!)
11. What methods of payment are accepted?
I accept cash payment at the end of the session. All fees are satisfied right then and there, with no "balance" or money owed. You can also pay before the session via PAYPAL on the internet (I'll give you the details).
12. Do you think Barbara Streisand should have considered a nose job?
NO! Babs is beautiful inside and out! Why mess with a classic?!
13. I'm really in need of just a simple songwriters demo, not a broadcast quality fully instrumentated CD. Is this do-able?
Yes. If you need to cut a basic demo, we can quickly put together some bare bones tracks to simply get the point across (if it still happens to sound great, blame me)!
14. I just completed some sessions at this Dude's apartment who claimed to be a professional audio engineer. His hourly rate was ridiculously low, so this seemed like a no-brainer considering my budget constraints.
His mother kept screaming at him to clean his room. He even charged for me for what is basically crappy sounding tracks. Can you possibly help salvage the tracks if I bring them in to you?
Sometimes yes, sometimes not so easily. For the most part, "Crap in, Crap out". While I'm as skilled as anyone in restoring and maximizing the sound quality of previously recorded material, it's awfully hard to polish a turd. Beware of "Dudes".