So on Tuesday night my bandmates and I went down to check out a recording studio near Dundas and Dufferin. It was quite far away from most of us, but I did receive good word about this place, and that they're just starting up -- i.e. cheaper prices!

We entered what seemed to be an apartment style place, with a small opening between buildings that allowed for single-file movement and mailboxes for the inhabitants. After he opened the door we went downstairs to find that it wasn't a small apartment, but good sized concrete space that had yet to be furnished. There were a few couches, tools everywhere as well as a computer desk, which i assumed he had all his admin stuff for the studio.

He was a very nice guy, totally chill and was actaully an attendee at Waterloo University for computers or enginneering. He walked us down the hallway and into the studio.

Again, it was still in the middle of being converted, so there were still some things lying around and such. But this place had been a recording studio before, as we soon found out that the entire place was soundproofed. There were 2 rooms: playing room and a control room. As we walked into the control room, we were greeted with INCREDIBLE recording equipment. It was a sweet deal, and our drummer used to work at a recording studio said that his gear is one of the best stuff he's seen.

After a bit of chit chat, we decided to play a few tunes to try it out. It was totally a dry run, and in fact our drummer had only practiced with us once before, so it was new for all of us. The owner just wanted to hear us and see what we sounded like. We were quite rough, but i think he got the jist of it. I know we could do much better, so hopefully he doens't think that's what he's working with!

The best part about this guy is his openness and love of making music. Sure, we're clients and he should be this way, but man, the snobiness of tech guys / musicians can get overwhelming sometimes -- no wonder why so many of them don't get much business or don't have many friends! But this guy was different; he was cool :). I would definitely feel comfortable recording with him and see what music we can create.

Of course, the issue is money. He was willing to give us a rate of $20-$25 per hour, which is a terrific rate with respect to the high quailty recording gear he's got. I know that in a few years, with the proper management and growth of the business, he'll be charging upwards of $80/hour. He was also willing to give it to us for $200 a day, no matter how long we stay, or even sleep over if we wanted to. He was game for that too!

Information shopping all the way!
We did visit another studio in Aurora, and i'm glad that i still pushed to see this studio. I have been told that i'm an information shopper, requiring as much info and alternatives as feasible. So if we settled for the Aurora too fast, then we would have never met this cool guy. Even if we don't use the studio (we may just use our drummer's home setup), I'll still try and maintain relations with him for bigger projects. I'll probably keep my eye open for another studio, cause 3 is a good number eh? I've just gotta keep my ear to the ground and find some other new home studios.

I can't wait to get recording.. although we need to do some serious practicing w/the drummer, it will be great to finally have a tangible piece of product to hold that represents our music.

Take care,

RE

"eat drink and be merry"