Hi there and welcome to The Record Factory Blog,
Every couple of weeks, I’ll be publishing some tips and tricks to help you get what you want out of your music career. I hope you find the info useful… If you have any questions, or are looking to record an EP or album and would like some free help, advice and contacts, please email me.
This week we’re going to cover a question I get asked at the beginning of every conversation….
“I want to release some new music. How much is it going to cost?”
Well, the short answer is that it depends… In the same way it depends if you asked “I want to buy a car. How much is it going to cost?”
Before we consider the factors which impact the cost of making your record, I think it’s important to talk about your expectations. The vast majority of tracks hitting streaming platforms are independent – and that means the band or artist pays for the project out of their own pockets.
So if you’re expecting a major label A&R or a shining knight producer in platinum armor to come and pay for everything and ‘make you a star’, it’s highly unlikely… sure, it happens now and then, but most music is made independently.
The indie route has its advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, you get to make exactly the record you want and on your own schedule. You own 100% of your masters and you are completely in control of your destiny!
On the downside, remember that because you are footing the bill, you must do your homework. Research the type of release you want to create (a string of singles, an EP, or a full album), the type of studio you want to track in, and the producer you want to collaborate with…
So – here are some of the key factors that will impact the cost of making your project:
#1 – Producer Reputation
If you want a legendary, top-tier name to produce your record, then obviously the total cost will be significantly higher than if you record at a local studio with an engineer who has a less well-known client list. Experience and a proven track record cost money.
#2 – Is a Commercial Studio Required?
Does the producer you’ve selected run their own private production space? This can be incredibly cost-effective, as the day rate or per-song rate you’re offered will most likely include the cost of both their time and their room/high-end equipment.
#3 – How Intricate is the Production?
Are you looking to record with your band playing all at the same time in the same room? Tracking live is usually a faster, cheaper route than stacking layers piece-by-piece.
The second part to this is the ultimate sonic landscape you want your music to have. Often, the more complex the arrangement, the more expensive it will be. A massive guitar orchestra piece with 77 individual layers tracked entirely by you will take a significant amount of studio time to execute… A raw folk song with two acoustics, a harmonica, and two live vocals will take a lot less time.
#4 – How Many Session Musicians Do You Need?
Can you comfortably play all the instruments yourself, or does the band cover everything? If not, you may need to bring in hired professional help—which naturally adds to the overall cost of the recording project.
#5 – Are You Actually Ready?
This could easily be the most expensive part of making your record. Extra ‘takes’ take time, and time is money.
How well-rehearsed are you? Do you have your tones, parts, and arrangements completely locked down? Have you been out playing these songs to live audiences regularly? If the answer to these sorts of questions is no, then save your budget: get ready, rehearse, gig, and then step into the studio.
#6 – What is the Ultimate Aim for the Recording?
Is this just a rough demo or bedroom project to throw up on SoundCloud, or do you aim to commercially distribute the work to Spotify, Apple Music, and vinyl? There is a big difference in the level of mixing, mastering, and asset creation required.
Summary
So, in summary, your question shouldn’t necessarily be “How much will it cost to make a record?”. It’s a question you can actually answer yourself: “What is my budget?”
If you know your exact budget, you can plan backward and work toward getting the absolute best possible value and production quality for your money.
Thanks for listening – if you are looking to record your next project and would like a helping hand, please don’t hesitate to call (0404 267 623) or email me…
Cheers,
Simon