silvercn
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What to charge for recording / demo CDs?
A local band heard a demo CD I recorded of another band (that I did for a friend for a "token" fee to cover CD/label materials) and asked if I could record them live for a demo CD; and how much it would be. Since I do this as a "hobby" I don't know what is a reasonable rate / package amount to charge. Ideas please....thanks.
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Guitarhacker
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Re: What to charge for recording / demo CDs?
2013/08/05 08:14:19
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How much time did you spend on the first project? Call a studio or two in the local area and ask them what their rates are. Base your price on that information. Even though it's a hobby for you, if you are planning to do this you need to charge the going rates and treat it like a business,,,,,,understand who owns what at the end. Do you end up giving them the master files or just a finished copy of a wave? That is up to you and should be spelled out in a contract. Be sure to keep the payment from them, ahead of the deliver of the project. I've heard so many sad tales that started the same way yours does....."some friends want me to do a demo for their band"... and before the end of the project, usually about half way through, the band is suddenly out of money, and wants to change the deal around, or decides to do something different.... asking for 3 finished tunes rather then the 6 they agreed on for the money they have paid already, because they are now out of money, or don't like the way you mix all of a sudden..... I don't record anyone for money..... so that is my advice from my POV... get the advice from some others here who DO make this their business..... they will have more detailed advice for every step of the way. The goal is happy clients and happy you.
My website & music: www.herbhartley.com MC4/5/6/X1e.c, on a Custom DAW Focusrite Firewire Saffire Interface BMI/NSAI "Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer "
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silvercn
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Re: What to charge for recording / demo CDs?
2013/08/05 08:47:42
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Some good factors to think about as I go into this ! thanks
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bitflipper
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Re: What to charge for recording / demo CDs?
2013/08/05 10:26:31
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You probably don't want to charge them commercial rates, as you a) don't want to scare them off and b) want to do it for the experience. But seriously, don't underprice your services. They will value your effort more if you charge them a substantial fee. Basic consumer psychology: people routinely base perceived value on price, especially when buying something they've never purchased before. Try to quote them a finished package, including mixing, mastering, CD duplication and packaging. That way your fee is only part of the cost, and they may have an idea what the other parts cost and therefore know it's not cheap. My formula is: take what you earn per hour in your day job and cut it in half. Multiply by how many hours you'll take to complete the job. Don't forget travel and setup time for the recording session. Figure on 2 hours per song for editing and mixing, even if you know you'll require more. But don't quote an hourly rate, as that might box you into delivering a finished product you're not happy with. Give them one number and explain exactly what they're buying (e.g. re-tracking and overdubs are not included).
All else is in doubt, so this is the truth I cling to. My Stuff
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timidi
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Re: What to charge for recording / demo CDs?
2013/08/05 20:30:44
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Also, keep in mind that whatever you charge will be what you charge forever. Cause John will tell Paul, and Ringo will overhear and tell George and then if you charge anyone more, they won't like that.
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gswitz
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Re: What to charge for recording / demo CDs?
2013/08/05 20:43:39
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I do trades. And my friends definitely value my time and effort.
StudioCat > I use Windows 10 and Sonar Platinum. I have a touch screen. I make some videos. This one shows how to do a physical loopback on the RME UCX to get many more equalizer nodes.
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silvercn
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Re: What to charge for recording / demo CDs?
2013/08/05 22:00:04
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These are all good and have me thinking it out more...interesting views of it. Trading maybe...Gotta find out what these band members might have to offer - maybe to accompany me on one of my own songs / home recording. The drummer does own a drum shop in a neighboring city that I have not seen yet..mmm even though I am not a drummer...
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The Band19
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Re: What to charge for recording / demo CDs?
2013/08/06 00:54:57
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Ill do it for 5 dollars less. And that buys a cheap 6 pack, so I win.
Sittin downtown in a railway station one toke over the line.
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The Band19
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Re: What to charge for recording / demo CDs?
2013/08/06 00:55:03
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Ill do it for 5 dollars less. And that buys a cheap 6 pack, so I win.
Sittin downtown in a railway station one toke over the line.
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Guitarhacker
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Re: What to charge for recording / demo CDs?
2013/08/06 08:41:47
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I do like the idea of the complete package as suggested.... 50% down, and the balance before or upon delivery of the package into their hands. Let them hear snippits of the songs for approval and suggestions. If you like doing this and word gets around, keep the price affordable (the same) until there is too much work coming in. Then start choosing the work you want and raise your price. Reputation is key, and people will pay a premium to someone with a reputation for quality work.
My website & music: www.herbhartley.com MC4/5/6/X1e.c, on a Custom DAW Focusrite Firewire Saffire Interface BMI/NSAI "Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer "
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Beepster
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Re: What to charge for recording / demo CDs?
2013/08/06 10:30:29
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$30 an hour for getting yourself out to the gig and capturing the waves should be reasonable IMO. That's the real pain in the butt. You have to put up with drunks, put your gear in a toxic bar environment, wrangle with routing/cabling/the house PA/etc and transport the gear back and forth. Mixing? IDK... if they were demanding the finished product ASAP I personally would charge more than if I were allowed to poke away at it casually. If I could do it within my own timeline and they weren't super finicky (minor adjustments... not total mix overhauls) or insist they come by all the time and involve themselves in the process (I do not like people hanging around) I'd probably just give them a flat rate of like $100 or less for an albums worth of stereo waves at pre master levels and another set that I "mastered" myself for immediate consumption. If they WERE going to crawl up my butt during mixing/editing I'd probably charge $15-20 (seems like reasonable semi pro demo rates) or more likely tell them to find someone else if they were particularly annoying. I however probably won't attract very many clients for quite some time and frankly I'm okay with that. I have my own music to make. /not a pro
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silvercn
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Re: What to charge for recording / demo CDs?
2013/08/06 11:32:43
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So many of these things to some degree have happened, so this reading is enjoyable! The word of mouth (or of ear!) has happened in this case, since the one who contacted me about this new demo CD was the fill in drummer of my friend's group I recorded a few times before - more of less for some "tips" and drinks. His drum track came out particularly good on that one, the way I mic'd it, so I think that helped convince him to get with me again. I love the stuff Beepster wrote about putting up with all the stuff and annoyances of a bar-scene recording ! That is another story...of how my little spot to place my interface/laptop on a "chair" was too close to a coin operated punching bag, with some very drunk guys who half the time were missing the bag, and stumbling over bumping into me..........
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Beepster
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Re: What to charge for recording / demo CDs?
2013/08/06 12:12:34
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Yikes. Yeah I don't like those punching games. Seems like a bad idea when alcohol is involved and when I see them in a bar I know to watch out for meatheads. I miss playing live but I don't miss the ruckus. Guess I got old. Glad you and your gear made it out undamaged. Might want to rent a snake or something for next time so you can get yourself set up in a less chaotic part of the bar. Cheers.
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