The first question any musician or band wants to know when looking to hire a recording studio is, “how much is it going to cost?”.
The truth is, if you are looking to produce something of a professional standard, the answer is not so simple.
Whether you’re a budding artist or an experienced musician, understanding the financial aspect of renting a recording studio is essential. There are various factors that can influence the cost. These include the location of the studio, its reputation and equipment, and the duration of your session. It’s important to note that prices can vary greatly depending on these factors. Fortunately for you, Astar Studios in Manchester is a transparent recording studio that tries to go above and beyond. We want to explain pricing in as honest a way as possible.
In reality there are many factors affecting the pricing of studios, such as:
- What the project entails
- The standard of studio you are looking for
- How much time is required for set-up
- If time is required for creativity
- The number of tracks being recorded.
- If the recording is being tracked or recorded live
- If a big live room is needed
- What kind of acoustics are preferred
- The number of instruments be recorded
- The importance of spending adequate time on vocals
- Ensuring sufficient time planned to mix the number of tracks
- The time required to master the tracks at the end
To save time, we always determine up-front if you are looking to produce a demo or a more professional production. A frank conversation to get the reality of the project can save time and money in the long run, for both of us.
It is easy to provide a daily rate but before agreeing anything, you should take advice from your producer. Avoiding any surprises along the way and getting the most from your time in the studio is always a good idea.
Our philosophy is taken from that famous saying, ‘if you are going to do something, do it properly’. Quality over quantity always seems to come out on top, and this is our belief at Astar Recording Studios in Manchester.
We do however understand that everyone has a budget and that undoubtedly it is harder for a solo artist who doesn’t have the luxury of splitting the fee between a group of people, such as is the possibility for members of a band.
We like to think we offer a lot at Astar Studios. We go beyond expectations to provide more than the bricks, mortar and mixing desk at your standard recording studio. We enjoy receiving demos from musicians and always aim for complete honesty in any feedback we give. When appropriate, we use our experience and expertise to offer ideas to try and take music to that next level.
Without a doubt there is more music out there than ever before. You only need to look to Spotify for proof that music is currently King. We know at Astar Studios that to be successful you have to be better than everyone else. It’s the harsh truth of the music industry. We do not want to see any more super talents pass us by and by talking honestly we are committed to enabling you to have the best chance of success, facilitating your recording process in a meaningful way.
Astar Studios is truly bothered. We do our utmost to support new artists and bands wherever we can. We like to talk, to explore your project, with the aim of helping to raise you and your music up to where it can be. Andy, our Director, is a Mercury Prize winning critically acclaimed producer. Let us use our expertise to help you, we know what it takes.
It is always the case that ‘you get what you pay for’. In today’s musical world you have to think of yourselves in business terms. Would you apply for a top job with just an average CV?
Gone are the days when a Rep from a label walks into the bar you’re playing in and signs you up. Sorry to burst any bubbles, but it just isn’t going to happen. In fact the chances are much akin to winning that Lottery jackpot. We advise instead that you focus on your USP. What makes you special? How can you demonstrate there is a market for what you are doing? How can you highlight a low financial risk to any prospective record labels? Again, think in terms of putting together a business plan
So, the cost of bringing your musical vision to life? Look introspectively at what you are trying to achieve and you will find the answer. In our experience saving money over time to make good recording choices from the offset is better than using even more money to make several poorly recorded tracks and then starting all over again.
We always like to receive your demos: [email protected]
www.astarstudios.com – Manchester’s Best Recording Studio
