Prepping For The Studio

Making Demos with Cato Zane

In this episode of Prepping For The Studio, Roy and Brian speak with engineer/mixer/producer/YouTuber/educator, Cato Zane, mostly on the subject of making demos.
 
Some topics we discuss include:
 
-The purpose of your demo and how that affects your goals in making it
-The basic setup one would need to make a demo
-Cheap acoustic cheats for your home to make your recordings sound better
-Which DAW should you use
-What you can do at home that might be useable in the final production and what you should definitely leave to doing at a studio
-Under-utilized production ideas to consider
 
Check out Cato at these links:
https://www.catonoise.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@catonoise
https://www.instagram.com/catonoise/
https://www.facebook.com/catonoise/
 
Please visit http://www.preppingforthestudio.com for more info and to download the free ebook, "A Musician's Guide To The Recording Studio".
Hosts:
Roy Silverstein of Rarefied Recording (www.rarefiedrecording.com)
Brian Scheuble (www.brianscheuble.com)
 
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please email Roy: info@rarefiedrecording.com
 
If you love this podcast, please leave a review on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on.

Studio Pet Peeves with Ariel Levine

In this episode of Prepping For The Studio, Roy and Brian speak with musician/engineer/mixer/producer, Ariel Levine. You may recognize Ariel's name because he took the idea Roy had for the podcast theme song and actually made it into reality. 
This episode is a fun one as we kvetch (Yiddish for complain) about annoying things people do in studios. As much as we have fun here roasting our clients, we really do love you and this was just a silly Prepping For The Studio episode that I thought you might get a laugh at too (and still maybe learn a thing or two about not being "that guy").
 
Some topics we discuss include:
 
-The making of the PFTS theme song
-Showing up on time
-Not micro-managing the engineer
-Giving your engineer time for breaks and eating
-Too many mix revisions
-Allowing time to make rough mixes or bouncing out raw tracks
-Forgetting to tell the engineer about important things before a session
-Complaining about too much time setting up or getting sounds
-"walking off accidentally" with studio equipment
-fighting with your bandmates in a session
-moving mics when you shouldn't
-not giving credits or proper credits
-haggling on price
-last minute cancellations
 
Check out Ariel at these links:
https://www.ariellevine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/theariellevine/
 
Please visit http://www.preppingforthestudio.com for more info and to download the free ebook, "A Musician's Guide To The Recording Studio".
Hosts:
Roy Silverstein of Rarefied Recording (www.rarefiedrecording.com)
Brian Scheuble (www.brianscheuble.com)
 
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please email Roy: info@rarefiedrecording.com
 
If you love this podcast, please leave a review on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on.

Prepping for Mastering with Sam Kumar Tandon

In this episode of Prepping For The Studio, Roy and Brian speak with Mastering Engineer, Sam Kumar Tandon, of Rose Quartz Mastering. 
We dive deep, sometimes even above my head, into various mastering topics that should help you as a musician choose the right mastering engineer for your music, communicate with them effectively, and know when the sound is right.
 
Some topics we discuss include:
 
-Low touch vs. high touch mastering
-Honoring the intention of your music
-Making your music sound right from the beginning instead of relying on mastering to fix it
-What is translation?
-How to pick a mastering engineer
-The validity of your mixer doing the mastering or using automated mastering
-Attended vs. unattended mastering sessions
-Loudness of masters
-What the heck is dither and dBTP?
-mastering for different release mediums
 
Check out Sam at these links:
https://www.rosequartzmastering.com/
https://www.tandonhouse.com/
Instagram: @rosequartzmastering
 
Please visit http://www.preppingforthestudio.com for more info and to download the free ebook, "A Musician's Guide To The Recording Studio".
Hosts:
Roy Silverstein of Rarefied Recording (www.rarefiedrecording.com)
Brian Scheuble (www.brianscheuble.com)
 
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please email Roy: info@rarefiedrecording.com
 
If you love this podcast, please leave a review on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on.

Prepping for Vocals with Shelbi Bennett

In this episode of Prepping For The Studio, Roy and Brian speak with singer and vocal coach, Shelbi Bennett.
I've known Shelbi for many years starting with the amazing vocal work she did for the San Diego band, The Midnight Pine. She has an incredible voice and has been a great resource as a coach for my studio clients to help them improve their vocal abilities. If you're a singer, you will certainly get a lot out of this episode.
 
Some topics we discuss include:
 
-The very real struggle of singing in a studio and being under a microscope while everyone watches
-Techniques used in vocal coaching sessions outside of the studio
-Advice on what to do in the weeks leading up to your vocal session
-Advice on what to do the night before and morning of your session
-What to have on hand at the session to help you get through it
-Advice on getting through singing struggles in the moment
-The art of doubling
-Advice for singing with emotion in the studio
-Working the mic and taking input from the engineer
-Improving your "esses"
 
Check out Shelbi at these links:
Instagram: @buffalobisonbuffalo
Email: shelbibennettsings@gmail.com
 
Please visit http://www.preppingforthestudio.com for more info and to download the free ebook, "A Musician's Guide To The Recording Studio".
Hosts:
Roy Silverstein of Rarefied Recording (www.rarefiedrecording.com)
Brian Scheuble (www.brianscheuble.com)
 
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please email Roy: info@rarefiedrecording.com
 
If you love this podcast, please leave a review on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on.

Funding Your Record with Max Allyn

In this episode of Prepping For The Studio, hosts Roy Silverstein and Brian Scheuble are joined by Max Allyn from Recording Fund to discuss how musicians can fund their recordings through alternative methods.
 
Max shares the origins of Recording Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides no-strings-attached grants to artists for recording purposes. The conversation explores the challenges musicians face in financing their work, the process of applying for grants, and the broader context of the music industry, including the limitations of major and indie labels.
 
Key points include the importance of preparation in the studio, the evolving landscape of music funding, and the ongoing efforts to support diverse and determined artists.
 
The episode also touches on the undervaluation of music in the digital age and considers potential avenues for positive change in the music ecosystem.
 
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:23 Meet Max Allen from Recording Fund
01:13 The Origin of Recording Fund
02:16 Challenges in Music Funding
03:40 Recording Fund's Mission and Process
12:46 The Role of Major Labels Today
20:02 The Indie Label Landscape
25:11 Funding Your Own Recordings
35:23 The Struggles and Hopes in the Music Industry
36:08 Encouraging Signs and Bandcamp's Role
39:02 Challenges with Streaming and Artist Compensation
42:37 The Importance of Studio Recording and Preparedness
51:34 Marketing and Promotion for Artists
54:49 The Decline of Live Music and Touring
58:51 Positive Changes and the Future of Music
01:06:20 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
 
Check out Recording Fund at these links:
Website: www.recordingfund.org
Instagram: @recordingfund
 
Please visit http://www.preppingforthestudio.com for more info and to download the free ebook, "A Musician's Guide To The Recording Studio".
 
Hosts:
Roy Silverstein of Rarefied Recording (www.rarefiedrecording.com)
Brian Scheuble (www.brianscheuble.com)
 
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please email Roy: info@rarefiedrecording.com
 
If you love this podcast, please leave a review on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on.

A Musician's Studio Perspective with Tavia

In this episode of Prepping for the Studio, hosts Roy Silverstein and Brian Scheuble speak with Tavia, an artist/musician/songwriter/producer with extensive studio experience.
Tavia shares her journey of jumping straight into studio work, her songwriting process, and how she prepares for studio sessions.
Key topics include the importance of preparation, collaborating with producers and session players, sitting in on studio sessions to learn, and her recent ventures into sync licensing. Tavia also discusses the practical steps musicians should take before recording and how to get the best results from studio time.
 
00:20 Welcome intro
00:34 Meet Tavia: Musician and Producer
01:51 Tavia’s Songwriting Journey
03:49 Choosing the Right Studio
10:16 The Importance of Preparation
15:10 Overcoming Studio Challenges
19:52 Staying Inspired in the Studio
24:10 Taking Breaks and Staying Connected
24:36 Collaborating with Other Songwriters
25:04 Organizing Studio Sessions and Legal Contracts
25:57 Remote Collaboration Tools
28:40 Hiring and Working with Session Players
33:00 Choosing and Working with Producers
38:22 Getting into Sync Licensing
40:40 Efficient Songwriting and Production for Sync
45:48 Conclusion and Contact Information
 
Check out Tavia at these links:
Instagram: @taviabreen
 
Please visit http://www.preppingforthestudio.com for more info and to download the free ebook, "A Musician's Guide To The Recording Studio".
 
Hosts:
Roy Silverstein of Rarefied Recording (www.rarefiedrecording.com)
Brian Scheuble (www.brianscheuble.com)
 
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please email Roy: info@rarefiedrecording.com
 
If you love this podcast, please leave a review on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on.

Trust in the Process with Richie Beretta

In this episode of Prepping for the Studio, hosts Roy Silverstein and Brian Scheuble speak with Richie Beretta, an engineer, mixer, and producer with some serious credits (Beyoncé, Diplo, Major Lazer) and something to say!
Richie shares insights into his journey from a musician in New York to an established producer now living in San Diego.
Topics covered include his early influences, the evolution of his career, the role of trust between artists and producers, the creative process, and hot takes on emerging technologies like Dolby Atmos.
Richie also discusses common pitfalls artists face in the studio and his approach to making the most out of every recording session.
 
00:00 Introduction to Prepping for the Studio
00:23 Meet the Hosts: Roy and Brian
00:42 Special Guest: Richie Beretta Joins the Show
01:04 Richie's Background and Journey in Music
02:50 The New York Music Scene and Rockwood Music Lounge
04:57 Richie's Early Musical Influences and Family
07:25 First Experiences with Recording and Pro Tools
10:09 Transition to Professional Music Production
18:25 DJing and Remixing in New York
24:03 Challenges in the Music Industry
30:46 Working with Independent Musicians
37:35 The Joy of Mixing and Multitracks
38:11 The Importance of Rough Mixes
41:16 Gain Staging and Plugin Effects
45:04 Production Process Insights
50:19 Common Mistakes Artists Make
55:36 Hot takes on Dolby Atmos
01:11:27 Final Thoughts and Contact Info
 
Check out Richie at these links:
Website: richieberetta.nyc
Instagram: @richieberetta
 
Please visit http://www.preppingforthestudio.com for more info and to download the free ebook, "A Musician's Guide To The Recording Studio".
 
Hosts:
Roy Silverstein of Rarefied Recording (www.rarefiedrecording.com)
Brian Scheuble (www.brianscheuble.com)
 
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please email Roy: info@rarefiedrecording.com
 
If you love this podcast, please leave a review on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on.

Prepping For Sync with Richard Carrasco

In this episode of Prepping for the Studio, host Roy Silverstein (Brian Scheuble was "out of the office") speaks with Richard Carrasco, a studio owner, engineer, songwriter, musician, and specialist in making music for Sync Licensing. 
Discussions include an overview of sync licensing, Richard's journey from playing in punk bands to focusing on sync music, and practical advice for musicians looking to break into the field.
Key topics covered are the importance of building a music catalog, understanding the different types of sync deals (exclusive vs. non-exclusive), the significance of using live instruments, and the role of performance rights organizations.
Richard also emphasizes the importance of patience, networking, and maintaining proper documentation in the sync music business.
 
00:00 Introduction to Prepping for the Studio
00:34 Meet the Guest: Richard Carrasco
01:12 Sync Licensing: An Overview
01:52 Richard's Journey in Music and Sync
04:04 Defining Sync and Its Importance
05:43 The Business of Sync Music
08:30 Genres and Moods in Sync Music
11:03 Creating and Delivering Sync Music
13:50 Building Relationships in the Sync Industry
28:13 Legal and Financial Aspects of Sync
35:43 Discussing Studio Costs and Song Production
36:46 The Importance of Being Your Own Producer
38:13 Work for Hire Agreements in Sync
39:50 Building a Music Catalog for Sync
45:50 The Role of AI in Sync
50:52 Understanding Sync Deals and Agreements
56:27 Using Virtual Instruments in Sync
01:02:32 Final Thoughts on Getting into Sync Licensing
01:08:21 Podcast Outro and Credits
 
Check out Richard at these links:
Website: https://www.fullwavestudios.com/
Instagram: @fullwavestudios
 
Please visit http://www.preppingforthestudio.com for more info and to download the free ebook, "A Musician's Guide To The Recording Studio".
 
Host:
Roy Silverstein of Rarefied Recording (www.rarefiedrecording.com)
 
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please email Roy: info@rarefiedrecording.com
 
If you love this podcast, please leave a review on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on.

Studio Prep ala Danny Kalb

In this episode of Prepping for the Studio, hosts Roy Silverstein and Brian Scheuble are joined by music producer Danny Kalb. They discuss the intricacies of preparing for a studio session, managing interpersonal dynamics within a band, and offer practical advice for musicians on how to get the most out of the studio and your working relationships with audio professionals.
Key topics include the importance of pre-production, handling mix revisions, and balancing artistic vision with technical execution. Danny shares his experiences working with notable artists like Beck and Ben Harper, emphasizing the critical role of communication and preparation to achieve the best possible outcome in recording sessions.
 
00:00 Introduction to Prepping for the Studio
00:28 Meet the Hosts and Guest Introduction
01:01 Danny Kalb’s Early Career and Background
05:17 Transition to Los Angeles and Working with the Dust Brothers
07:24 Working with Beck and Other Notable Artists
10:22 Challenges and Tips for Musicians in the Studio
14:27 The Role of a Producer and Pre-Production Insights
20:47 Mixing Expectations and Common Issues
27:45 Importance of References
31:24 Overdubs and Instrument Balance
32:31 The Importance of Mixing in Context
32:47 Learning and Evolving in Music Production
34:13 The Power of Muting
35:13 Navigating Feedback and Collaboration
37:36 The Role of a Mixer and Producer
39:14 The Studio Environment and Dynamics
46:38 The Impact of Interpersonal Dynamics
57:19 The Importance of Pre-Production
01:00:49 Outro and Contact Information
 
Check out Danny at these links:
Website: https://www.dannykalb.com/
Instagram: @dannykalb
 
Please visit http://www.preppingforthestudio.com for more info and to download the free ebook, "A Musician's Guide To The Recording Studio".
 
Hosts:
Roy Silverstein of Rarefied Recording (www.rarefiedrecording.com)
and
Brian Scheuble (www.brianscheuble.com)
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please email Roy: info@rarefiedrecording.com
 
If you love this podcast, please leave a review on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on.

Prepping for ATMOS with Matt Boudreau

In this episode of Prepping for the Studio, Roy Silverstein and Brian Scheuble discuss the intricacies of Dolby ATMOS with guest Matt Boudreau, host of the Working Class Audio podcast.
Topics include the evolution of Matt's career from drummer to producer/engineer/mixer/masterer, the basics of ATMOS technology, its implementation in music, potential future directions, economics, and practical insights on preparing stereo mixes for ATMOS. You'll also hear opinions on the artistic and technical challenges of this immersive audio format, and understand the steps and considerations necessary when transitioning to or incorporating Dolby ATMOS into your studio recordings.
 
00:00 Introduction to Prepping for the Studio
00:20 Meet the Hosts and Guest
01:35 Matt Boudreau's Journey in Audio
04:52 Understanding Dolby ATMOS
08:34 The Evolution and Future of ATMOS
25:00 Creative Uses of ATMOS in Music
33:24 Economic Aspects of ATMOS
36:18 Monetization and Physical Sales for ATMOS
37:48 Transitioning from Stereo to ATMOS Mixing
39:25 Stems vs. Multi-Tracks in ATMOS Mixing
45:37 Deliverables and Listening to ATMOS Mixes
49:43 Mastering ATMOS Mixes
58:28 The Future of ATMOS and Consumer Awareness
01:05:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
Check out Matt at these links:
Websites: https://www.mattboudreau.com/
                 https://www.workingclassaudio.com/
Instagram: @matt_boudreau
                    @working_class_audio
 
Dolby ATMOS studio list:
https://professional.dolby.com/music/dolby-atmos-music-studios/
 
Please visit http://www.preppingforthestudio.com for more info and to download the free ebook, "A Musician's Guide To The Recording Studio".
 
Hosts:
Roy Silverstein of Rarefied Recording (www.rarefiedrecording.com)
and
Brian Scheuble (www.brianscheuble.com)
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions please email Roy: info@rarefiedrecording.com
 
If you love this podcast, please leave a review on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on.