Over the years, I’ve worked with a slew of musicians and producers in more studios than I can remember. I don’t care how talented you are, how creative your vision is, or how much money you have to spend on your project – if you’re working with people who don’t care as much as you do, you will not be satisfied with the final result.
Gio cares about what he does, and it shows. We’ve worked together on several projects at The Record Shop, and I never doubt how great it’s going to turn out. It’s rare to find people who humbly listen to the artist, and interject their ideas without minimizing or discounting the person’s artistry.
My latest project, an EP we’re completing, is no doubt the closest to my heart. The songs are quirky, frank, and by far, the closest glimpse of my insides you’re gonna get without being a mind reader. The only person I’d trust with them was Gio. Not just because I like him as a person (and we both rep Detroit, yep yep), but because I knew he’d “get it”. I don’t believe in genres and I don’t believe that popular music has to be ‘Cookie Cutter’ pop. (Once the EP is released you’ll get why that last sentence is super clever and funny.)
Anyway, we started with me very simply singing the songs with just piano, and I explained the direction I wanted to go in. He instinctively found the perfect players, and wisely knew how to shape the songs to make sense commercially, while keeping the unorthodox sound I wanted.
During one session, before laying down vocals on a pretty dark track, I had this sudden, primal need to scream at the top of my lungs… I guess to put myself in the state of mind I was in when I wrote the song. I went into a little booth by myself and screamed like a maniac – pretty sure everyone in the room thinking I was crazy. Not funny crazy – crazy, crazy.
Well, Gio told me to do it again, skillfully placed it in the intro, and it turned out being the dopest, most perfect way to set up the song. That ability to sense exactly when it’s fitting to leap outside of the box is what has made this project so special and so much fun.
Love & gratitude to The Record Shop & Gio!
Tish Lyndsey
tishlyndsey.com
Rick Monroe EP Release & Summer Tour
The Record Shop is proud to announce that Rick Monroe is hitting the road this year as part of Jagermeister’s 2014 Ultimate Summer of Music Tour with the Eli Young Band AND is releasing his new EP, “It’s A Love Thing” that was recorded at The Record Shop Nashville recording studio!
“It’s A Love Thing,” is a product of love and labor for Monroe, “a tireless worker, strong songwriter, and relentless performer”. This new MRG release will be made available to the public Jun 3, 2014, and though this EP has six incredible tracks, three of the songs have had particularly more emphasis put on them. These three songs – “Small Town”, “Fire’s Out”, and “ Great Minds Drink Alike” – were produced by The Record Shops’ own Sean Giovanni who said about the project, “We had a blast working on Rick’s record. He does a an incredible job of straddling the line between traditional country, pop country, and southern rock, in way that is sure to please fans young and old.”
What does the man himself have to say about these three great songs? “In the case of Small Town (5/20 release date on iTunes) Kenneth Duncan and I were stuck on the song we were writing and he just happen to play the first part of “Small Town” for an ear break… and that was it! We shifted gears immediately and boom. The one thing I’ve seen in all my travels is people are people, with the same basic wants and needs. We all love and we all struggle. I really feel we struck the perfect balance. With a basic chord progression & direct lyric I believe we’ve captured the large & small view of the world in simple song.” Rick continues, “Fires Out (5/27 release date on iTunes) was inspired by trying to mix a different flavor into country. Recently there’s a lot of country rap going on and I wanted to see if we could take from the groove/pop side of things ala Maroon 5/Bruno Mars. I know it’s pretty different, but I think it’s like a good gumbo you need to add a little kick of spice sometimes and not be afraid to try something new.”
Four Mistakes to Watch out for When Recording Your Music Demo
Four Mistakes to Watch out for When Recording Your Music Demo
Recording your music demo is not an easy task, especially if you’re new to recording studios. It is not uncommon for upcoming musicians to make mistakes when they’re out recording their first demo. That is just why we have compiled a list of common mistakes, and some of the most effective ways to avoid them.
1. Avoid producers with no experience
All the contemporary greats of the music industry were obviously newbies at some time or the other, but that doesn’t mean you should risk recording your music demo with someone with no proven ability. Always go for a recording studio with professionals so that even if a newbie is working on your demo, there will be someone more experienced in the background ready to help out.
2. Make sure the producer doesn’t take over your project
One of the biggest mistakes people make when they are recording their music demos is to allow the producer to have the final say. Good recording studios will not stand for it, and neither should you. Always remember that while it is important to give due consideration to the advice rendered by your producer, you should, as much as possible, avoid compromising on your wishes. After all, you are recording YOUR music demo.
3. Find out exactly what services you will be getting
Many recording studios offer a number of services that may appear to be misleading. For instance, some studios offer to shop demos that you record with them. You should investigate whether they actually have clients in the music industry, because if they don’t, they might be overselling their service and inflating the price for just selling its rights to a random, unknown wedding band.
4. Don’t give equipment more importance than credentials
Even if a recording studio has the best equipment out there, the chance of them actually leaving you satisfied depends entirely on the credentials of the producers and audio engineers working there. Make sure the people (read people, not equipment) you are hiring are qualified and go through their portfolio before you make any big decisions.
Brandon Chase Testimonal
It’s not hard to find a producer, especially in music city. But it is hard to find someone like Giovanni at the record shop. I’ve never worked with another producer that has the same passion, drive, and creativity. Giovanni has a process that seems somewhat lost these days. He listens intently to each and every lyric to make sure that every instrument, sound, and melody fits with the emotion while staying within the boundaries of what the artist wants.
He genuinely cares about the quality of his work as well as the artist’s vision for the project. Giovanni makes sure that each and every detail is perfect and doesn’t rush through any aspect of the process. Being in the studio can be a bit overwhelming and stressful at times but he always creates an environment that is both fun and productive.
He’s an all around great guy and truly wants to see the artist’s that he works with succeed. It’s been a privilege working on my debut album with Giovanni and I consider him a part of my team. His support he’s shown me has been incredible! Not only in studio, but even out at shows I play around town.
Oh, and did I mention his work sounds phenomenal!?
TISH LYNDSEY TESTIMONAL
Over the years, I’ve worked with a slew of musicians and producers in more studios than I can remember. I don’t care how talented you are, how creative your vision is, or how much money you have to spend on your project – if you’re working with people who don’t care as much as you do, you will not be satisfied with the final result.
Gio cares about what he does, and it shows. We’ve worked together on several projects at The Record Shop, and I never doubt how great it’s going to turn out. It’s rare to find people who humbly listen to the artist, and interject their ideas without minimizing or discounting the person’s artistry.
My latest project, an EP we’re completing, is no doubt the closest to my heart. The songs are quirky, frank, and by far, the closest glimpse of my insides you’re gonna get without being a mind reader. The only person I’d trust with them was Gio. Not just because I like him as a person (and we both rep Detroit, yep yep), but because I knew he’d “get it”. I don’t believe in genres and I don’t believe that popular music has to be ‘Cookie Cutter’ pop. (Once the EP is released you’ll get why that last sentence is super clever and funny.)
Anyway, we started with me very simply singing the songs with just piano, and I explained the direction I wanted to go in. He instinctively found the perfect players, and wisely knew how to shape the songs to make sense commercially, while keeping the unorthodox sound I wanted.
During one session, before laying down vocals on a pretty dark track, I had this sudden, primal need to scream at the top of my lungs… I guess to put myself in the state of mind I was in when I wrote the song. I went into a little booth by myself and screamed like a maniac – pretty sure everyone in the room thinking I was crazy. Not funny crazy – crazy, crazy.
Well, Gio told me to do it again, skillfully placed it in the intro, and it turned out being the dopest, most perfect way to set up the song. That ability to sense exactly when it’s fitting to leap outside of the box is what has made this project so special and so much fun.
Love & gratitude to The Record Shop & Gio!
Tish Lyndsey
tishlyndsey.com
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Not just another Nashville Recording Studio
In this day and age, access to recording studios is easier than one could have ever imagined. Aspiring musicians have an abundance of options when it comes to choosing a place to record the album of their dreams. However, The Record Shop is not just another Nashville recording studio. There are a number of reasons why it stands out as among the best options for both upcoming and established musicians.
We have a team of skilled vocalists and players
If you have recently written a great song and you want to take it to the next level, The Record Shop is the best Nashville recording studio to visit. Not only do we have a team of skilled vocalists and all the necessary recording equipment to make your hit a success, we also realize the importance of stepping back and letting the songwriter make the big decisions. While the trained professions at The Record Shop are always ready to help in anyway it can, you can decide the session players, vocalists and production style that goes into making your song a reality.
Our help goes beyond producing records
We do not stop talking to our clients once the record production process is completed. As a matter of fact, we offer a range of post-production services that ensure that we are not just another Nashville recording studio. The Record Shop can help aspiring musicians with its various artist development and marketing programs.
We offer competitive pricing
Unlike almost any other Nashville recording studio, The Record Shop does not charge per hour. This means that people who come in to record their music do not have to keep one eye on the clock during their stay. The Record Shop charges a sum of money on the completion of the project. Various packages are available for different kinds of records.
How to Master Social Media as a Musician
If you want to make a name for yourself in the competitive world of music production without having to hire an expensive agent, it is absolutely essential that you learn how to master social media as a musician. Young musicians these days have to face an unlimited level of competition since almost anybody can claim to be a musician on the internet. However, what many do not realize is that social media actually provides people a platform through which they can promote their music and make a name for themselves.
Before one learns how to master social media as a musician, they must at least have a website where they can direct people to your page from their social media following. A good musician’s website should have easily accessible pictures, videos, gigs and email sign-ups. If you want to continually attract people to your website, you can add contests and your albums onto the site so that people feel the need to visit over and over again.
In order to learn how to master social media as a musician, you should have a Facebook and Twitter account. Later you can move onto other social media websites such as YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram. Once you have an account on these social media sites, you have to find your audience. Remember that a large number of followers or likes does not mean much. Sure, it might look great to have a million uninterested fans on your social media account, but wouldn’t it be better just having a small number of fans who actually care about your music?
A great way to find people to listen to your music is to find people who are following bands that are similar to yours. Reach out to them personally and ask them to listen to your music. If they do, and they like it, you’ll have yourself a genuine fan! Once you have a small number of fans, you should also focus on regularly posting sharable content onto your page. Try to post new, relevant things daily so that people continue to share them and your following grows automatically.
Before you know it, you will know how to master social media as a musician and you will start receiving gig requests on your website. Just make sure you don’t give up, and do not allow the quality of your music to suffer in the process.
4 Music Recording Websites Every Musician Should Bookmark
With the continual growth of the internet, the number of tools available to musicians on the internet to help boost the quality and understanding of their music has increased dramatically. In an increasingly competitive industry, what often separates one aspiring musician from the other is his or her knowledge of music recording websites that every musician should be familiar with. This blog post hopes to familiarize you with 4 music recording websites that you must use frequently if you want to expedite your success in the world of music.
1. audiotuts+
audiotuts+ has some of the most comprehensive music tutorials anywhere on the internet. If you don’t want to spend your money on expensive music classes, you can simply visit audiotuts+. Some tutorials are available free, but for others, you will need to buy access to the Tuts+ Premium section of the site. Here you can learn the best techniques on how to mix, produce and master the art of creating music.
2. Scalerator
This powerful online tool allows musicians to generate scales and tablatures. All you have to do is enter in the scale you wish to learn and click on generate and you’ll get all the charts you could possibly need. This is a really effective way to learn different notes and scales that every musician should be familiar with.
3. YouTube
YouTube may not be solely a music recording website, but make no mistake. It probably has the most training resources anywhere on the web. The downside to using YouTube is that it is not as easy to find useful resources as it might be no dedicated music recording websites. However, if you master the search feature, you will definitely stumble onto some real gold.
4. musictheory.net
As its URL suggests, this is among a handful of music recording websites that teaches visitors the ins and outs of music theory. If you feel you don’t have the kind of knowledge people around you do about the ins and outs of music, musictheory.net has just the resources for you. It features trainers, lessons and a number of utilities.
Do you need a music manager?
The music industry is not nearly as straightforward as it used to be not too long ago. The number of factors that can help determine whether you succeed or fail continues to grow. In order to regain control over their destiny, many upcoming musicians are tempted to hire professional managers. However, the answer to whether you actually need a music manager depends on a number of factors and so it should not be rushed into.
Before you go on to determine whether you need a music manager, you should first understand what exactly a music manager does. They are responsible for handling all professional aspects of the music industry and handling all the business duties of a band or a musician. Managers generally serve the function of advisers for musicians, and help them make important professional and personal decisions that may affect their position in the industry.
The main question that arises is whether you need a music manager. You should take into account in order to determine whether you need a music manager is whether you just don’t have enough time to juggle making music, booking gigs, dealing with clients and pleasing fans. If you find yourself busy for most of the day, you probably need the able assistance of a music manager. Since managers take care of the business aspect of your career, you can focus on creating high-quality music and making a good impression with each performance.
Another thing that should be considered before you decide whether you need a music manager is the cost factor. Are you earning an income to support yourself as well as pay for an expensive employee? If so, you should definitely get a music manager. If you are able to find a competent person to do the job for you, you’ll make up on the extra costs in no time. However, if your music has not started producing an income just yet, you’re probably best off keeping your expenses to a bare minimum and handling your music business on your own.
Picking the Perfect Songs for your Demo
A high quality demo recording is the first step to becoming a music sensation, and most musicians know it. Just like salespeople have calling cards that they hand out to prospective clients, musicians hand out their demos so that they can land themselves gigs and earn money. If you want to become a successful musician, it is imperative that you take time out for picking the perfect songs for your demo.
Picking the perfect songs for your demo is not rocket science. As a matter of fact, all you need to do is rely on your common sense. In case you don’t have any, there is no need to worry! Just go through this guide to picking the perfect songs for your demo and implement away.
Make sure your demos are the highest quality you can afford
Sometimes, it is worth paying an extra buck to get something of superior quality. Some people think they can record their demos at home, but the fact of the matter is that with the level of competition out there, inferior quality demos are often not even heard fully. Musicians are not hired to play at events unless they are able to make quality products, regardless of how great the songs they have written are.
Short and simple demos speak the loudest
Regardless of how good you think your music is, keep in mind that people who are looking to hire musicians are generally very busy. The last thing you should do is bore them with a three-hour tape of you performing every song you possibly know. By doing so, not only do you stand the risk of putting them to sleep or seriously annoying them, but also of perhaps revealing a potential flaw in your music. It is best to pick out a song or two that you KNOW will captivate them. Seeking the opinion of an impartial person may suit you best.
Choose songs that showcase you as an artist, and your full potential
The main purpose of a demo tape is so that you can prove to people who have never heard you play that you have what it takes to perform for them. You should make sure each song you put in shows a different side of your musical ability. Since it is likely that the different people who listen to your demo are looking for something different, it is essential to showcase as much of your talent and ability as possible in the shortest possible tape.