yup, but all in all, I wouldnt take anything for it. cost me 2 marriages but hey, my drums are still around!
Yup been there done that.
One can make a living running a studio without having a million plus dollar studio.
A meager living but it can be done.
In my eyes investing in gear is a better investment than education. The best education you can get is the real world trial by fire kind.
Get a space, get some gear and get to work.
I'm pretty sure you have some experience recording. I seem to remember some songs you posted in the clinic.
You need to be in a place with an abundance of musicians.
Get some brave souls and give them a block rate, or charge them a flat rate for x amount of songs. Do NOT record people for free because you are just getting started. It will backfire on you.
You want to create a buzz, and a reputation, but not a reputation of a guy that will work for free.
Charging a flat rate, you may lose a lot of money at first, because it might take some time to get good results. Go for a good product, not a good hourly wage.
But getting a good result that you and the artist are proud of WILL get you work.
As the buzz spreads, youll get more work, skill, confidence, etc. Then go to an hourly rate, or up your flate rat. .
Good people skills, knowing your room, gear, ect. will get you more work provided you have an abundant supply of musical talent to draw from.
Keep in mind there will be quite low of a income ceiling however, and be prepared to work 10 to 12 hour days, as well as having plenty of dry periods.
Above all good results are paramount. The musical community is a very small group, where word travels fast.
How much work you get depends on your results and how you work with people.
That's the optimistic side.
I got out of recording bands because I got sick of making 20 bucks an hour doing demos and not having time to do my own music anymore. When you're in the studio for long hours its tough to come back to work on your own music (for me anyway)
And even though I was booked a lot, 20 bucks an hour doesn't go a long way figuring you have two overheads to pay for. Residential and commercial.
Anyway those are just some ramblings from someone who's been there. At least in the minor leagues