An odd series of events

[Pony!]

I've been trying to set up a bedroom recording studio in my house for a while. I'm also a student so I don't have much capital or time but I've got a collection of mics and mixers that's fairly respectable right now but nothing too serious. Maybe record some local groups' demos and make some of the cash I put out back. Like I said, nothing too serious.

Anywho, my grandmother got wind of the mass amounts of money I've spent on equipment. I told her what I'm doing. She seemed happy that I'm doing something I like. Today, she just showed up at my door saying that "Pete wrote a new song with some woman and might want me to record it for him."

Well, let's take a step back a moment. My grandmother was somewhat active in the 50's and 60's musical scene. She knew many of the legends. So, Pete happens to be Pete Seeger.

Anywho, She said that he's getting too old to go into recording studios and travel and all that stuff. That he would like to stay local and just do it that way. Mind you, locally there are many options for world-class recording studios. To make a long story short. My grandmother may have gotten me a gig recording a new Pete Seeger song in Pete Seeger's mansion.

I'm laughing on the outside and crying on the inside. This is way out of my league. Even if I were to do this I couldn't charge the man, anyway. Hell, I should be paying him for this kind of opportunity.

I mean, I know it wouldn't be anything complex at all... Maybe a few mics here and there... with that type of music its barebones, but... yeesh... Its pretty nerve wracking.

Anyway, what should I do? Do I take the gig and give it my all? Do I recommend him to a local professional studio? I mean I haven't done much outside of recording my own and my friend's bands...

 

[WhiteStrat]

You try to talk to him before the session, and let him know just what you bring to the table--plusses & minuses, and let him decide if he wants to go forward. If he does, he knows what he's getting into--and besides, maybe he's into the idea of giving a young upstart a nice break!

But if he's going into it blind, and you really do come in under his expectations--you might just burn a bridge you'd have been better off not even trying to cross.

Good luck!

 

[Jedman]

If it truly goes through, it was meant to be. You are where you are because of hard work, dedication and a little luck. Isn't that how anything worthwhile is accomplished?
I'd say give it your all. Just like you would anything in life.

Jed

 

[ido1957]

Listen to White Strat - Get grandma to give you his number, contact him and tell him your experience and equipment and see if he's interested. You'll look like a fool if your grandma's been hyping you too much and he's expecting Nuemann microphones...

 

[Dogbreath]

Yup...agreed.

Besides, with you being up front about your experience and gear, he just may have some ideas and advice for ya since he's had studio time.

 

[mikeh]

I agree that since you have an "in" - it can't hurt to talk to the man, learn what he is looking and and be candid with him regarding what you can or can't provide.

It is better to communicate on good terms as a gentelman and a professional.......even if you end up walking away from the project - rather than to try something that may indeed be something outside your current level of skill.

In either case......good luck, it sounds like a great opportunity to at very least talk too/meet a musical legend.

 

[Chili]

Yeah, gotta chime in and agree with the sentiment here. Sounds like a great opportunity. Be up front and honest. You mentioned that you've got some experience and some decent gear, so you're 90% there.

Another little tidbit is to make sure you've got a working set up before going over to his house. You don't want to be discovering problems while he's waiting on you.

Let us know how it goes. We're all curious.
Good luck,

 

[EddieRay]

Way cool opportunity! Don't pass it up or you'll kick yourself raw in the years to come.

In addition to what the others have mentioned I would also suggest you listen to some of Pete's later stuff. I saw him and his grandkids' band (aka the Mammals) on David Letterman not long ago. He's an old guy now and while he still has energy and enthusiasm, his voice isn't what it used to be. Not to be morbid but if you do end up getting the gig, what you capture may be better known for being his final recordings than anything else.