If I had a $ for ever time a band came to me and said, "We are really good, can you record and mix us for free and we will give you a share of all our CD sales" I could retire right now.
Sorry also for this negativity and I know it does not apply to all, but the free thing is even worse in the hip hop world, I just got ripped off last week by a hip hop crew that come into the studio, wasted a 4 hour block with talentless attempted rapping over a downloaded backing. Nothing got finished and Oh surprise surprise they did not have any cash on them as they had spent it on beer and burgers on the way to the studio, still waiting to get paid and I wont hold my breath. Last time I work with them.
Alan.