I think my perspective might sound slightly out of line. But then, I've only ever recorded and produced professionally, and over the years, especially in the early years, made many mistakes. I learned, and as a result I'm really a bit of an oddball as far as charging etc. is concerned, in other words, I might charge nothing but costs where others charge a lot, etc. Why? Quite simply, I much rather don't charge for recording and production, but take a share of potential profit. This only works if you believe in the artists you are working with, and if you believe in your ability to produce a commercially viable product, because if you don't, you're broke.
Anyway... some lessons learned:
- ALWAYS discuss, agree, put in writing EVERYTHING pertaining to the recording to be made. It does NOT matter if you just do it for a friend, just make a demo, make a complete production for a record major. This avoids arguments, and forms a basis for resolving potential disagreements.
- Break your costs to the client down clearly. Work out your operating costs. Write-off equipment costs - electricity - maintenance - telephone - heating - water - aircon - furniture - everything. Doesn't matter if you've got a small or a huge place, sit down and break it down, it will at least be a good exersize.
When you are done with that, you have your basic running costs, to which you can add a suiteable profit margin.
After this, decide how much people have to charge for you.
Once again, this gives you flexibiliy in resolving potential problems with your clients. For example, take Bruce's scenario. He's prepared to keep working for nothing to make sure he turns out a good product. If he would break all his costs down, he could tell his clients "Hey man, I'll keep at it for a while, I won't charge you my time, just the studio costs". If the client is happy with that, fine. If the client isn't, I suggest you just don't do the work, as it DOES cost money to run a studio, there is no such thing as working for free, it costs you money to work!
- What are you going to do for a client? Do they know what they want? Are they going to produce it themselves? Do they want you to produce it? Again, decide this beforehand. Don't underestimate the value of production, don't forget that producers can ear as least as much as artists from the sale of records. So why should you do it for free? If an artist wants you to produce them, either share in potential success, and if not, express it in your fees.
- Be businesslike. Yes I know, music is all about friends and atmospheres - at least it should be. If you are direct and businesslike people will know where they stand, it will result in a good atmosphere, and whats even more important, you will be valued and respected for it.
How do I do it?
Well, first off all, I work with who I want to work with. If someone wants to record here and I don't feel I could do the music justice, I'll get them another engineer, charge them studio time, and they can pay the engineer direct.
Second, I like to work with people I've worked with before, so I know what and how to work, and I'll have fun doing it. Like in the recent project with Pete Bardens and Mick Fleetwood.
Third, I like to work with people who I consider having great potential. I don't charge them, I share in success instead. So the money only comes IF I do my job right. If I screw up, I don't earn. Fair enough. That's the way I work with Uru, Tidawt and Jean-Michel Byron, that takes up almost all my "free" time.
Fourth, I'm very careful who I choose to work with, even if people want me to work on their stuff. Current example, main label act, not at all happy with their producer / mixes, want everything remixed. I really like their tracks, but I want to make sure I can deliver, so that they are happy AND I am happy. I told them I'd mix one track for them, free of charge. No time restrictions, if it takes a week so be it, but its not leaving until its right. It will give us a chance to see if we can make each other happy, if there is a good fit. If we're all happy, I'll do the whole CD.
Hope my ramblings are somewhat usefull to someone
, we count every hour and I won't give any of my oppinions and do the best job I can with the takes and sounds they can produce.
