How many hours do I need to record?
This question comes up frequently where bands ask how much time they need to record. That depends on the artist and what they want to achieve. It also depends on how fast they want to go based on their time and budget and, most importantly, their ability to sing or play well. This is particularly critical when considering the amount of takes they might need to get the sound and feel which resonates best with their playing.
If these factors are clear to the musicians or bands, the next factor to think about is how many songs, how many instruments, and how long they want to spend on experimenting, recording, and mixing/mastering. It is much easier for us to give an actual estimate of the time involved when the artists and managers have estimates according to these inquiries beforehand. If uncertain, the best thing would be to just reach out to us by email.
Can we take a recorded copy via CD, USB, or virtually through Email or WeTransfer?
Groups that would like a CD of each session or mailed mp3s or WAV/AIFFs can definitely get a copy. CD’s are 2chf each and the engineer(s) and/or producer(s) must be given a “heads up” beforehand so that there is time allotted to perform any rough mix bounces.
What happens if I need an extra instrument?
For drums, there is a Slingerland Artists Series drum kit in the performance room with Zildjian Cymbals and a DW5000 Kick Pedal that bands can use.
For Guitars, the studio houses a Fender 4×10 Blues Deville as well as an arsenal of virtual amps in the case that guitarists would like to onlz go through a DI box and add amps and/or effects digitally.
As the studio has a special love for atmospheric Shoegaze, Space Rock, and Psychedelic Music, there is also an arsenal of guitar effects pedals in the case that a guitarist is looking for a specific sound of reverb, phase, delay, distortion, or modulation.
What if I need musicians to play in my recording?
If bands, singers or other artists need extra musicians, just send us an email in advance to let us know. Additional costs should be expected for session musicians and the rate varies depending on who, when, and for how long.
In addition to the studio rate. If you have something that needs more in-depth composition or recorded parts, no worries, send the studio an email along with some sort of sample idea or explanation to give us an idea what you’re looking for.
Song-writing assistance is also available for an additional charge. Rates vary depending on the time and scope of songs, so best to get in touch beforehand when planning zour project.
Payment at a later date?
Sessions must be paid for the day of recording or beforehand if securing block rates. This is to ensure there is no overlap in times and everyone is on the same page.
What do we expect from the artist?
People with cool attitudes who want to make great sounds!
What should the artist expect from the studio?
We like to have everything clear, cohesive and smooth for people who want to record at Spaceland. Our main objective is to capture great sound from everyone who records here.
At the same time, whereas many studios oftentimes focus on getting bands in and generating business, that is only a part of what we are about. We encourage all artists, labels, bands, and companies who consider contacting us to really see if we are what they are looking for. For example, our mojo is not manufacturing ultra Commercial Pop products, Rap, Hip-Hop. or Death Metal, mostly because these genres are not what we specialize in and believe other studios may be way more compatible and equipped for working with these styles. This doesn’t mean we won’t record anything that has pop or hip hop elements. though we realize that there are hundreds of studios with engineers and producers who are more passionate about these styles and would likely do more justice to those artists than we would.
Stylistically, Spaceland focuses on capturing original, high quality alternative rock music and its sub genres. Some of these include New Wave, Darkwave, Post Punk, Ambient, Space Rock, Shoegaze, Experimental, Ethereal, Alternative, Folk, Country, Gothic, Electronic, Surf Rock, Britpop, etc. Smaller combos reminiscent of various Jazz around the era of the beat generation as well as orchestral, baroque, classical, romantic, 20th century avant garde, and practically anything that carries influences from these genres is more along the lines of what we are about and we are always interested in hearing from you.
Naturally, some groups may not choose to fall into any one sonic category mentioned above. We are always happy to meet bands that feel like this studio could be their best option of a sanctuary to create their music in.
Any questions?