NOW OPEN FOR NEW BUSINESS
What is the Murder Ballad Audio Laboratory??
The Murder Ballad Audio Laboratory is an indie-level recording/capturing studio
located in south Greensboro, North Carolina. We specialize in recording strange
derivatives of rock, punk, western, folk, and hip hop music. We pride ourselves on
having a creative, vibey, and intimate atmosphere. We hope that it invokes the most
strange desire and energy of your creative g-spot. We are not like most recording studios
you have encountered, no. It is called a laboratory for a reason. We don't play by the
rules or follow the books. This is a big reason why we choose to stay away from genres
that we feel have a very "template" style of recording. If you inquire to use our services
and we feel that we are not the right kats for the job, we will certainly let you know that.
There is no point in wasting everyones time. We will be more then happy to refer you to
someone more fitted for your project. MBAL provides a ton of great tools and gear to
help you achieve the product you desire. With that being said we are not in the business,
of making people sound better then they actually are. We would rather work with you until
you give the best performance you can. We ARE in the business of capturing what that
artist can do in that moment. A little polish is no problem... But if you are not an exceptional singer, then it will show on your record. It helps you become a better musician and it keeps
my conscience from whispering in my ear..."you should not be on this earth"...
The Recording Process
I'd like to take the time in the next section to tell you about the recording process at
MBAL. Pre-production is a huge factor and if time is not taken BEFORE I hit the record button, the final product can be jeopardized! We will start off with a basic interview discussing what you are looking to record, how you want to record it, goals, history of
the band, history of the songs, influences, pricing, schedule, etc. It would be important
for me to hear the songs you are recording, beforehand, whether it be a live performance
or via a rough recording. I like to treat each song as a separate entity. When tracking an album, we will most likely take it song by song. I feel doing it this way allows everyone to be engaged throughout the whole process, and for everyone's mind to stay focused. I've found that by tracking each individual instrument (doing ALL the drums first, then ALL the guitars) for an album gets tiring for the other band members waiting around, and tedious for the band member doing ALL that tracking. If you would rather do it that way, I am not closed minded to it. I've made many great albums that way...... I just have a preference to do it different. When it comes down to it, it is YOUR project. My recommendations can be chosen or not chosen. Either way, I wont take it personally! We'll spend a good amount of time experimenting with sounds and finding the best ones for the current song. I do like to do vocals last (which is common). I like for the singer to have the whole picture first so he/she can play to it and play off of it. If your lyrics are honest and happen to be on a deep or touchy subject..... Please do not be alarmed if I start bringing up those things. It is my job to help you break through the barrier and give the most honest performance you can. It sounds cruel, but you will be ok! Once all of our tracking is done we will move to mixing. I like to mix on days we don't track. I want to retain the ideas from tracking but also bring in a fresh slate (clear mind) to invoke new ideas during mix down. Typically I like to mix down by myself and then have band members approve it, then make changes, then approve, etc. etc. If you would like to be there during mixing I'm not against it. Again just a preference not a rule. I do require all my projects to be mastered. Those guys are a different breed in this industry and have their own set of tools and ears. Im a firm believer in mastering. It will add the final coat of polish to your project and making it "market" ready.
I can provide you with a mastering engineer. I recommend Panicstudios.com in WA state.
After your album/project is done, I will consult you on the following:
How to get your product printed and manufactured....
How to market it....
How to make a return on your product....
And how to plan for your next project....
I like to go the extra mile for my clients and help in any way possible.
But again, if you don't want my suggestion than simply hit the "shut the hell up" button
located on the left side of my mixing console. :0)
Studio Etiquette/Preparation
There is only one rule at Murder Ballad Audio Laboratory, which is to be respectful of the studio, the people, the gear, the environment, etc. I'll go ahead and be honest and say
I do not endorse chemical intoxication, but I do understand that chemical intoxication can endorse alot of us. If you need to take care of something, please do so before you enter the studio. Im not a nun, but I want to avoid unnecessary complications and make sure the sessions go smoothly, so everyone has a good and productive visit. I am a smoker and coffee chugger, so there are appropriate places to do that....oh yea... coffee is free, but don't overdose and die please, this isn't Hung Wing's China Buffet. The second important issue I'd like to address is Preparation. Please be as prepared as you can. Have the material down, your instruments in good working order, and take care of your body (health) before starting your project. It also helps me to bring in printed copies of lyric sheets and song structures. This will help me get to know the material better and more efficiently. PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR SESSION. Being on time shows me that you mean business and do not want to waste anyones time. If something happens and you can't make it or will be late, just let me know, no problems. With all that being said, remember to have fun.
The Studio Itself
This Next section is to introduce the rooms to you. So far we have 2 of the 4 rooms available for tracking. The Mixing room (or "The Lab") and the Large Tracking Room (or "the clean lounge"). In addition to these 2 rooms there will be a 4'x8' vocal booth with tile flooring and a more live/wet sounding chamber style tracking room, along with an 11'X12' additional overdub room, upstairs. But for now....
Mixing Room - The Lab
Dimensions: 11' wide X 12' long w/ 8 to 15' sloped ceilings.
Includes a tracking console and mixing console
The main computer
The tape decks
All of the outboard gear
Sitting areas
(Please refer to the "Gear List" for additional info)
Tracking Room A - The Clean Lounge
Dimensions: 15' wide X 20' long w/ 15' high ceilings.
Includes all of the instruments
This is where most of the tracking takes place
Has lounge area, kitchen, and sun room
(Please refer to the "Gear List for available instruments)
Rates, Pricing, and Policy
Since I am the new guy in town I will be pricing very reasonable. I don't agree with selling yourself short, but I do want to provide an opportunity to bands on a budget who want a good experience and a great product. I'd like to make sure you have money left over after your project to put towards merchandising, tour, marketing, etc. I am though looking for serious artist who view music as a gift and not a game. If your one of those groups who just go around looking to get the "cheapest" deal, then don't bother. You will get out of it what you put into it.
With that being said I'm going to start out at $15/hr. for tracking, editing, mixing.
Payment will work as follows... We will schedule your days and estimate a block of time for that day. (example - Monday 6 hours, tuesday 3 hours, etc.) You will pay on the day at the end of the session, for that day. I'd like to do it this way to make sure the band doesn't fall behind and get frustrated. I do it this way so the band can practice managing there money, and stay up to date. If you get behind a day or two no big deal! We'll work something out and help you get up to date. Your final project won't be given to you until your balance is paid. This just keeps everyone safe and on the same page. Upon starting your project these details will be typed out on paper for everyone to agree and sign. THIS ENSURES SAFETY FOR BOTH PARTIES! If you would rather do project charges then let me know, and we can work something out. ALSO PLEASE CHECK BACK OFTEN AS I WILL BE UPDATING AND ADDING SPECIALS! Payments can be made by cash, check, or paypal.
Cancellation: If you must cancel, please let me know at least 48 hours in advance. If something comes up and you must abandon your project in the middle, let me know so we can work something out. If you don't tell me, I'll assume that your through working with me and your project will be deleted to clear up hard drive space.
Ready to start??
Just shoot me a message at [email protected] or give me a call at 704-905-8035. Look forward to capturing you.
adios,
Daniel Grimmett
Engineer, MBAL
