Trying to convince a friend to start his own label... need some input

gary · « **on:** 18 Feb 2011, 02:11 am »

A friend of mine has built a little studio and a portable recording rig, mostly it's been a hobby and he's done a few demos for bands hoping to get signed but I'm trying to convince him to just start his own small label. After all, all it takes these days is a basic website and you can sell digital files directly.

He sent me a sample mp3 file with some of the stuff he's done, and I wanted to get some feedback for him from people who appreciate good audio quality... so if anyone would like to download this file and post your thoughts I would be very, very grateful.

thanks
gary

satfrat · « **Reply #1 on:** 18 Feb 2011, 02:40 am »

Sounded cyrstal clear on my system Gary but the gain for me was quite high on a few of the tracks, especially the last one.

Cheers,
Robin

davidrs · « **Reply #2 on:** 18 Feb 2011, 02:50 am »

Hi Gary,

Listened to the file completely, twice.

Picked up some 'distortion' on the first track. I used parentheses since I have no way of truly knowing since I do not have an original for comparison.

What is the resolution of the file? If it is low, then the sq is generally decent. If high, I would say there is a lack of detail and fullness to the sound.

Hope that helps.

- David.

gary · « **Reply #3 on:** 18 Feb 2011, 03:27 am »

Thanks for the feedback so far. The file is relatively low quality, 192kbps mp3, but he's far from an audiophile and I have to give him some advice on the importance of keeping everything at 16/44 at least. And building a proper soundstage with the stereo mix, amongst other things, like keeping the gain down to a reasonable level to leave the dynamic range in tact.

FWIW I mostly liked the first track and what he did with the metal band.

gary

wilsynet · « **Reply #4 on:** 18 Feb 2011, 09:47 am »

Why are you trying to convince him to start his own label?

Seems odd. If he really wants to do it, really has a passion for it, then by all means, do what you love to do and the rest might follow. Otherwise, just because in theory you might be able to do something doesn't mean that you should.

It's pretty easy to sell almost anything on the Internet these days, not just music tracks. Doesn't mean you'll be successful.

davidrs · « **Reply #5 on:** 18 Feb 2011, 04:30 pm »

Quote from: gary on 18 Feb 2011, 03:27 am

FWIW I mostly liked the first track...

Gary,

I liked the first sample cover as well. Sample three also.

Re-listened to it again with a fresh set of ears this morning - always good to do so, in my estimation.

I'd recommend higher fidelity samples. There is too much compression, so the sound gets a bit woolly. Also, the separation of instruments and musical layers is not as good as it could be.

All the best to your friend and whichever direction he decides to go in.

- David.

rob-fi · « **Reply #6 on:** 18 Feb 2011, 05:16 pm »

The key to become successful is to work hard, encourage your friend to do what he really likes.

richidoo · « **Reply #7 on:** 18 Feb 2011, 06:29 pm »

If he loves recording, loves music and wants a successful career then jump in head first... http://www.berklee.edu/departments/mpe.html

If he wants to record as a serious hobby, then he must start a business so at least he can deduct his expenses. He can offer production packages to local amateur musicians. If he works hard at it and promotes himself then his connections and skills will increase organically and he can use those to steer his path. He can hire local engineers to master his own projects and he will learn a lot about technique and the biz.

They will recommend him to clients they don't want.

Success in the arts is a long term process and commitment. It's important that he examine his mindset to be sure that he is not under the "American Idol" influence that suggests success can come easily. The best way is to get in a position to learn from and work with people already in the business.