CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL MIXING OR MASTERING REQUEST FORM
(All reasonable requests will be considered)
PREPARING YOUR SONGS FOR MIXING
The main reason is that due to the economy, piracy, corporate greed (or whatever your favorite reason may be) music budgets are DOWN, and some musicians I would love to be able to mix may no longer be able to afford my "full rate".
Since I do this more for the love of the music than the money (which angers my manager) I set up a mixing suite that allows me to mix without expensive studio costs.
Yes I am busy with "full rate" work, but in between those gigs I mix for Starving Artists.
I am usually in the midst of many of these types of projects, and what I work on during any given day depends on project status and due date. Some of it is "no-rush" work that I can easily put on the side for more urgent projects. The fact that I am always just a double-click away from resuming any mix allows me to easily shift and juggle my schedule.
I am always looking to work with interesting musicians. Some of the most interesting musicians do not have the largest budgets.
...when I first started doing this, I thought I would have more time with my family and travel less. What I have found is that although it does take time away from family, since I am always "two clicks away" I can get the time back whenever I want.
The "starving artist"offer is not a per-song flat rate. It would be impossible for me to come up with a rate that would work for both a 3 minute simple folk song and a 7 minute complicated epic. Here is how it works:
"Starving Artists" send me a Mix/Mastering Request Form in which they describe their project, budget and number of hours they expect for that budget. I try to get to all reasonable bids.
I do not name the rate, it is up to you...
There are many factors involved, such as number of instruments and total song length. A mix can be as fast as an hour or as long as a day. Although people have told me they like even my fast mixes, the more time I have to work on something, the better it will be.
I can get something sounding and feeling as strong as possible in whatever time is permitted (even a very short time) but am most comfortable with at least five to ten hours per song. When possible I like to spend time on vocal rides and set up subtle effects.
I'm sorry but I cannot help you in that way at this time. I recently have received many emails from someone who kept asking me to help him to find an artist for his songs. I told him many times that I do not do this and he still kept asking me to do so. I DO NOT SHOP SONGS.
I get constant requests like this. As much as I would love to listen to everything and give each individual appropriate comments, there simply is not enough time for me to do so (I must listen to a song many times before commiting to any opinion). Since I am offering to work at "Starving Artist" rates in addition to "Fat Cat" rates, my schedule is too tight to listen and give opinions on projects I am not involved with. Please look for tips in my "Tips and Tricks" section.
Some have asked me to listen and see if there is anything I can do to help their music. Just ASKING the question implies that they are not completely happy with what they currently have. That makes the answer "YES" without even having to listen. What I would do to improve the music differs in each case, but usually comes down to better sounds and dynamic interaction. Any strengths or sensitivity in the music will be greatly enhanced.
As many as you like (for non-web delivery you supply or pay for the media and shipping).
You can always extend the number of hours of any project, even one that has been finished.
Changing parts can negate some of the mixing work I have done and lead to extra work above and beyond the original mixing agreement. Please have all FINAL tracks ready for mixing.
It depends how far your sounds are from what you are looking for. It's best to start out in the same ballpark. While it is possible to radically change sounds, it will not be the same as beginning with the right sounds.
The most important factors I consider when scheduling are deadline and budget. While all projects will be completed by any indicated deadline, higher paying projects get first priority. Of course, my mood may affect what type of music I prefer to mix on any particular day.
Labor (time for ANY work done, including fixing tracks) and facility costs. Materials and postage are separate (you may provide them if you wish).
I am sorry, but I have seen such projects drag on as the artist and/or producer continue to change their minds.
To mix even only the beginning of a song I must get up sounds for the entire band.
No work can be booked or begun until payment has been received.
Schedule conflicts will be resolved on a first-come-first-served basis.
If it were up to me, I would be paying YOU for the honor of working on your song. However my manager insists that I be paid before working or even holding time in my schedule.
I am sure that you are the nicest, most honest person on the planet. I still have to listen to my manager, who is quite firm on this.
My manager insists that this is only possible for major labels that book me for FULL RATE work and have sent a deposit before work begins.
I am sorry but I simply cannot confirm a booking without receiving payment.
Postal Money Order, Western Union or check. All work is performed after payment clears.
I'm sorry but I cannot help you in that way at this time. I know that I answered this at the top of the page, but people still ask so I put it here twice.
Again, I'm sorry but I cannot help you in that way at this time.
References available upon request (I can fax you copies of testimonials on letterhead paper). You may want to see my web interviews (on this site).
Sure. Let me know what you have in mind.
There are often holes in my schedule that allow me to fit in last minute in-house bookings. Please feel free to inquire.