New Location, New Skills

For this blog post I’d like to address my recent move to Portland, OR from Orlando, FL and the simple differences and similarities of the recording industry, from an engineer’s perspective.  While in school I opened my own recording studio to gain experience, apply knowledge, network with up and coming musicians, and possibly make a little coin while doing so.  Hearing good things about the Pacific Northwest, a couple friends and I decided to venture out here and get away from the hot, humid, and over-saturated music scene in Orlando.

Getting into the Industry

Last Friday I had the opportunity to view a presentation from Full Sail graduate Jason Skweres.  He had a lot of great things to say about breaking through into entertainment positions and how to properly conduct an interview.

Managing Ideas

One may not think of management when it comes to the art of music, but it is a necessary evil. Being an owner of a recording studio, I face many unwanted tasks that require attention I’d rather put forth elsewhere.  Working with so many creative personalities and archetypes, I feel that my energy drained a lot quicker than most other people in management positions.  I can say this because I have worked in management in both government jobs and the food service industry.  The main difference I’d have to say is fluidity, and I don’t mean scheduling.  Your personality must be vibrant and flexible.

A Time of Dying Respect

            During the course of the pat two weeks, I’ve contacted numerous professionals in my industry to conduct an informational interview on the topic of negotiating.  I will leave them nameless, but to say the least, my time isn’t worth as much as theirs.  So, I was forced into completing this assignment by interviewing one of my colleagues and fellow small business owner.  But, I think it turned out a bit better than I expected.  I spoke with the owner of Black List Productions, an independent film production company.

Kickstarter and Citrus Island Studios

All around the world, talented musicians are becoming financially broke musicians because of their lack of ability to properly allocate funds to complete their recording projects.  This lack of ability might simply be ignorance to the available independent resources.

From a Recording Studio to a Record Label

I have been running a home/professional recording studio in Orlando for about one year now, and have done pretty well for myself.  I managed to allocate finances for equipment, construction and a small marketing campaign.  Now that I have a decent client list, I’d like to expand my business and form a record label to help represent and publish the talent that flourishes in Orlando.  But, getting money to start a record label isn’t that easy.

Bobby McFerrin

It is a common fact that music is a universal language, the math of audible stimulation.  But, I didn’t realize how predictably ingrained the notes that make up this world wide language were to society until I watched this video of Bobby McFerrin.