You, in this studio


When working with Sonic Dreamer Studio, you can expect attention to detail! This refers not only to the music that represents you, but also you as an artist. The journey is all about music here, but that is part of the stuff that makes us human. So, although there are a lot of science and technical things buzzing around in a production, we are all people in the end, who chose to express our emotions with music.

In productions in this studio, we always try to make it a warm and pleasant environment. Part of it is reporting back not only via texts and emails, but also including voice mails, live video calls (not often) and narrated post recorded video sessions, usually at an advance stage of the project. The latter is to address and review information on some of the items in the session. If you can't be here in the studio it's ok, because you will almost feel that you are. The videos are truly a one on one session, elaborating on important details shared only with and for you, the artist. Take a quick look such an example extract, done for Kuu Sound a while ago:



So, here then is the basic process of a production via the internet. The main difference compared to a local production, is that instead of your vocals or instrument being recorded by this studio on site, you will need to get that part done - preferably also in a studio. This can be done, however a proper process has to be followed. 

NOTE:

  • You need to be at least 20 years old to collaborate via the internet with studio.
  • All items in the workspace area will be permanently shared with the artist.
  • Communications can be done via social media platforms, email and video conferencing.
  • Communications are handled confidential and shall be in a professional manner, and are kept for traceability.
  • Permissions from both parties should always be acquired before sharing.

Steps:

  1. Artist onboarding is performed:
    • The shared work area gets created to manage
      • a lyrics sheet
      • contract
      • project plan
      • audio files
    • A clear and simple contract is set up
      1. Ideally both parties should sign, however most artists only accepts my signed copy, and never actually sign it.
      2. The contract states that the studio have no rights of any material, once handed to the artist.
      3. There is no fine print, no strings attached.
      1. Project contact details, URLs, track details, permissions to share / mention.
      2. Tasks / phases with estimated target dates
      3. Notes against each task
      4. Hours accumulated on each task
      5. Total hours spent on the project
  2. As a kick off, we start to collaborate around the requirements for your song. This might include some background and motivation of the composition, so that I can have a better understanding of what you need and what you want to achieve with the track. If it is based on existing material, lyrics and chords might be required, as well as a sample or demo from you. Soundcloud also works great for this.
  3. A sample music arrangement of around around 60 seconds will be created over the next few days and shared for review. This process is repeated until there is agreement.
  4. A complete arrangement will follow for review. If no major modifications are needed, artist rehearsal is required.
  5. The artist is responsible for an sufficient quality vocal recording. The best is to have access to recording studio and a recording engineer. However, following best practices and having the right setup (environment & gear), it is possible to record adequately. The internet has many tutorials, for example:
    1. Use a pop filter:  www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Pop-Filter
    2. Recording vocals: https://music.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-record-vocals-in-a-bedroom--audio-2224
  6. Check your recording settings in your software. The recording quality must be at least 44.1 Khz sample rate at 16 bits (48 Khz/24 bits is what I prefer). MP3's will not be accepted.
  7. I will need at least 2 dry takes of your voice (and/or instrument): the same lyrics and melody sang and recorded by you 2 or more separate times. When I do the mixing, different cuts will be used from those multiple takes, to build one single perfect vocal track. This is called “comping”.
  8. Finally each take needs to be exported as a .WAV file (44.1 Khz sample rate at 16 bits  but 48 Khz/24 bits is what I prefer) and shared in the work area.
  9. The studio verify that the vocal recording is sufficient to be used, and checks for:
    1. Proper mic placement
    2. Use of a pop filter
    3. Correct vocal control
    4. Proper sound level
  10. Editing and mixing commences for the next stage, once everything is as required.
    1. Editing the arrangement
    2. EQ
    3. Compression
    4. De’Essing
    5. Limiting
    6. Reverb and Delay
    7. Automation
  11. A release candidate will be shared with the artist for review, and a cycle of updates will continue until a final version is reached.
  12. Mastering of the completed track will follow. This is the phase that put the final but important touch on the production to give it that sheen.
  13. Album art is created by the studio's graphics designer, who directly share ideas and requirements with the artist.
  14. The completed production is shared to the artist for release.
  15. A retrospect session to review the overall project outcome is held.

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