Can you record bands in your studio?
While we have recorded groups of various sizes, from soloists to duos to bluegrass bands and vocal groups, we are not currently set up to record live drums. If an artist (or a band) wants live drums, then we would go to another studio where they are equipped for recording a full drum set. Basic tracks can be produced in that studio, and everything can then be brought back to SCM studio for overdubs and mixing. Multi-studio projects, even involving studios that are thousands of miles apart, have become quite common.
What if all I have is lyrics? Will you set them to music?
We don’t usually write music for people’s lyrics. We have however, had writers come to us thinking that they only had lyrics, when in reality they also had a melody in mind. Well, that’s the music! A song in its most basic form is words and a tune.
The artist who has created words and a tune can sing us their lyrics with no accompaniment, and we will generate a chord structure and backing track in the style they desire. We have helped artists produce entire CD projects this way. So in a sense we are writing music for their lyrics, but the resulting composition is based on chord progressions and arrangement ideas inspired by their original melody.
Will you claim any part of the copyright if you help me create a song in this way?
Ownership of the copyright will remain with the songwriter. Occasionally we have worked with songwriters who have insisted that we share in the songwriting credit, but we never insist upon it.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, through PayPal.
Do you offer payment plans?
We have a variety of payment plans and financing ideas. Please take a look at our prices page for more information.
What kind of equipment do you have?
We have a ProTools LE set up running on a Mac, 32 tracks, unlimited MIDI tracks, lots of plug-ins, auto tune, etc., assorted mics, a comfy chair, some slightly less comfortable folding chairs, assorted instruments, samplers, vintage synths, even an antique accordion. We also have a nice kitchen down the hall, where we can make you a fine cup of tea, or some good strong coffee (for those late night sessions).
Seriously, our equipment is state of the art, but we have found over the last 20 years that most musicians are mainly concerned with how their work will sound when it’s done. The countless technological advances and increased affordability of recording equipment have made it possible to own and operate a small studio such as SCM and keep our overhead low. We are also able to collaborate with other small (and large) studios, and have been able to work with musicians from all over the world as a result.
Have you worked with anyone famous?
We have, but we didn’t treat them any differently than we would treat you.
What’s involved in the recording process?
Check out the section About Us - About SCM Studio - The Project Process.