How do you keep drugs and drink out of studio?

Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2002 8:01 pm

I'm considering opening a 16 track studio to make demo's for small bands. I've played drums for lots of bands over the years and have come across many musicians who are somewhat wild. I'd like to keep things on a professional level. Do you inform your clients ahead of time not to come in loaded and no alchahol allowed? I want them to be comfortable but don't want clowns wasting my time. Thanks, Don

Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2002 9:15 pm

You make a list of studio "do's and don'ts" and post it in a prominent place. It's your space, you make the rules, if they don't like them let them walk. When you bring groups in for a tour, explain that smoking is permitted only outside (at least the control room) and no drugs or alcohol is allowed. Then on a case by case basis, if you need to bend the rules a little go ahead, they're your rules.

Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2002 7:45 am

If they're already there, take the person paying for the session aside and explain nicely. IF there's time well before the session, explain the house rules and the reasons for the rules.

Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2002 7:42 am

Thanks for the advice, I don't think this is a problem in pro studios, but I probably won't be dealing with full time musicians, mostly weekendend bands. Thanks again, Don

Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2002 3:10 pm

Its the amateurs that feel, hell, its my day off, rock n roll baby! and pop the ring on a can just after setting up the kit, or roll furious joints in the morining..

I ask em, "do you drink at home at this time normally"?

My rules:

After 10pm is "beer time", pot consumption must be 'regular' and not 'extra' ..or 'just because we are recording' and must take place in a seperate room from me..

I find these are reasonable demands of folks that are used to drinking and smoking pot all their adult lives... If I am dealing with a clear alchol dependant artist, I let em do what the hell the want...

I have been off the sauce for 6 years now...

Smile

Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2002 7:49 pm

Right on Jules!
The rare guy who's fixed his own life and isn't going to fix yours too...
Ted

Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2002 1:26 am

I have found that having a list of "the way things should be" and giving it to the band members before the project starts works well. It solves more than just the smoking dope, drinking problems. I go into details on how much rehearsal time the band will get, how many hours per song will be alloted, breakage, spillage, bad behavior and who will be the designated chief "producer" for the band.

Since it's up front, there is rarely a problem. If the band ignores the rules, I ignore them and end the agreement.

Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2002 8:12 am

I don't care what they do on my premises as long as it is not illegal. (Smoking anything is illegal in a commercial establishment where I live so that isn't a problem) I have never allowed smoking building anyway and that is prominantly posted)

Alcohol is nother matter. No under age drinking. I don't drink while working -EVER.

If the band wants to take longer to get the project done because they are a little inebriated, what's it to me? I get paid by the hour.

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2002 7:30 am

Thanks guys, I wouldn't have a problem with musicians who may want 1 or 2 beers if they feel it's necessary to be more relaxed, I just don't want stoned-out musicians leading to an unproductive session thus harming my reputation. I do not want drugs anywhere near the studio because it's built right behind my house and this is a residential area, with lots of children. Thanks for all the advice, Don

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