Only you can decide what is best for you.

Have you heard any of this guy's work and do you like what he is doing with the music? I guess in this case you might or might not get what you don't pay for.

In my youth I use to do a lot of recordings for free just to gain the experience and it worked well for me and for the person I was doing the work for. Of course they had to understand that there may have been somethings that they did not like but could be easily corrected and since I was learning it would take longer than usual but they were getting well done recordings for free.

Hope this helps...

-TOM-

Thankyou Tom,
I realise its a very ambiguous question, so I thank you for treating it seriously. I was mainly just curious to see what opinions people held regarding it within this community- I appreciate the swift response. Thanks again,
Hamish

I'd ask for examples of his work. Free is fishy, either he really, really likes you, or he has no experience.

Is this a demo or a retail product?
Is your music accoustic or electronic?

You get what you pay for, when you go to a full service studio you are paying for a selection of mics, outboard processing, mixing desk, preamps and the accoustically treated space.

I have my own project studio where i track my synths, and guitars. For vocals and other accoustic instruments I go to a larger studio, one that has a good collection of expensive mics.

8)

gdoubleyou wrote: I'd ask for examples of his work. Free is fishy, either he really, really likes you, or he has no experience.

Is this a demo or a retail product?
Is your music accoustic or electronic?

You get what you pay for, when you go to a full service studio you are paying for a selection of mics, outboard processing, mixing desk, preamps and the accoustically treated space.

I have my own project studio where i track my synths, and guitars. For vocals and other accoustic instruments I go to a larger studio, one that has a good collection of expensive mics.

8)

As I said in my previous post I did a lot of freebe stuff when I was just starting out to gain experience. The people I worked for understood that I would be taking somewhat longer than normal to do the recording since I was polishing my skill levels. I also might make some mistakes but would make them right before the project left my facility. Maybe this person is in the same situation.

A lot of people I know have equipment laying around that they bought for their own use and now don't have the time to compose music or record their own stuff so they sometimes will take on projects to keep their skill levels up.

I work with a studio owner that just opened up a new studio and has been recording some of his friends to check out his work flow and acoustics of the new place and has not been charging them for his services. He gives freely of his time because it is benefiting him as much as the people he is doing the work for since it is giving him a chance to make everything right BEFORE he starts charging for his services. Not charging for his services will come to an end (an he has told the people of this fact) when he gets all the bugs ironed out and it ready to open his doors for business.

I would certainly get a sample of this persons work if this is going to be a commercial project and you are concerned about quality

Best of luck and let us know how this is progressing.

-TOM-

Ask what you're getting back...

I've done one session with a recording school group offering free recordings, and a friend did another recently, so I thought I'd just chip in:

1. ASK what you're getting out of it (And see that you get things in writing/from the Dean if it's for a school project).

The one where I recorded, we did more for helping out a guy a friend of mine knew. He'd told us it was for his Final Exam and that we'd get a copy. At the end of it, we got pooched, not even getting to hear the thing, never mind get a copy. It was part of the School policy (stupid, but that's their deal). Needless to say we weren't impressed, but what're ya gonna do? ;)

2. REALIZE that it's maybe not the best quality stuff.

Like Tom was saying, it's often people who are practicing their chops who give it out for free, and you've got to be patient with that. In the end, you can't complain too much since it is free, but I think it would be wise to try and get a hold of other material he's recorded to see if it's good or not. You'll probably get a better quality product from a "real" studio, but it'll cost. If you go with this guy, you might build up a reputation with him and maybe he'll cut you deals later. You never know. Just things to think on, but check first how his past projects sound and realize it may not be radio quality material that you're getting.

My 2 cents.

Jean-Pierre

Thanks Jean Pierre- have done- am using him for a live recording in the next week- a very simple acoustic guitar and vocal in a 150 person venue, so it should give me a good indication- he seems switched on so I think I ll go with it- especially since I am a debt ridden student too!
Cheers guys,
all the best
Hamish

Gday hamish,

It sounds like your very lucky! I don't think there are many people getting recorded for free these days (student work or not). I'd recommend that you build a working relationship with the dude and if your music gets anywhere cut him a break and get him to do any future paid work that you have. Actually you should probably be offering him something for his work (potential royalties) especially if he is already getting paid by other people for his services. I hope this advice helps.

Cheers
Stereodude_

Yeh stereodude_ I havent been posting everything about it just becos i wanted it to remain objective opinion wise- but i know what you are saying- he seems to think I am worth him spending time on at no cost, however, I would always pay him for his time later on- cant stand people working and not getting compensated (at least partially) for their time (as im sure u will understand- this industry is full of unpaid 'generosity' gigs, just like the performing side) - I will be using him for my upcoming project and am very excited!
Cheers guys
Hamish

hamish wrote: as im sure u will understand- this industry is full of unpaid 'generosity' gigs, just like the performing side

Don't get me started! :) I was playing live guitar at a cafe for 3 weeks under the assumption that the dudes were going to pay me if i got more people into the joint. But then they turned around and said they didn't owe me anything....

Anway it sounds like you have already had the payment discussion with your producer. Hope it turns out good.

later.

you know the old expression: don't look at a gift horse in the mouth.

maintiger wrote: you know the old expression: don't look at a gift horse in the mouth.

Sorry i don't follow ? What do you mean?

its just a saying about never squabling over generous and true favours- its like the song 'take the money and run'- you dont argue about it
thanks everyone!
and yeh free gigs suck...but they have to be done...