Services
There truly are nuances that do not exist in some studios - that nuance that elevates their game not just in the technical sense, but in the attitude, and spirit of the art, which in turn elevates the passion and performance of the artists. It comes from every one involved wanting the success.
Nobody hires time in a studio to put down a one-off idea that collects dust as a souvenir on a shelf. The whole idea is to produce a viable, appealing, sonic gem that represents their best efforts and moves them forward in their career goals. I approach my work from that angle - your time, money, and music matter, I want you to shine because when you win, I win, and Dream River wins. It's that simple.
- Lee Saldivar
Audio Recording
Audio recording is an art form unto itself. Many years and milestones in technology have made it possible to do with $50-$100,000 what once costed ten-times as much back when analog was the only way. While that's what I was trained on, I truly appreciate the digital age - and I make the most of it. As an engineer and producer, I can spend more time assisting artists in achieving their lofty goals. Encouragement and sound advice along with technical skills and a love of the craft make your time with me productive and fun.
With an automated digital console and one of the best DAW's out there, I get excellent sonic results from tracking to mixing, and into the mastering phase. Every artist's needs are different, so I like to sit with prospective clients and get to know their individual needs, and budget. This consultation is free so feel free to call and arrange a day and time when we can talk.
Video Recording
In 1981 MTV made video the hero of the music industry in the early eighties, ushering in a way to market artists and create a visual representation behind the meaning of a song, and telling a story sometimes just through the images. Having owned a small label back then, we decided to add video production to our audio recording studio so we could take advantage of that marketing tool. It wasn't cheap or easy, and few independent artists could afford it. Thanks to the digital age, the independent artist can now compete.
While I'd been trained in Broadcast Telecommunications in college and understood the mechanics of recording video, it was very expensive to get into, just one camera and the analog editing gear could cost tens of thousands, not to mention the personnel needed to run it. While good equipment is still relatively expensive, it's more realistic nowadays, and the average artist can afford a good video for a singles release. While it's not a necessity, it's an option to consider as a companion to your audio, and we'd be glad to help.
Development
Back in the day, when record labels didn't have YouTube to hunt for talent, and in fact relied heavily on word-of-mouth to get an idea of what acts to go and watch perform. They'd send an A&R rep to check out talent, raw talent preferably. Those methods of course aren't completely dead but it's cheaper and easier to just watch videos. In any case, if they wound up doing a singles deal with a new artist, they would not only find their sound in the studio but develop their look and stage performance to give them every advantage possible with their targeted demographic.
Artist development is kind of a big deal for serious performers, audiences are just like us, in their expectations. Try to imagine your act from their perspective, what would truly impress you? Your look, your sound, the banter you use with the audience are critical, and if you're open to suggestion, we'll help guide you into finding your zone. Consultation is free for clients using our services so don't hesitate to ask.
Promo Paks
By the time I was 14 or 15, I'd been playing in a band for a couple of years and was hungry for information that's now available to anyone with an internet connection. I read magazine articles, watched artists on talk shows, and scoured the local libraries for any bit of information I could use to learn how the business worked. Then one day my brother Rudy came up with an idea - raid the dumpsters and garbage cans at radio stations.
San Diego had plenty of radio stations, and on select nights we did just that - and because of the vast quantities of promo materials they threw out, we learned a thing or two about promoting an artist. There were also letters from publishers, producers, record label publicity agents and managers, you name it. It wasn't the ballgame, but it was knowledge we could use.
The "promo-pak"" was your calling card - it contained everything the Program Director needed to know to take part in the success or failure of an artist. The P.D. and/or D.J. wielded the power to make stars and they knew it. The promotional package, nowadays referred to as the E.P.K. is still your calling card, and we can advise and even assist you in the creation of this vital piece of the puzzle, just ask - getting info is free.