FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Pricing at The Abstract is pretty standard. The rate is dependent on which of our rooms you work in. I offer some pretty heavy discounts for full 8 hour days, and also project rates for multiple songs. We put together a budget based on what that artist is trying to do, and then do our best to stick to that budget. I think a lot of independent artists are scared by the word budget and think this has to mean thousands of dollars if they are going to work in a professional studio, but it doesn't! My small room is just $25 an hour! That is one of he most competitive rooms in LA period, and it has everything you would need to start your career! It's not as glamorous as my main room, but it's definitely capable of giving you a professional vocal and it's a great place to start!
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I have been a DJ since I was 14. I played underground house music and hip hop. I knew pretty early on I wanted to work in music. At a young age I started making beats with a program called Sony Acid and things progressed from there. I took classes on production and eventually earned a degree. The trick was how to turn this into a career! I knocked on studio doors for 2 full years and couldn't get a job all the while I was meeting artists/bands and recording them in my basement, at first for free then for scratch. People started to trust what I was doing and to break into the studio and study some of the best engineers in the business, I started booking the artists I was meeting in some of the biggest studios in LA. The trade off was that I got to hangout in sessions and I soaked up everything! Eventually I felt confident enough to work my own artists out of various studios in LA depending on their budget. I learned a lot!
- Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
Describing one project would be hard! I have had the pleasure of working in this business for a long time. I feel lucky that I get to make music everyday! My goal as a producer has always been to help each artist realize their full potential. I think some people try to fit an artist inside a certain box, if you will. The secret to a good collaboration is to recognize strengths and boost them in addition to strengthening weaknesses.