Can you help walk me through the process?
Absolutely. Once we commit to getting started, all dates will be booked for our sessions, giving you plenty of time to make sure you’re available, with each day for a determined task for that time. You’ll know exactly what we are doing each day!
What files do I send over? How?
For mixing projects, you will send all of your audio files in .wav format, rendered at 48k 24 bit. (More on this process here), as well as any extra MIDI files that are relevant to the session. You'll have an upload link in your onboarding email.
How can I work with you if I can’t get to your studio?
Most of the time this is not an issue, as there’s always a way around this. For projects where we can’t work out in person logistics, we will work together via a Zoom session where I will stream over all of the work in my studio to you in real time. For recording your parts specifically, we will find a local engineer together and coordinate a similar session where we will run the call, so I can give you the same level of feedback I would give as a producer in my studio. For mixing, this is also never an issue!
How long will it take for us to finish the project?
At the beginning of each project, you will be given a schedule for the plan I made to complete every step of your project, so this information will be available after we coordinate your plan. You can expect your finished song within 2 weeks of your last scheduled session.
Are there any hidden fees or extra costs?
Hidden fees suck! That’s why the rate I give you is the full price of the service, which will factor in all steps necessary from where you are now, to where we need to be. The only outside charge would be any potential excess cost you decide to incur outside of hiring me, such as an outside local to you engineer or studio, a feature, etc.
Can you help me with songwriting?
I’ll put it this way. I don’t like working on songs that I can’t work with the writing. It’s my favorite part of the process! I am versed in 4 instruments and am ready to break out one and write something awesome with you. So, yes.
Do I need to play an instrument to work with you?
You do not. You just need an idea of what you would want.
Many of my past clients are primarily singers, and don’t personally feel confident enough on another instrument to go track it in the recording studio (which totally makes sense!) In addition to several session musicians available to the studio for hire, I also love to get my hands on it too. Writing the song together means I know how to play it!
Will I need to make a financial decision on the phone?
Of course not! However, my schedule fills up quickly, and I schedule out work months in advance. I cannot commit to any specific timelines until you decide Zealo is right for you, and we process your scheduling retainer.
And you really have everything you need to write, record, and release a song?
REALLY. Yes, that’s correct!
Why are your rates not publicly available?
For the same reason that a contractor can’t agree to work on something in your home until they see it, I create a rate based upon the individual needs of every project. Nothing is one size fits all here!
I don’t know if I am ready, or if I can afford you…Should I wait to book a call?
If you’ve read into all of this as far as you have, then it’s clear that you are probably somewhere in your musical journey where guidance would be helpful, as it’s incredibly easy to get in your own way during the process of making your own music. I can’t tell you what you should do with your life, but I would argue that waiting too long would definitely be detrimental to the long term outcome of your project. Reflecting back on my career so far, the biggest moments of improvement generally came right after making a leap of faith.
But in all reality, worst case scenario, if things just aren’t a good fit right now, we just get to chat about music for a bit, and that just sounds lovely regardless…so just book the call, and we can figure this out together.