FAQ
DO I NEED TO BE A PROFESSIONAL MUSICAN TO RECORD A SONG I HAVE WRITTEN?
No, absolutely not. However you must have a clear vision on how the song is arranged, how it is sung and the instruments required to do it. You should know pretty much what parts go where. It helps if you come into the studio prepared to lay tracks meaning that you start with a bass and/or drum line. The process to actually laying a song down, track wise comes with each track laid and overlaid.
CAN I RECORD A SONG USING AN MP3 OF SOMETHING I LIKE?
Yes you can. In fact 7 Sound has produced many songs in which the artist has simply been recorded vocally and mixed into the music. Karaoke comes to mind but we mix and master you to sound much more professional.
IF I SING TO AN MP3 OF SOMEONE ELSES MUSIC DO I NEED RIGHTS?
You do not need rights to record and play back for pleasure. However, if you plan on actually distributing and/or selling this recording – DO NOT. You will most definitely need the rights to a song to sell it – if in fact it is not your song. As long as you will not be broadcasting or charging fees for the song –you are good to go.
WILL 7 SOUND HELP ME ARRANGE MY PARTS OR MY SONG?
If you run into complications regarding your piece – We have a studio full of artists and accomplished musicians. We have a writing team at our fingertips and we most certainly can help you to arrange your song.
DOES 7 SOUND SUPPLY MUSICIANS IF I NEED THEM?
Most definitely. On occasion a musician will require a studio guitarist or keyboardist etc. 7 Sound has a roster of “guns for hire”. This is an additional charge of course and is charged by the hour.
OK SO I RECORD A SONG WITH 7 SOUND…IS IT BROADCAST QUALITY?
Yes. Your song is mixed and mastered in compliance with the db ratings universally considered broadcast quality. You will not sound like you are “under a pillow” or way off in the distance. We call it IYF – “In Your Face” mastering.
WHAT IS MASTERING?
Mastering – in short – is the polishing of your mixed tracks. We use a variety of complicated and expensive software to do this. Not to mention the keen ears of engineers. Your finished song or voice over is tweaked and squeaked as we say – this boosts and smooths all the minuscule rough edges from the song making it sound sweeter and more robust than just the finished mix-down.
IS MASTERING INCLUDED IN A BASIC RECORDING PACKAGE?
Yes. Unlike our competitors. Told you –we aim to please.
WHAT DOES A VOICE-OVER DEMO CONSIST OF?
A voice over demo recorded at 7 Sound consists of a series of narrative reads – usually 3-5 in total. Narrative reads can consist of commercial, infomercial, instructional or educational script. We also add 2-3 character reads. Character reads are voices you would hear in animation, feature film and commercial work where your voice is utilized in a manner that is nothing like your true voice. Think Pixar –and all the voices they have used for all their animated films.
DO I NEED TO BE A PROFESSIONAL VOICE OVER ARTIST TO RECORD A DEMO?
No. In fact 7 Sound specializes in absolute beginners. We are constantly looking for new un-recorded beginners with natural talent.
I HAVE WRITTEN MY OWN COMMERCIALS AND BLURBS, CAN I USE THEM?
Yes! We love to see our clients really put everything they have into their demo. Over the years we have seen some really talented writers born of the need to create reads for themselves. Try it, you may be surprised at what you write!
ARE THERE COSTS TO RECORDING?
This one always stymies us. Sorry to say. Yes. However, only after meeting with a representative at 7 Sound will the costs be disclosed to you. We hope you understand that our competitors are continually trying to compete price wise so we no longer put our pricing online. You will be glad to know that we are the cheapest rates in Canada. Our packages are structured entirely differently than our competitors and we run a very low overhead ship choosing to spend our money on gear –not frilly fru fru things like ornate lamps and designer cappuccino machines. – this means savings passed on down to you.
I WANT TO GET A VOICE OVER AGENT…DO YOU MANAGE YOUR PEOPLE?
Yes in fact we do. We have pitched our people for WARCRAFT and other video game related medai as well as TV, commercial and educational product. We have very experienced agents on board and a great name in the biz. We have an active (yet selective) roster of voice over performers. Heres the deal: You must record with 7 Sound in order to qualify for the roster. We do not accept demos from other studios and we do not promote artists that come to us with a finished demo no matter how talented they are. We are in the business of recording great stuff. We are not in the business of having hoards of “OK” demos from around the globe. We are selective. NON-UNION only please.
IS THERE A COST TO BEING MANAGED BY 7 SOUND?
No. Those that are accepted for representation are not required to pay any handling or marketing costs. It is a free service offered to those who have recorded through 7 Sound.
