Editing + PreProduction...free or Paid??

[jkhuri44]

I just wanted to know (from the peeps that have been doing this longer than me) what the go is with preproduction and editing.

if a band is spending 5-6K with you on doing an EP...do you guys feel obliged to do preproduction (maybe 2-3 days) for free, and edit the music thats recorded (before mixing) for free? I have a feeling that bands expect, or want you to do this free of charge...

in my world, those are 2 things i cant be screwed doing for free, if the band cant get their shit together and write/and then perform music that they are floored with...I feel no guilt in asking for $$ for it, but what do you guys think??

Interested in your responses..

Jamil.

[Text_Edifice]

Pre-production is really really really really important with any project where the budget is tight.

If you are the producer of the project I would recommend working out an appropriate balance between preproduction time and studio time to fit within the bands budget. Incidentally if that 5-6k also includes pressing and mastering you need to be explicit with the band about what they can / can't expect for their cash.

If the guys can actually play I reckon putting some of the budget into pre-production could eliminate the really nasty editing work. Some light editing (basic drum / vocal comps) is probably a reasonable expectation on the bands part but the time this takes should be factored into the project budget.

If you're not the producer and you're only being hired to push buttons then maybe this is different but my experience with these types of projects is that separation of roles is a cruel myth.

Ultimately it's down to you to decide what is a reasonable margin of extra work given the budget / project.

[jkhuri44]

im engineering and producing :)

and yea, what u said rings very true:

separation of roles is a cruel myth.

[davemc]

When I did a pre production recording 2-3 weeks earlier for a album we normally ended up using a song or two from the day.
Some bands play better when they do not think they are keeping it.
You can also spend a little time with trying different snares, amps etc and they can go away and see if they like it for sure.
Rather then just make a quick choice. Although really depends on how much sway you have as a producer with the band.
If your never worked with the band gives you a idea of what they are like under the red button of death :)
Payment yes they should pay for it. How much? I used to do the pre production cheaper on off days as I wanted to make sure it was done.

[jkhuri44]

Hi dave,

yeah, i was thinking of doing it slightly cheaper than tracking days...my original thinking was...

ïf you're booking me in for a day, u pay the cost of what it costs to work with me, whether its tracking, editing, mixing...etc

But maybe im being idealistic

[heathen]

Depends on whats needed, If they want every drum hit and vocal nuance edited in time you really should charge for it for sure.

If they are a tight band pre production could just mean turning up to a rehearsal for a beer and listen. Or if they are not tight..........well you know what that means.