Hi Steemit members. I appreciate your support!
Here's my story of perseverance -- I hope that it inspires you to reach YOUR music dreams!
My name is Christopher. I'm a musician from Calgary, Canada. In 2014, frustrated with the lack of money to record my original music at a 'real' studio, I decided to teach myself to how to record and mix my songs. Well, I got to work - hardcore - and had an entire album written and recorded in my small home studio in less than a year's time.
Here's the thing....the album, done entirely on my own, sounded GOOD. It was good enough to receive songwriting accolades from a Los Angeles songwriting contest, it was good enough to then travel to Los Angeles where I gained the chance to meet a songwriting partner who became a friend of mine, and it was good enough to get a promotional deal with a indie music label in the UK.
Altogether the music from this record has been streamed/downloaded over 6,000 times. Small potatoes? Maybe, depending upon whether you are a glass-half-full or glass-half-empty kind of person. For me, that meant 6,000 people around the world listening to my music = joy & accomplishment.
Here Are The Simple Tools I Worked With:
- A Mac Laptop
- Free 'Reaper' Music Recording Software
- 5 Inch Monitors (Studio Speakers)
- A drum machine app
- A free synth app
- My instruments (guitar, piano, bass guitar, amps)
- Two microphones
- My basement
Here is what my studio looked like.
And Here's What I've Learned:
Musicians today don't need thousands of dollars from a music label to record their music and make an impression. They need dedication, ingenuity, and perseverance.
Musicians today don't need to spend tons of money on their recording gear in order to make a record. They need to understand room acoustics, achieve good takes on their instruments, write great songs, and rent excellent microphones.
Musicians today have so much information available on how to record music well. Much of that know-how is now making its way to Steemit, and can also be found on Youtube and within a handful of excellent audio books. (See some links to references below)
Musicians today need to know the importance of mastering their music. I always use a professional mastering studio to complete my work and to give it the shine it needs. I didn't spend more than $700 to use this essential service for my album.
Musicians today still need to play their music LIVE, and to be part of their local scene. The availability to promote and sell your recorded music then extends to and includes your fan base beyond your live show.
Musicians today need a social media presence. And that's where you find me, trying to gain my own social media presence.
As such, I'd appreciate your Steemit support!
And BELOW, here is my heroic, obsessed, self-made album, that has opened my musical doors to many opportunities. I hope it inspires you towards your next music goal.
Stream and Download Songs Here: https://christopherdeanlamb.bandcamp.com/
My Website: http://christopherdeanlamb.com/
References:
Book - Mixing With Your Mind: http://www.mixingwithyourmind.com/
Book - Zen and the Art of Mixing: http://mixerman.net/