Choosing an Albuquerque recording studio is the first step in getting your tracks to the masses. With so many recording studios to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming to make a decision.
Thanks to a 2017 effort by former Albuquerque mayor Richard Berry to create a better music ecosystem for Albuquerque, there is hardly a shortage of professional recording studios artists can rely on to lay their tracks.
Not all Albuquerque recording studios are created equally. Choosing the wrong one can mean the difference between getting your music into the right hands and having it ignored by music industry professionals who can make or break your music career.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top 5 tips for booking an Albuquerque recording studio.
1 – Ask for recommendations
The numbers don’t lie. According to Nielson, 92% of consumers trust word-of-mouth recommendations over any other kind of referral method. When these endorsements come from family or friends, they’re more impactful.
Check in with your friends to ask if they know of any Albuquerque recording studios that are reliable and reputable. Don’t be afraid to call up other local recording artists and ask them who they recommend as well. Musicians help one another out around here and you can always find some studios by asking around.
If the studio has provided you with references, call every one of them. Verify they’ve recorded with the studio and aren’t just friends of the owners.
Take your recommendations and rank them in order of interest before moving on to the next step.
2 – Find a studio that fits your budget
Once you have your list, it’s time to start phase two of the process. Albuquerque recording studios can range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars per day. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for, so go to the max you can afford to get the best quality.
With your budget in mind, start reviewing the studios on your list to determine which fit into your spending plan. If you find a studio that’s slightly more expensive but whose reputation makes you want to work with them, then talk to the studio. Some studios can make financial arrangements on request.
3 – Look for a studio that offers a variety of services
Some Albuquerque recording studios offer basic or limited services. You must choose one that matches your recording goals. The last thing you want to happen is to choose a studio based solely on pricing, only to discover on recording day that it can’t accommodate your needs.
Make a separate list that outlines your goals for the recording session. Be sure to include the number of artists—instrumental and vocal—accompanying you during your studio time.
Among your other considerations when choosing:
- Do you have a live band that must be accommodated?
- How many songs do you plan to record during your session?
- Do you need to borrow instruments or backup singers from the studio?
Big Cat Tracks can accommodate full live bands or solo artists. Just let us know your needs at the time of booking and we’ll make sure you have a seamless recording session.
4 – Make sure the studio is reputable
Asking for recommendations is only one part of choosing an Albuquerque recording studio. Look for reviews, seek testimonials from current or former customers, and ask for a demo of the studio’s previous work to make sure they’re reputable.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of New Mexico and Southwest Colorado is another local source for verifying a studio’s reputation. Some studios, like other businesses in Albuquerque, can seek accreditation with the BBB. Once a studio is BBB accredited, it must adhere to the policies of the BBB, which include specific steps for resolving customer complaints or concerns.
5 – Visit the studio in person before booking
Seeing is believing. Part of verifying an Albuquerque recording studio’s reputation is to request an in-person consultation that includes a tour of the facilities.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, schedule a visit with each studio to compare their facilities and meet their staff. Ideally, it would be beneficial to observe them in action. However, that may not be possible if the recording artists who have booked time in the studio object to the distraction. But it never hurts to ask if it’s possible.
High-quality recording studios feature comfortable and relaxing environments. Recording artists have access to finely integrated pro tools that make them sound like true professionals. If any of the studios you’re considering don’t offer these amenities, it’s time to look elsewhere.
Big Cat Tracks studio staff are happy to give you a tour of our state-of-the-art recording facilities. Give us a call today to schedule your visit. We can discuss your recording session needs and answer any questions you have before you decide to work with us.