Blog: How much MONEY should I pay to record my Album?

I'm not an angry failed musician who can't write, record or release my own music and therefore hates the world, pop music, celebrities, and peanut butter. Love all of them, can definitely do all of them. But you don' need to spend all of the money some of them did at their own humble beginnings just to get where they are. Sometimes investing in your own equipment can have a better effect. Not to toot my own horn, but I released an album several weeks ago, just for fun. Don't believe me?  

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/through-anything/id547234329

http://www.amazon.com/Through-Anything/dp/B008OI0GWW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344632046&sr=8-1&keywords=nicholas+kade+through+anything.

The album is recorded in my home studio, using me, myself and I to do all the hard work of writing, singing, and playing, as well as getting help from another friend and artist of mine (Amara Belle) for a few tracks.

I'm not often called "witty" but a few of the songs were written with me just goofing around while the rest of the songs have been described as "fervent love-songs." Before you go assuming I got this from a friend, it was actually from an unknown source on twitter who sent me a message. Very kind of them and I'm glad to know I can reach out to people that enjoy something other than my stamp collection (which doesn't exist) or my ability to fall down flights of stairs every week.

My point is, I believe that as a musician, you have to be your own advocate before someone else takes over for you. Running the business is an important part of becoming well known as an artist. You also have to spend money to make money. So a few things about the average rates of a recording studio in Maryland:

• Anywhere from $500- $1200 dollars per day
• Often rates can be charged per song rather than per day
• Westminster/Carroll County recording studios tend to be less expensive with people that have a better understanding and service than many other studios.

With our musical population as strong as it is, this is actually really good information to know! Don't go traveling, stay home, find someone in this area. It cuts down on gas, time, and other inconveniences that can make you have a bad day.

"What if I'd like to learn how to record my own music?"

I turn to Coffey Music. On Main Street. Across from the Library. They're not scary. I promise.

Coffey Music has a very nice selection of recording equipment. I know, most of my home studio is made from their lovely selection and I enjoy visiting with the employees that work there. A few lovely things that I have to work with in my studio:

• Studio Speakers $300
• Sound board $400
• Assorted Cables (Prices Vary)
• Every single one of my guitars $450- $1,100
• Microphones
• keyboard stand
• strings

The prices vary from what i stated and i bought my equipment with a specific purpose. Your purpose may be different from mine. Roughly the amount I spent to put together my own studio will be the same amount it would cost for about five days in a professional studio, and while i don't have everything yet, I can definitely afford to get more without spending more than 8 days at a professional studio. The best part about it though: I can use it again and again.

Recording takes a long time to understand and get used to. I love recording almost as much as i love writing and playing, and that makes the difference to me. Don't get down about the little things, it's your music that counts. Just be responsible with it, don't collect stamps like i do, and definitely don't trip down the steps with a guitar.