DavidATX wrote:Haha, definitely let us know how it goes...
But this is kind of getting away from my original thoughts. It has more to do with what people perceive as what a studio should look like...and the backlash received for not being that.
thoughts?
first up although most of us would maybe think we don't make superficial judgements there's that saying "dress for the job you want to have, not the one you've already got." It IS shallow and superficial but unfortunately people are swayed by style over substance and everyone does it to one degree or another.
However, second point, a studio choice can be very subjective can't it? It's really making art (or something), it's all about the vibe. If you have a lovely room, can play me fantastic examples of your work (in my genre), and you're a bloke I can get along with then personally I'd prefer to record in your 1920's limestone house than some superslick commercial studio where I don't feel comfortable. That's just me everyone is different.
What you need, besides a nice tidy professional place & the points mentioned above, is something unique that sets your place apart and makes people want to record there, it doesn't have to be 'commercial' or have lots of expensive gear. Last time I recorded we did it with a guy just starting out who had rented rooms in an old magistrates court... still set up as a magistrates court!. Had the jury section, judges bench, place where the accused sat - plus he had these life sized cut outs of dolly Parton & other famous people in the public viewing area, It was just totally crazy and messed up but we couldn't not record there once we'd seen it. (plus there was a GREAT pub down the road)
Point is bands/artists often make these decision for the strangest reasons, as long as you've got the basics covered you just need something compelling and unique to set you apart (& that can be just about anything...)