Philadelphia recording studio, Philadelphia music production school, Philadelphia audio engineering school

A Home Recording Studio Set Up Is Easier Than You Might Think

Samori Coles — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:17:44 +0000

A Home Recording Studio Set Up Is a Great Gift If you have a budding or experienced musician on your gift list, consider getting him or her a home recording studio set up. This is one gift that will be sure to get used and will be greatly appreciated by the advanced student or novice alike. Why a Home Recording Studio? No matter the age or skill level of the music lover in your home, it is always thrilling to hear your own music being played back. For young ones, it is a lot of fun to pretend to be a rock star up on the stage with adoring fans in their personal audience applauding and yelling. For more serious musical students, it provides an excellent way to hone their skills by listening for mistakes or areas which need improvement. Of course, learning to play an instrument is a great hobby and a wonderful way to keep kids occupied in a creative manner. Giving them the means to record their own music often further stimulates their interest and provides the impetus to practice longer and get better. Equipment Needed for a Home Recording Studio Set Up It used to be that putting together a home studio involved a lot of physical equipment at a prohibitive cost. The cheapest way to do it was to purchase a four-track cassette recorder. Unfortunately, this did not produce sound of very good quality. These days, many of the functions which used to be assigned to pieces of audio recording equipment are now accomplished via a computer and the appropriate software, along with just a few good quality accessories. The following items are the basic necessities for getting a home recording set up started:

Computer
Audio/Sound Card
Audio recording software such as Adobe Audition or Digidesign Protools
MIDI Keyboard (for production and music composition)
Good Quality Microphone(s) and audio cables
Studio Monitors (speakers) and/or Headphones

Always buy the best quality of items you can afford. However, it’s more important to know how to use the basic necessities as opposed to buying tons of expensive gear. Now That You’ve Got the Studio Set Up, Is That It? The best way to learn how to use the home recording studio set up is by taking lessons. Understanding the technical details, the artistic aspects, and how to properly use the complicated software and equipment is best accomplished through instruction from an experienced professional. If you are considering giving someone the gift of a home recording studio set up, you may also want to consider packaging the physical items along with a certificate for lessons at a nearby studio. Your budding musician will get achieve many benefits from this wonderful gift and you will get their eternal thanks.

Recording Classes Are A Great Way To Learn The Music Recording Industry

Samori Coles — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:17:54 +0000

Recording Classes Are a Good Place to Start in the Music Industry Recording classes can be a great benefit to anyone who wants to break into the music industry or even to simply learn how to record personal audio productions. No matter your motivation, there are courses available for anyone to learn recording at a reasonable rate. Careers in Audio Recording Many people have dreamed of breaking into the music industry in one form or another. After all, who wouldn’t prefer working in a recording studio as opposed to an office? On the road instead of stuck in a cubicle? Working with famous musicians rather than with highly competitive and stressed out coworkers? There are many types of jobs in the music industry ideal for nearly anyone. Outside of becoming a recording artist yourself, consider an occupation in music production, audio engineering, live event audio, mixing, studio management, music scoring, or a host of others. There are also administrative and sales jobs available, such as marketing, promotions, agent representation, etc. Why Take Recording Courses? There is one thing that all careers in the music industry have in common and that is the ability to understand the principles behind recording audio. Anyone who is going to be successful in this field must know at least the basics of audio engineering and music production. These days, almost everything is accomplished with computers and specialized software. Only with proper instruction can you ever hope to understand it all and become acquainted with the principles behind audio recording. While there are a handful of successful people in the industry who are self-taught, experienced teachers are the best source for finding appropriate software and learning how to use it. This also saves a great deal of time and frustration. What to Expect From Recording Classes The first thing you have to realize is that learning audio recording and production is going to take a commitment of time. There is no single day class which could possibly teach you everything you need to know – even if you are only going to use the principles to enjoy a personal hobby. Learning the ins and outs of the recording studio and the multitude of audio software/hardware is a progressive process. Most recording classes will teach everything from the very basics to more advanced subjects. This is an excellent way to decide if you truly want to pursue a career in music production or recording. By the end of a beginning course, students should be able to create, produce, and record their own demo CD. Subsequent classes will focus on using more complex tools and mixing elements. Finally, advanced subject matter includes the ability to create audio productions for distribution on the internet as well as other forms of media. If you are at all interested in the music industry, check out the recording classes available in your area today. Some schools offer financing options, making it easy to get started in an exciting career or hobby.

So, You Want To “Make It”? Here’s A Little Advice…

Samori Coles — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 19:17:11 +0000

Aspiring artists and musicians often ask me what they need to do to “make it” in the music business. One of the first things I ask them is to define “make it”. For some, it means to become the next Superstar sensation. In fact, that seems to be how most define “making it”. But, when I ask them if they would be happy making a living in the music industry, just about all give a resounding “YES”. Then I give them the magic three words – “Invest In Yourself”. Today’s music industry barely resembles the music industry of a decade ago. Long gone are the days of Major Record Label deals for unproven talent. The A&R (artist and repertoire) representative is but a shadow of his/her former self. To even consider getting any type of Deal, an artist or group has got to have proven record sales, social media prowess, and/or a consistent fan base to attend live shows or purchase merchandise. How does one develop this track record? You have got to start now, and do for Self. The technology of today (i.e. recording tools, social media opportunities, advancements in video production, etc.) has created a more level playing field for independent artists than what existed just a few years ago. Facebook and Twitter have revolutionized the entire process of marketing and sales. Reverbnation has created an entire portal for an artist, musician, or band to showcase their music, land gigs, and promote themselves. YouTube has single-handedly given birth to the careers of Soulja Boy, Justin Bieber, Avery, and about a dozen other emerging superstars. If you are an aspiring artist and have not set up a Facebook, Twitter, and/or YouTube account, then you are neglecting to invest time into your own career. If you are not willing to invest time, who else will? Studio recording and video production costs have significantly decreased in recent years. At one time it could have cost an artist or band 10’s of thousands of dollars to make an industry standard recording of their music and a decent music video. Today, commercial-quality recordings and videos can be done for a fraction of the cost. There are dozens of independent recording studios and video producers in small and large cities all over the country. Just by doing a little homework (or a little Googling), an artist can find studios and videographers in their area. After checking their portfolios and determining an appropriate budget, most artists will find that the cost to produce a commercial quality-project is within reason. If you’re not willing to invest money in yourself, who else will? If recording and video costs are more than a band or artist can afford, then there are a couple of options: 1) Save money (by working a full or part time job) or 2) Invest in your own recording or video equipment. There are some aspiring musicians and artists who don’t want to get a day, or night, job to support their careers. This can be a costly mistake. Just saving a few hundred to a thousand dollars could either afford commercial production services or allow one to purchase their own equipment. If you’re not willing to do this, then who will? Some might say, “I don’t know how to record or produce video.” And, this might be true today. But, there are classes and online tutorials for just about every subject matter imaginable. A few months of classes can give an artist more skills and diversity by which to navigate the elusive path to “making it”. In addition, it offers a trade by which an individual can make money by charging others for their services. In the independent music arena, YOU ARE A BUSINESS. And, if you don’t treat your own career like a business, then who will? **************************************************** **************************************************** Samori Coles is the CEO and Founder of Lil' Drummaboy Recordings. He has Produced, Recorded and provided career direction and guidance to hundreds of local, national and international artists, musicians and bands. A veteran of the performance stage, Samori has performed as a solo artist, as well as a front man for the bands 'Hip-Soul' and 'LILDRUMMABOY.COM'. An advocate for Indepence, he built Lil' Drummaboy Recordings initially as a record label, but has transformed it into a service provider and cultivator of Independent Artistry.

LDB Welcomes Grammy U For Audio Recording Workshop

Samori Coles — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:24:00 +0000

(pictured l to r: Samantha Roberson, Samori Coles, Carol Riddick, Rebecca Clawson) April 10, 2010 - Lil' Drummaboy Recordings welcomed Grammy U. to its facilities for a workshop on Home Studio Recording techniques. Facilitated by LDB Founder/Producer Samori Coles, the workshop highlighted a number of tools and basic considerations when recording at home. Coles began his lecture with a primer on the fundamentals of sound. He then gave a detailed tutorial on using compression, equalization, and sonic expansion to deliver a pro quality recording in the confines of home. "Understanding and applying the basics can mean the difference between a low quality, muddy recording versus a clear, high quality sound", stated Coles. Grammy U president Samantha Roberson, Grammy Philadelphia Chapter President Carol Riddick, and Grammy assistant Rebecca Clawson all gave the workshop high marks. The two dozen participants were able to culminate the event by applying what they learned to a live recording session which featured several of the musicians in attendance. Lil' Drummaboy's continued commitment to educating the next generation of music producers and audio engineers means a lot more of these types of workshops and informational sessions.

LDB Student Connie Jackson Nominated For Grammy Award

Samori Coles — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 01:09:08 +0000

Lil' Drummaboy Recordings' Music Technology & Recording student Connie Jackson has recently contributed to a CD project that has been nominated for a 2011 Grammy Award. Mrs. Jackson's voice and writing can be heard on the CD 'Healthy Food For Thought, Good Enough To Eat'. Her contribution to the project is entitled, "Mama Said Be Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise". Connie began singing at the age of 13, and has written over 30 songs, many of which are featured on her latest CD release entitled 'Actions Speak Louder Thank Words'. She has recorded with Grammy award winners Walter and Edwin Hawkins, performed to standing room only crowds at the Gospel Music workshop of America in Detroit Michigan and New Orleans, Louisiana. She has also performed with artists such as Walter Hawkins, Tramaine Hawkins, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Mighty Clouds of Joy,Winans, Hezekiah Walker and Tyrone Tribett and GA, just to name a few. LDB is proud of Connie. She is certainly a rising star.

Tony Award Winning Cast Of “Jersey Boys” Rehearses At LDB

Samori Coles — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 19:28:42 +0000

November 23, 2010 - Lil' Drummaboy Recordings was proud to welcome the cast of the Tony Award winning musical Jersey Boys to our rehearsal facilities. The musical, which chronicles the lives, music, and history of pop music legends Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, spent 6 weeks in Philadelphia before moving on to Boston, MA. One of the longest running Broadway shows of all time (with 1,929 performances), many members of the cast have spent the past six years performing nationally and internationally to sold out theatres. LDB's intimate rehearsal space, house musical instruments, and facility layout, was selected by Keyboardist Caron Cole as the ideal spot for the casts final Philadelphia rehearsal. We wish them much continued success!

E. Stephen Collins and Comcast: Diversity Voice-Over Project

Samori Coles — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 21:15:14 +0000

(Pictured l to r: Craig White, E. Stephen Collins, Samori Coles) August 12, 2010 - Lil' Drummaboy Recordings served as one of the studios chosen for the new Radio One and Comcast national diversity, voice-over project. The project, directed by political analyst and radio personality E. Stephen Collins, included Evelyn Smalls (President/CEO United Bank of Philadelphia), Garry Maddox (8-time Gold Glove Major League Baseball Center Fielder, and CEO of A. Pomerantz & Co.), and Ajamu Johnson (Comcast Director of Supplier Diversity). The diversity campaign is running nationally on Radio One stations and affiliates. Recorded by LDB's Samori Coles, and post produced by former Philadelphia International Records engineer Craig White, the commercial spots highlight and recognize outstanding contributions by African-American Business Leaders.