You'll never be home on time

I feel like I should share this with everyone thinking about getting into the music business or related to someone in the music industry. Those of us in the industry are always optimistic about when we will finish at the studio. The truth is that most sessions go longer than we plan. Whether it be a technical issue, a player having a tough time with a part, a singer having pitch problems or a thousand other things. The point is, if you wanna be in this industry, you should know this one giant truth. Whatever time you think you will be done, add 2 hours to it. It is just the way it is, was and will be. My wife now adds two hours to whatever time I tell her and most of the time, she is closer than I am. Just something that everyone should know.

This week.

This week has been very crazy. Each day started with the thought of being off early and having some free time. As is the case most of the time, it didn't end that way. I ended being requested for a session every day this week. Today is no exception. I have been requested for a vocal session tonight. I truly appreciate the fact that in the last few months I have worked with so many new artists, producers and composers who are requesting me personally when they come back. It is sort of a reaffirmation that I know what I am doing. In this business, I have learned one overwhelming truth. You only survive in this business if you have repeat business. So to all who continue to allow me to be a part of your music, I thank you.

Enjoy the small things.

Today, we were setting up an assortment of mics for a vocalist and I was just struck by the simple pleasure of how awesome this looks. It is the engineering equivalent of a playboy. It made me realize that sometimes I forget to take time out to really appreciate the small things in my job. Things like having the ability to choose from such a vast collection of mics and gear for any project is really a blessing that I never thought possible. So, my advice? Take a few minutes to enjoy the everyday wonders in your world. It will make a huge difference.

Pro Tools 10

So, we are currently discussing the Pro Tools 10 upgrade.  I am pricing it for home and we are discussing it at the studio.  The new version works amazingly well, from my brief time working with it.  It is faster, prettier, clip gain is astounding, and I haven't even gotten to use the new channel strip, which I am told is amazing.  My big deal with it right now is the plugins.  No new plugins, rtas and tdm are still where they are at and now there is an option to go to the "plugin marketplace".  Seriously, do we need a a spot on every plugin pull down for plugins? Now,  on to the discussion of updating.  Do you spend money to udate the current plugins?   Do you wait until the new versions of them come out?  Are you going to have to totally by new versions in the new format?  Bascially, I hear "cha ching" everytime I think Pro Tools.  They continue to update and make incredible strides forward and I continue to shell out money as if I am a total crack head waiting on a rock.  Pro Tools 10 is going to be the new standard and eventually the change will happen, but I feel as if it may be just finished upgrading by the time 11 comes out.

New kick sub.

I had always been looking for a way to stand mount my ns-10 speaker and although it is not pretty, it sounds killer.