COVID-19 has certainly disrupted normal life for everyone. Many people, fortunate to still be employed, are learning to work remotely for the first time. Even industries that said this wasn’t possible are making it work. Technology is playing a prominent role, allowing colleagues to communicate, connect, and collaborate while working from different locations and even from different time zones.
Music-makers are no different, in that many are learning to embrace online options they may not have even considered just a few short weeks ago.
With reliable Internet service, you can use platforms such as SoundBetter and Fiverr to easily seek out, contact, and hire solid session players from just about anywhere to collaborate with remotely.
Time and distance are no longer an obstacle. By sharing your recorded files online, collaborators can then add their own parts, recording safely while quarantined in their home studio while you continue working from yours.
Some DAWs, such as Pro Tools and Pro Tools | First (free version) offer built-in cloud collaboration, while even mobile apps like BandLab (Android/iOS) and GarageBand (iOS) can help get you started.
With remote collaboration, you can quickly have a full production ready for mixing & mastering without having to get dressed or leave your home.
It doesn't have to stop there—you can just as easily find audio engineers willing to help edit, mix, and/or master your tracks before you release them to your online audience. This is becoming the new norm, and it may not be a passing fad either.
There are some great-sounding rooms out there but even without state-wide lockdowns in effect, booking a pro studio may not always be an option for every project. The average home studio is seeing a huge surge in added gear right now and DIY musicians are really pushing the envelope of possibilities for remote collaboration in this new environment.
If you can remember making music for the first time, you already know that, like any new thing, there’s a learning curve. It’s also not perfect and there are doubts to overcome. One hurdle with online collabs is in finding the right match for your project and your budget—if you still have one.
Some remote collaborators may be willing to trade services while we're all being hit with uncertainty, but there's always the risk factor too:
What if this online person doesn't do what they say they will?
How do I know I can trust that they'll actually deliver something of value to my project?
Even when trust is established, how do you know if they're the right fit for you and your music?
If you could remove the risk, and you had nothing to lose, wouldn't you at least be a little interested in the possibilities? How would your next record sound if you didn't have to do everything on your own?
I'm offering a limited number of sample mixes to help musicians move their next project forward while we all try to figure out the new normal in this crazy new world we find ourselves in.
If you have recorded tracks and need help getting your song mixed & mastered, I'm offering you a free sample mix with no risk and no obligation.
You simply get to hear your song mixed & mastered before you commit. You get to make an informed decision about how I might help your project. That's it. No gimmicks, no drama, and no hard feelings if you're not satisfied for any reason.
Your music is important to you and I will always respect that.
I'd love to hear about your project and how I might help during these crazy times. We really are all in this together.
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