Thread: Where/how to record a (classical) CD in Germany?

Posts: 3

Post by xartiro May 15, 2012 (1 of 3)
I am having trouble finding information about where/how/who to contact when it comes to recording a classical music CD in Germany. I'm a classical musician and would like to work on my first album (myself + piano).

Another concern that I have besides the recording itself, is labels: do I go label hunting before or after the recording? So far labels seem very unapproachable if you don't look good in a wet bikini.

Anyways, please leave your input, and if possible give me an idea on how much I might have to spend to get this project done.

Post by seth May 15, 2012 (2 of 3)
xartiro said:

I am having trouble finding information about where/how/who to contact when it comes to recording a classical music CD in Germany. I'm a classical musician and would like to work on my first album (myself + piano).

Another concern that I have besides the recording itself, is labels: do I go label hunting before or after the recording? So far labels seem very unapproachable if you don't look good in a wet bikini.

Anyways, please leave your input, and if possible give me an idea on how much I might have to spend to get this project done.

I'd imagine the easiest place to start is doing a google search for recording studios in your city.

But I would actually contact music departments at your local universities. I imagine that the departments hire a freelance recording engineer to record student recitals -- you could ask them for that person's contact information. And the university probably has space rigged with recording equipment that you can rent for a lot cheaper than a studio.

Another thing to consider are post production costs. You're going to want to do some level of cleanup and polishing to the recording (editing, equalizing, etc.)

As for the labels, if you're doing any recitals you should invite them, but I'm guessing the purpose of this recording is to have a demo tape you can send out?

Have you thought of hiring an agent?

Post by xartiro May 16, 2012 (3 of 3)
- Good idea about contacting universities. I found many websites of universities with courses for sound engineers, but no contact information when it comes to recording sessions, rental of their facilities, but I'll look into that.

- Given the costs associated with recording (which I've been quoted for 4000 to 10.000) I'd do a full CD. Renting the place, getting a piano in there if they don't have it, piano tuning fee, recording gear, recording session fee, doing so for 2-3 days just for a demo is too expensive.

- I heard that very often artists "sell" their recording to a label, just for the prestige/promotion factor. I suppose labels would want a finished product, so they can just prepare the artcover and print?

- I have considered an agent, but it seems that agents only want artists well established and with a concert every day of the month; basically, they only take you when you don't actually need them. What type of agent should I look for, and what are they "expected" to do for my career?

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