Breinigsville, pa
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Important Note: Images provided by Shane Taylor. Used with full permission. Shane Taylor / Lizard Man Recordings retains all copyrights.
New Recording Studio In the area!
I have known Shane for several months. He informed me about starting up a recording studio. After the opening, I wanted to interview him. Was curious about his experience / plans.
There are several recording studios in the Lehigh Valley, Pa area. Why another studio? Shane: I am passionate about music. I know what I am doing. Have been in a couple of bands. When I was in the bands, we would try to do cheap recordings. That is how I found myself getting into it. Trying to find different ways to record my music. I fell in love with it.
When was the “official” launch for the studio? How did it happen? Shane: It started in March (2013). I have been working on projects, with local musicians, since I started, Kid Rap for example. I am working with bands that are just starting out. Who want to get their name out there. One band is out of Wilkes Barre.
So you are reaching beyond what is considered the Lehigh Valley? Shane: I want to get all of Eastern Pennsylvania.
Do you have any genres you are mainly focused on right now? Shane: I really want to do metal / hardcore. There are a lot of hardcore, local, bands. I try not limit myself, either.
Equipment, do you use a mixing board or computer? Shane: I don’t have a mixing board, yet. Just starting out, they are expensive. I am self-funded. I use Qbase, which I prefer over Pro Tools on my computer. I have industry standard mics. I am a huge fan of Cad, drum mics. To plug everything in, I use Tascam US800. Tascam has been an industry standard for years. Shane: Vocals I run through a DBX, compressor gate.
Setup / Design
Is it one recording studio / room? What is the setup like? Shane: Right now, it’s one studio, one room. I plan on, hopefully, expanding in the near future. Did you design it yourself? Shane: Yes. I am constantly rearranging everything. I think something may sound better over there, so I will move it. You are, basically, evolving it.
Shane: I think that is the best part about this business. Music / technology are constantly evolving. I will never be finished with everything. I will, constantly, be getting new equipment and adding on. Making everything sound better than it has before.
Constantly Learning
Do you read articles / publications about the industry, to learn more? Shane: All the time. I read articles. Watch Youtube videos. Look up everthing I possibly can. Figure out what other people are doing? Shane: You need to have a different technique than the other guys. If you don’t, what is the difference between going to me and someone else?
Interested? Had to ask his rates.
I try not to ask this question. I was curious. What are the rates for anyone considering recording with you? Shane: Right now, my going rate is $10 / hr. Once I start to get a bigger reputation, I will start raising the rates. Especially for the starting up bands, who do not have a lot of money. This will be an easier way for them to come in. Get their sound ready. Get their name out there. Do you have different rates for demo vs. full production? Shane: I include time spent mixing / mastering.
Different Attitudes
For example, if someone has the view of “I see this as going on stage. I get one shot at it.” Do you think people like that are more difficult to deal with? Shane: No. It gives me an oppurtunity to make them better. Not only am I a sound engineer, but a producer. I want to make sure they sound the best the can. I get a lot of different attitudes from different people. I think everyone deserves that shot.
Going back to the software
What about people who have a program like Garage Band (mac)? They might think recording / producing is easy. Shane: it’s a lot more complicated than that. If you are going to just plug in your guitar and play, it’s good for that. If you want the full production: You need a studio. You need better software. It’s expensive. What you pay for is what you get.
Here is a tip for musicians
Shane: Doing demos, helps the producer a lot. It will give the producer an idea of what the songs are like and the flow.
What if someone thinks: “I have always loved music. Never been good at playing it. Don’t have the voice for it. I want to start a recording studio.” What advice do you have? Shane: Learn. Go online. Pick a topic for the day and search. You will find hundreds of articles on it. Talk to other producers. That has been my biggest help. I have talked to a lot of different producers. Don’t think you can just jump right into it. Shane: Even if you don’t know how to play an instrument, learn one. Pick up a guitar and learn basic chords. Learn what you are working with.
It helps to have at least, basic, knowledge of different instruments? Shane: Yes. You should, definitely, read up a lot on music theory. I took music theory in high school. Example: One layer may clash with another.
You mentioned about expansion. What areas, other than space? Shane: Definitely equipment. I want to improve and expand on mics, software, etc. I want to get bigger bands. Eventually, bands signed to major labels. You are not going limit genres? Shane: I will always welcome anyone who wants to record with me. I welcome a challenge.
Going back to my first question about the amount of recording studios. What makes you different? Shane: I am fresh. I listen to several genres. I am friendly and provide a high level of service. When bands or artists come in; I will make them feel at home and relaxed. Not “Let’s get in. Get the job done. Get out.” I want them to have a good time.
Shane’s turn to throw in a quick promo
Anything you want to add? Shane: If you want quality recording at cheap rates, come to me. Would you suggest musicians check out studios? Not all bands fit with all studios. Shane: Yes. It’s always good to check out the competition. I know several studios, in the area that are good.
Quick Note: Later this year, I will find out how good Shane is. I will be recording a rap single at his studio.
Looking for a studio that is new? Want to try something different? Add Shane / LizardMan Recordings to your list:
https://www.facebook.com/LizardmanRecordings?fref=ts
I have known Shane for several months. He informed me about starting up a recording studio. After the opening, I wanted to interview him. Was curious about his experience / plans.
There are several recording studios in the Lehigh Valley, Pa area. Why another studio? Shane: I am passionate about music. I know what I am doing. Have been in a couple of bands. When I was in the bands, we would try to do cheap recordings. That is how I found myself getting into it. Trying to find different ways to record my music. I fell in love with it.
When was the “official” launch for the studio? How did it happen? Shane: It started in March (2013). I have been working on projects, with local musicians, since I started, Kid Rap for example. I am working with bands that are just starting out. Who want to get their name out there. One band is out of Wilkes Barre.
So you are reaching beyond what is considered the Lehigh Valley? Shane: I want to get all of Eastern Pennsylvania.
Do you have any genres you are mainly focused on right now? Shane: I really want to do metal / hardcore. There are a lot of hardcore, local, bands. I try not limit myself, either.
Equipment, do you use a mixing board or computer? Shane: I don’t have a mixing board, yet. Just starting out, they are expensive. I am self-funded. I use Qbase, which I prefer over Pro Tools on my computer. I have industry standard mics. I am a huge fan of Cad, drum mics. To plug everything in, I use Tascam US800. Tascam has been an industry standard for years. Shane: Vocals I run through a DBX, compressor gate.
Setup / Design
Is it one recording studio / room? What is the setup like? Shane: Right now, it’s one studio, one room. I plan on, hopefully, expanding in the near future. Did you design it yourself? Shane: Yes. I am constantly rearranging everything. I think something may sound better over there, so I will move it. You are, basically, evolving it.
Shane: I think that is the best part about this business. Music / technology are constantly evolving. I will never be finished with everything. I will, constantly, be getting new equipment and adding on. Making everything sound better than it has before.
Constantly Learning
Do you read articles / publications about the industry, to learn more? Shane: All the time. I read articles. Watch Youtube videos. Look up everthing I possibly can. Figure out what other people are doing? Shane: You need to have a different technique than the other guys. If you don’t, what is the difference between going to me and someone else?
Interested? Had to ask his rates.
I try not to ask this question. I was curious. What are the rates for anyone considering recording with you? Shane: Right now, my going rate is $10 / hr. Once I start to get a bigger reputation, I will start raising the rates. Especially for the starting up bands, who do not have a lot of money. This will be an easier way for them to come in. Get their sound ready. Get their name out there. Do you have different rates for demo vs. full production? Shane: I include time spent mixing / mastering.
Different Attitudes
For example, if someone has the view of “I see this as going on stage. I get one shot at it.” Do you think people like that are more difficult to deal with? Shane: No. It gives me an oppurtunity to make them better. Not only am I a sound engineer, but a producer. I want to make sure they sound the best the can. I get a lot of different attitudes from different people. I think everyone deserves that shot.
Going back to the software
What about people who have a program like Garage Band (mac)? They might think recording / producing is easy. Shane: it’s a lot more complicated than that. If you are going to just plug in your guitar and play, it’s good for that. If you want the full production: You need a studio. You need better software. It’s expensive. What you pay for is what you get.
Here is a tip for musicians
Shane: Doing demos, helps the producer a lot. It will give the producer an idea of what the songs are like and the flow.
What if someone thinks: “I have always loved music. Never been good at playing it. Don’t have the voice for it. I want to start a recording studio.” What advice do you have? Shane: Learn. Go online. Pick a topic for the day and search. You will find hundreds of articles on it. Talk to other producers. That has been my biggest help. I have talked to a lot of different producers. Don’t think you can just jump right into it. Shane: Even if you don’t know how to play an instrument, learn one. Pick up a guitar and learn basic chords. Learn what you are working with.
It helps to have at least, basic, knowledge of different instruments? Shane: Yes. You should, definitely, read up a lot on music theory. I took music theory in high school. Example: One layer may clash with another.
You mentioned about expansion. What areas, other than space? Shane: Definitely equipment. I want to improve and expand on mics, software, etc. I want to get bigger bands. Eventually, bands signed to major labels. You are not going limit genres? Shane: I will always welcome anyone who wants to record with me. I welcome a challenge.
Going back to my first question about the amount of recording studios. What makes you different? Shane: I am fresh. I listen to several genres. I am friendly and provide a high level of service. When bands or artists come in; I will make them feel at home and relaxed. Not “Let’s get in. Get the job done. Get out.” I want them to have a good time.
Shane’s turn to throw in a quick promo
Anything you want to add? Shane: If you want quality recording at cheap rates, come to me. Would you suggest musicians check out studios? Not all bands fit with all studios. Shane: Yes. It’s always good to check out the competition. I know several studios, in the area that are good.
Quick Note: Later this year, I will find out how good Shane is. I will be recording a rap single at his studio.
Looking for a studio that is new? Want to try something different? Add Shane / LizardMan Recordings to your list:
https://www.facebook.com/LizardmanRecordings?fref=ts
