Frequently Asks Questions
I'm sure you'll agree that with any creative process there will be as many opinions as to what is good as there will be people making that assessment.
When producing a commercial quality professional recording there is certain criteria that any trained listener is going to automatically expect. Some of these "givens" are:
- tonal quality,
- balance,
- pleasing highs without shriek,
- strong lows the strongly support without pounding away other sounds and
- good mid tone instrumentation that does not intrude on the vocal performance
— especially when a piano is involved.
- a tight beat
- a "real" drum track that compliments the bass guitar to set the groove
The Song Masters know how and where to place the music on your song so that your recording will really "work." Plus, Song Masters will provide you with that commercial edge that is absolutely necessary to compete in today's professional songwriting scene.
How long does it take to get my song recorded?
Most songs completed and ready to download and/or mail on a CD in 10 days.
How do I send you my song?
You can mail us your song on a cassette or CD to:
Song Masters
P.O. Box 8175
Fresno CA 93727
You can email us your song as a digital recording (.mp3 preferred, but not required).
Email to:
Song Masters Network
OR, you can use our "Automated Upload System" to send your song directly from your computer via the Internet.
Who owns the rights to my song after you record it?
You own the rights to your song 100%. The recording we create and deliver to you is called a "Studio Master." If you can get this recording played on the radio, good for you! If the actual recording we produce (the studio master) ends up on a CD or a Pay Per Download web site and is experience extremely high sales, we are entitled to a share of the royalties based on the terms of our Standard Recording Licensing Agreement. Please see our Standard Policy Licensing Agreement for a complete disclosure of these terms.
Can I have you hire someone really famous to play on my recording?
Yes, collectively we know and work with many of the most famous artists in the industry. Obviously, someone at the height of their recording career is not going to be interested in recording your song for "you" no matter how much you were to offer. On the other hand, there are a number of top artists who have settled into a more relaxed lifestyle and often get great pleasure coming into the studio for special projects. We suggest you talk with us about that (and expect to spend a few thousand extra).
It's important to note that we have our eyes out for songs that might be right for a certain artist and one never knows where an opportunity might present itself. That said, PLEASE do not order a song production from us for that reason. Only commission our services to satisfy your professional recording needs, not as an attempt to try to place your song with a major artist.
DISCLAIMER: If you have the Song Masters Network hire a renowned and/or signed recording artist to do the vocals for your song, you CAN NOT use that recording for airplay or any other commercial usage without a previous agreement in place with the recording artist. Please note that very few people hire a name artist to sing their song so this situation is extremely rare.
If my song is not that well written, can you fix it up and rewrite it?
Song Masters do not provide lyrical rewrites of your song.
However, during the preparation process, Song Masters will arrange the song for you if you have not provided a work that is well-structured. Keep in mind, that the members of the Song Masters Network are constantly producing music for film, TV, and other established recording artists. They use their knowledge of the current industry standards when producing your song to give your recording that commercial edge.
Can I get a discount for an entire album of songs?
Yes, negotiate with us.
Can I do the vocals on my songs?
Yes, if you have access to a recording studio in your area. We provide you with the "ready to go" music tracks and you take them into your studio to add the vocals. Then, either they can master the recording or it can be returned to us for mastering.
What if I do not like the finished recording? Can I get my money back?
No, there are no refunds. The quality of work and the level of professionalism comprised by the Song Masters Network is extremely high. We do understand that there is quite a bit of room for one's interpretation of a creative work. Our preparatory process is designed to give you the options of the type of song and recording you seek. To some degree, you are a co-producer, though you are being asked to have faith in the product we shall create for you. You will receive a very high quality commercial style recording. This is what is being created each time a song is produced.
Can I choose male or female for the vocals?
Absolutely.
Are back up vocals included also?
Indeed they are.
