| This is a typical situation.
These are the forces working against you. Either the band didn't really like the work but aren't going to say anything to your face *OR* the more likely situation is that they liked your work and don't want their competitors (other bands) to find out where they recorded because then those other bands may end up sounding better than them.
Also, here's a tip--bands that leave the studio loving something and end up not liking it a few days later is often the product of not impressing other people as much as they thought it would. The chances of the sound being responsible for this are a lot less than the song/performances.... So as usual you get the blame.
Do not expect ANY loyalty from clients no matter what you do. Sometimes it happens but don't freak out when you don't get it. In fact, the more free time/stuff you give them the less they are going to respect you. Just do your job.
Remember: you are dealing with musicians. They are (sometimes) one step above criminals. You are talking about a bunch of poor slobs without a nickel to their names and ZERO respect for doing music with the potential to be rich and famous.... so they are going to lie, cheat, steal, kill and do whatever they think it takes to get there (except practice their instrument and write good songs).
I've said it before... this would be a great job if it weren't for the musicians....
In theory it seems like a solid idea to give free recording to jump start a studio, but in my personal experience I've found that it is always a bad idea that ends up in wasting a bunch of time.
At least there is an upside to this story--the band is going to sink some money into a recording setup and end up taking a year or two making some really terrible recordings you can laugh at. Maybe they'll be humbled enough to come back and pay for your expertise. |