Don't wait, the time will never be right...

[Remoteness]

I'm happy to see this new forum added. I've been thinking of a discussion to add to this forum for a while and here it is...

There's a friend of mine that says, he really wants to get a real studio, production company and record label together, but he wants to wait for the financing. He hasn't ever had a label and/or professional studio before. This venture will be his first shot at it. It's been at least two years since he thought of the idea. Money people and various situations have come and gone.

It's my opinion that he could have made much progress during these years if he started on a small level, little by little by finding acts to produce, work with the gear he has today, etc., while looking for the right people to get involved with. I believe this can also help him, because the money folks can see what he's all about in action.

I'm the kind of person that thinks, you should start where you're at and work with whatever tools you have at your control. If it's your destiny, better tools will be found as you move along down the road. If it doesn't work out, at least you didn't waste a bunch of time and other peoples money trying to make it so.

What do you think? Should he wait for the bread or start where he stands?

[Rod Gervais]

I have to agree with Pop - he doesn't sound like the type.

But i would also add - who in their right mind would provide backing for him?

If i am going to invest in someones dream - i am going to want one hell of a good chance at success.

So i would never team up with someone who has no track record in the profession.

It's one thing to be a great engineer - another thing totally to be a great businessman. And when it hits the bottom line on an investment - it's all about business.

His best bet would be to start small - and build up from there - otherwise all he has sounds like a pipe dream.

Happy Hunting

Rod

[Jax]

What kind of experience in the music industry does he have?

Has he worked with clients professionally before, at other studios?

Does he have the chops to pull it off?

How are his people skills, especially related to running a business?

How are his business skills? Disciplined and responsible?

Is he a gear junkie, or someone truly interested in doing this for life? Both?

All depends on who he is, what's he done, where he's been, and how many times he's been around the studio block.

I'd say he should get to work with what he's got regardless of the answers to all these questions. Otherwise, he has no momentum and that's important when it comes to using your experience. The same is true for musicians who keep their chops up by practicing all the time, and who gig regularly by being known within the right circles.

[Remoteness]

I feel the same way about it. I've tried to steer him in the "start small and build from there" direction, but I haven't been too convincing.

Thanks guys!

[Drumsound]

I say you give the guy a bit of modified Frank Zappa advice "Shut up and make a record!"

[Jules]

Lots of folks want to write a fictional books. They put off the start of their first book for ever when they could get started straight away on short stories. articles etc...

Building up too much of a mountain in front of you can be a bad thing...

I believe in a healthy balance of short term, mid term and long term goals.

But one persons style might not suit another....

[Remoteness]

I hear you loud and clear my man!

Some people enjoy the mountaineers way of life, yet others may prefer the beach lifestyle instead.

As long as you meet your goals, it's all good.

[Bob Olhsson]

I've seen both approaches work but the moment the guy using lots of financing gets thrown some kind of unexpected curve, he's in lots more trouble than the one who started small.

[Steve Smith]

man, this is a timely thread for me.. keep the ideas coming!

[Remoteness]

With all the studios and labels closing plus where our economy is at in 2009 how would you folks address this issue today?

Big or small, would you even consider starting a new venture in these hard times?

[wildpark]

well fü... of the economic live has too be go on and on

in times like that are rockefellers born,of course you still have too be a inventor of something new.

its rare too hear some really new music today ! so he got too work in a overloaded game where allmost everybody is a producer or label,the important part for a critical investment(well you have too have money now cuz no bank give your some lol)
is too partnering with ppl how got the business contacts too serve you for a fee that your friend can concentrade on the music himself,too be booth in this times is not easy
creativity and sales busyness in the music domain are totally differend areas.

i say lets start him with a really small setup of the best gear out there too cut his busyness from the majority of ppl which buys now the every day cheaper vintage gear sound on ebay , too be more out of concurence too survive next 2... years

which imho is a first time line too judge the sucess

[boojum]

Start small and see if he has the chops. Using his own money will also sharpen his focus a bit.