Why did I raise my rates?

 

I started this project studio in a garage in Pleasanton around 2001 because all at once Scholastic Deth, Tragetelo, and Youth Riot all needed someone to record them. I had a 4-track and tolerant roommates and so was born The Dutch Oven. (I called it The Dutch Oven after the practice of farting under the covers - a situation similar to the airless confines of the 'box' bands recorded in - also, to call something "Dutch" meant it was a discount version of the real thing, i.e. dutch doors, eating dutch, etc). Up till June 2004 I had dirt cheap rent, two rad roommates to share bills with, ridiculously low overhead, and a slew of low-budget, kick-ass bands coming through. Then I moved to Alameda and my cost of living went up 600% (I also had to replace a lot of studio gear that decided to poop out at the same time). But now I've gained a totally awesome sounding house and some sweet new equipment. I also have an isolated control room and bands will no longer be stifled by the heat or cramped quarters of the old 'Oven (I might have to change the name from "The Dutch Oven" to "The Dutch Moderately-Temperatured Comfortably Spacious Storage Facility"). Plus, I'm no longer stuck out in the middle of nowhere.

Why $20/hour?
Some local studio owners emphatically told me I should be charging way more than I was. I checked around with other home studios and found the range to be generally between $20-40/hour ($50-$80/hour for mid-range studios).
Doods, I know how frustrating it can be to record a decent record when you're 15 and work at the ice cream store 6 hours/week for minimum wage and your parents have to drop you off in the minivan on their way to work. I was there. Crimeny, the first time I ever recorded was at the only studio in the area and it was $55/hour! 15 years ago!! Think what they charge now... So how is a teenager or average musician wastoid supposed to afford that?! That's why I was so adamant about always charging so little - in Pleasanton, with such a low overhead, I had an opportunity to record bands for super cheap because I knew I sure would have appreciated it. Getting reamed while 'creating art' and constantly looking over your shoulder at the clock sucks and I want to do what I can to keep bands from worrying about that sort of shite. But if I want to keep doing this without the threat of the power being turned off I have to change something. I decided $20/hour was still fair and if you think otherwise lemme know.

Hopefully this doesn't turn anyone away but if it does, take the money you didn't spend here and buy your own gear so you can record yourselves. DIY or die.

xoxo
craigums