FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q. How far in advance do I need to book?

A. It all depends on Stuart’s commitments. Sometimes, you can start almost immediately. Other times, you may have to wait a few months. Generally, two months out is a good rule of thumb.

Q. I don’t live in Brisbane, but I’d like to record at Analog Heart – how does that work?

A. You fly here and stay with us for the duration of the recording. We can work with anyone from anywhere. Accommodation is included in the price. You will love living at the studio during the recording, and concentrating on nothing except the music.

Q. I live on the Gold Coast / Sunshine Coast. Can I stay at the studio instead of driving home every day?

A. Yes, you are welcome to stay, or welcome to drive each day, or a combination.

Q. Does Stuart specialise in any one musical style?

A. If anything, Stuart is known as a producer of ‘radio-friendly’ songs. His productions always fit into the format of Nova, Austereo (2Day FM, B105, FOX FM, SA FM, equivalent NZ station), MMM or JJJ. Request a sample of his work in your chosen genre.

Q. What kind of mics/reverb/software do you use?

A. These kinds of questions are really not worth answering, as the best gear in the world won’t save a bad song, or make a dodgy producer sound good. Listen to samples of Stuart’s work, and make your judgements on that. We’ve got a constantly changing list of all the pro gear you’ll need, but you shouldn’t make your decision on the equipment – it’s the driver of that equipment that counts. The idea of comparing studios on equipment lists went out with the 1980s! Stuart favours unique warm analog gear in combination with the very best computer recording can offer.

Q. Will Stuart help me improve my songs?

A. Absolutely! This is one of his main roles. He will help you improve your lyrics, melodies, chords and arrangements. The copyright to your songs remains your own, unless you agree to let Stuart write a part of a song. Often, this part of the process takes an entire day, sometimes two. There’s no point recording anything until the song is working. There is plenty of time allowed for pre-production. Stuart’s philosophy is ‘a bad song takes twice as long to produce’. In other words, a song that sounds good in a basic format will sound amazing when it is produced.

Q. I’m a solo performer with limited instrumental skills – who will be playing the instruments on my songs?

A. Stuart is an accomplished keyboardist and guitarist and is very capable of playing everything. He’s also very experienced with drum programming. If session musicians are required for particular parts, we’ll discuss it in advance. Look here for more info on how Stuart works with solo artists.

Q. What if we run out of time, and don’t get everything recorded?

A. That’s never happened. Stuart is very focused in the studio and will keep you on task. Stuart generally works 11-7 each day, but will pull a late one should it be needed.

Q. What if I disagree with Stuart’s ideas?

A. Firstly, it’s important that you speak up. Secondly, it’s critical that you have an open mind. Stuart has produced more music than you can imagine, and always has a reason for his ideas. Ultimately though, it comes down to taste. Stuart will respect your opinion. At the end of the day, it’s your music, but you’re mainly paying for Stuart’s honest feedback and ideas, not for him to just record you as you are.

Q. I’m a bit worried about my voice. I sometimes sing out of tune, and I’m not very experienced with harmonies and backing vocals. Is that a problem?

A. If there’s one thing you can be assured of, it’s that Stuart will record the very best vocal you are capable of. He has plenty of ways of pulling a great vocal out of a singer. Above all, he’ll make you feel comfortable, give you as much time as you need, and make you sound better than ever. More details about how Stuart approaches the vocals here.

Q. I’ve got a few particular ideas for my songs. I want strings in one place, organ in another and flanging on my voice on one song. Also, I want a thumping techno beat for the first verse, then a jazzy drum kit for the chorus, and then a huge heavy guitar in the bridge. On the last verse, I want loads of echo, and a phaser on the bass? Over the last guitar solo, I’d like some whale sound effects. Can all that be done?

A. Yes – anything you want, we can try it. There are no limitations. Then again, if your wacky ideas are more distracting than anything else, Stuart will tell you.

Q. Will the final recording sound as good as what’s on the radio?

A. Pretty much. It’s probably advisable to hear some of Stuart’s work and make up your own mind.

Q. What is mastering?

A. Mastering is the final polishing of a track. It’s where the sound is smoothed out – more bass is usually added and the sound is enhanced to make it sound more ‘exciting’. The volume is also adjusted so the CD plays loud and sounds good on radio. Fade-outs are also done at this point. Mastering is included in the price.

Q. Do you have any payment plans etc?

A. No. However, you can pay on credit card. We take VISA or Mastercard.

Q. When does the money have to be paid?

A. In full at the start. We don’t want to have to spoil a beautiful musical relationship by becoming debt collectors. A direct debit or credit card payment is the usual method. Before that, we’ll need a 10% deposit. Once the time is agreed upon, the deposit is not refundable, unless we are physically unable to provide the service we promise.

Q. What is the price for just one song?

A. Generally, Stuart doesn’t work on anything less than a 2 song project.

Q. Can you guys help me market music I have already recorded?

A. No. We have a vested interest in seeing music recorded at Analog Heart take over the world. We only prepare a Marketing Plan for artists who have recorded with Stuart.

Q. Is there any contract to sign with you guys? Do I own the master recordings?

A. There is nothing to sign – it is a simple case of you are paying us to turn your musical vision into reality. Stuart will work his guts out to get it happening for you. Once the tracks are completed, you own them 100%. If it turns out that you and Stuart co-write a song, or part of a song, then it will be registered with APRA in the ratio you agree on.

Q. Can you help me with image / photos / artwork?

A. Stuart will give you an idea of what he thinks might work, and let you know if a particular photo or image idea is likely to let you down. Of course, he is not a photographer, or image consultant by trade, so you might need to also find someone who is. We can give you a few tips in that respect.