OWN YOUR MUSIC DON'T RENT IT

Like real estate, owning the music you love makes a huge difference to your listening experience, and your bank balance. Streaming sites either bother you with ads, or make you pay ridiculous prices for the music that they pick and choose. Let’s face it, they’re squeezing that cash cow dry. 

Want to know the worst bit? Musicians don’t even see the money. If big name global superstars can’t make it work with all their big promotional backing and their PR managers, then we independent artists don’t stand a chance. 

That’s where we come in. We believe that if you own your music outright, the ball is in your court. You have control over how you listen, when and where, and how often. You don’t need to worry that one day some big wig in an office decides your favourite album isn’t available anymore and it’s lost forever. You’ve got that music for as long as you want it. And you can support the artists you love, and give them the freedom to create more of the stuff you soundtrack your life with.

Reasons to support independant artists 

Here are a few reasons why people should consider buying music from artists instead of only streaming:

  1. Supporting artists financially - Streaming pays artists very little, with some estimates that it takes hundreds or even thousands of streams for an artist to earn $1. By purchasing music directly, fans support the artists financially so they can continue to create music.
  2. Owning music & collecting - When you purchase music, you actually own that recording and it becomes part of your permanent collection. Streaming provides temporary access in comparison. Collecting physical music or even digital downloads is still enjoyable to many.
  3. Higher quality recordings - Downloaded or physical music is often available in better quality formats compared to compressed streaming audio. So purchasing music allows fans to hear it as intended.
  4. Exclusive/Special content - Artists sometimes include extra tracks, demos, live recordings or special packaging with purchased formats over streaming. Fans get access to special content to make owning music more worthwhile.
  5. No reliance on internet or subscriptions - Downloaded and physical music allows listening anytime without ongoing streaming costs or connectivity required. Fan collections exist long term instead of being attached to streaming platforms.
  6. Showing meaningful support - Direct music sales show commitment from fans, boost artists success metrics, and let them know their work product has monetary value. It demonstrates popularity in ways streaming alone can't.

The Master Plan VST Plugin. The pros and cons 

The Master Plan VST plugin is a versatile mastering tool that can be used to enhance the sound of your mixes. It offers a range of features, including compression, limiting, EQ, and spatial processing, all in one easy-to-use interface.

Here are some of the pros of using the Master Plan VST plugin:

  • Convenient and easy to use: The plugin has a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate and control.
  • Versatile: The plugin offers a range of features that can be used to achieve a variety of sound goals.
  • High-quality results: The plugin is designed to deliver high-quality, professional-sounding results.
  • Affordable: The plugin is priced competitively compared to other mastering plugins on the market.

Here are some of the cons of using the Master Plan VST plugin:

  • Not as customizable as some other plugins: The plugin's settings are not as customizable as those of some other mastering plugins.
  • May not be suitable for all types of music: The plugin may not be suitable for all types of music, such as very bass-heavy or very dynamic music.
  • May not be as transparent as some other plugins: The plugin may not be as transparent as some other mastering plugins, which means that it may introduce some artifacts into your mix.

Overall, the Master Plan VST plugin is a good option for beginners and experienced users alike who are looking for a versatile and easy-to-use mastering tool. However, if you need more customization or are working with a specific type of music, you may want to consider other options.

Here are some reviews of the Master Plan VST plugin from users:

Pros:

  • "It's a great plugin for beginners and experienced users alike." - User 1
  • "It's very easy to use and has a lot of features." - User 2
  • "The results are great and I'm very happy with the sound of my mixes." - User 3

Cons:

  • "It's not as customizable as some other plugins." - User 4
  • "It may not be suitable for all types of music." - User 5
  • "It may not be as transparent as some other plugins." - User 6

 

Sonibles new deesser is a game changer 

Sonible's new de-esser, smart:deess, is a game-changer. It is the first de-esser to use AI-powered phoneme detection to identify and reduce sibilants and plosives in a natural-sounding way.

Smart:deess works by detecting nine different types of phonemes in real time and adapting its spectral processing to each one. This allows it to target the specific frequencies that are causing harshness and sibilance, without affecting the overall tone or timbre of the voice.

Another advantage of smart:deess is that it does not require any manual threshold setting. The neural network automatically detects the level of sibilance and applies the appropriate amount of reduction. This makes it very easy to use, even for beginners.

Overall, smart:deess is a significant improvement over traditional de-essers. It is more natural-sounding, easier to use, and more effective at reducing sibilance and plosives. I highly recommend it to anyone who works with vocals.

Here are some of the benefits of using smart:deess:

  • More natural-sounding results
  • Easier to use than traditional de-essers
  • More effective at reducing sibilance and plosives
  • Reduces the need for manual EQ and compression
  • Can be used on a variety of vocal sources, including lead vocals, backing vocals, and spoken word

If you are looking for the best possible de-esser, I highly recommend checking out smart:deess. It is a truly game-changing plugin.

Free Music mp3 downloads 

Here at Sundance Studio Recordings you can find free music in our list of downloads.

Search for the free mp3 downloads in the music menus and please consider leaving us a message or  comment on your thoughts on the track you downloaded.

Enjoy the music and happy Halloween from us.

Fitness for music producers 

Music producers often spend long hours sitting at a desk or workstation, which can lead to a number of health problems, including obesity, back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Regular exercise can help to mitigate these risks and improve the overall health and well-being of music producers.

Here are some fitness tips for music producers:

  • Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. This could include activities such as walking, running, biking, swimming, or dancing.
  • Incorporate strength training into your routine at least two times per week. Strength training helps to build muscle and improve bone density, both of which are important for preventing injuries.
  • Take breaks throughout the day to move around and stretch. Get up and walk around every 20-30 minutes to avoid sitting for long periods of time.
  • Choose ergonomic furniture and equipment to help reduce strain on your body. This could include using a standing desk, a keyboard tray, and a supportive chair.

Here are some specific exercises that are beneficial for music producers:

  • Back exercises: Strong back muscles can help to prevent back pain, which is a common problem for music producers. Some good back exercises include rows, pull-ups, and planks.
  • Core exercises: A strong core is essential for good posture and balance. Some good core exercises include crunches, sit-ups, and leg raises.
  • Neck and shoulder exercises: Sitting at a desk for long periods of time can lead to neck and shoulder pain. Some good neck and shoulder exercises include neck rotations, shoulder shrugs, and arm circles.
  • Hand and wrist exercises: Music producers often use their hands and wrists extensively, which can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Some good hand and wrist exercises include finger stretches and wrist rolls.

In addition to exercise, it is also important for music producers to eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep. Eating a healthy diet provides the body with the nutrients it needs to function properly and recover from exercise. Getting enough sleep helps to reduce stress and improve overall mood and energy levels.

By following these tips, music producers can improve their fitness and overall health, which can lead to a number of benefits, including:

  • Increased energy levels
  • Reduced stress
  • Improved mood
  • Better sleep quality
  • Reduced risk of injuries
  • Improved productivity and creativity

If you are a music producer, I encourage you to start incorporating fitness into your daily routine. Your body and mind will thank you for it.

The Clip to Zero Method for loud clear mixes 

The clip to zero (CTZ) method is a mixing technique that aims to achieve maximum loudness by using clippers on all tracks and sub-mixes to reduce their dynamic range. This means that the loudest peaks of each track are clipped off, which can make the track sound louder overall.

To use the CTZ method, you would first need to insert a clipper plugin on every track in your mix. You would then adjust the threshold of each clipper to just below the point where the track starts to clip on its own. This will ensure that you are only clipping the loudest peaks of the track.

Once you have clipped all of the tracks in your mix, you would then create sub-mixes for different groups of instruments, such as drums, bass, guitars, and vocals. You would then insert a clipper plugin on each sub-mix and adjust the threshold to just below the point where the sub-mix starts to clip on its own.

Finally, you would create a master sub-mix for all of the tracks in your mix. You would then insert a clipper plugin on the master sub-mix and adjust the threshold to just below the point where the master sub-mix starts to clip on its own.

It is important to note that the CTZ method can be quite aggressive, and it is important to use it carefully to avoid distorting your mix. You should also listen to your mix carefully at different volumes to make sure that it sounds good at all levels.

Here are some of the benefits of using the CTZ method:

  • It can help you to achieve maximum loudness without distorting your mix.
  • It can help to improve the clarity of your mix by reducing the dynamic range of each track.
  • It can help to create a more cohesive mix by making all of the tracks sound more similar in terms of loudness.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to using the CTZ method:

  • It can be quite aggressive, and it is important to use it carefully to avoid distorting your mix.
  • It can reduce the dynamic range of your mix, which can make it sound less natural and exciting.
  • It can be difficult to use effectively, and it takes practice to get good results.

Overall, the CTZ method is a powerful tool that can be used to achieve maximum loudness and clarity in your mixes. However, it is important to use it carefully to avoid distorting your mix and reducing the dynamic range too much.

Does analogue saturation benefit digital music 

Yes, digitally produced music can benefit from analog saturation. Analog saturation is a type of distortion that adds harmonics to the sound, which can give it a warmer, fuller, and more natural sound. This can be especially beneficial for digital music, which can sometimes sound too sterile and clinical.

Analog saturation can be used on individual tracks, bus groups, or the master channel. It can be used to add warmth and character to vocals, guitars, drums, synths, and other instruments. It can also be used to glue the different elements of a mix together and create a more cohesive sound.

Here are some of the specific benefits that analog saturation can offer digitally produced music:

  • Warmth: Analog saturation can add a warm and inviting sound to digital music. This is because it adds harmonics to the sound that are not present in digital audio.
  • Fullness: Analog saturation can also make digital music sound fuller and more robust. This is because it increases the perceived loudness of the sound and makes it sound more present in the mix.
  • Character: Analog saturation can give digital music a unique character and sound. This is because different types of analog saturation devices produce different sonic results.
  • Glue: Analog saturation can be used to glue the different elements of a mix together and create a more cohesive sound. This is because it helps to blend the different instruments and frequencies together.

Of course, whether or not to use analog saturation is a matter of personal preference. Some producers and engineers prefer the clean and pristine sound of digital audio, while others prefer the warmer and more natural sound of analog saturation. There is no right or wrong answer, and it really depends on the sound that you are trying to achieve.

If you are interested in experimenting with analog saturation on your digitally produced music, there are a number of digital plugins available that can emulate the sound of analog saturation devices. These plugins can be a great way to get the benefits of analog saturation without having to invest in expensive hardware.

Here are a few popular digital saturation plugins:

  • FabFilter Saturn: A versatile saturation plugin that can emulate a variety of different analog saturation devices.
  • iZotope Trash 2: A powerful saturation plugin with a wide range of features.
  • Waves Abbey Road Saturator: A faithful emulation of the classic Abbey Road TG12412 tube compressor.
  • UAD Oxide Tape: A plugin that emulates the sound of analog tape saturation.

Experiment with different saturation plugins and settings to find what works best for your music.

Mental health and the benefits from music 

Music has been shown to have a number of benefits for mental health, including:

  • Reduce stress and anxiety. Listening to music can help to reduce stress and anxiety by activating the body's relaxation response. This response is triggered by the release of endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
  • Improve mood. Music can also help to improve mood by activating the reward center of the brain. This can lead to feelings of happiness and well-being.
  • Reduce pain. Listening to music can help to reduce pain by distracting the mind from the pain and by stimulating the release of endorphins.
  • Improve sleep. Listening to calming music before bed can help to improve sleep quality by relaxing the mind and body.
  • Increase self-esteem. Music can help to increase self-esteem by providing a sense of identity and belonging. It can also be a way to express emotions and connect with others.
  • Reduce symptoms of depression. Listening to music can help to reduce symptoms of depression by improving mood, reducing stress, and increasing self-esteem.

The type of music that is most beneficial for mental health depends on the individual and their preferences. However, some genres of music that have been shown to have positive effects on mental health include:

  • Classical music. Classical music is often calming and relaxing, which can be helpful for reducing stress and anxiety.
  • Nature sounds. Nature sounds, such as the sound of waves crashing or birds singing, can also be calming and relaxing.
  • Meditation music. Meditation music is designed to promote relaxation and focus.
  • Singing. Singing can be a way to express emotions and connect with others. It can also be a form of exercise, which can have mood-boosting effects.
  • Music therapy. Music therapy is a formal intervention that uses music to improve mental health. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

If you are interested in using music to improve your mental health, it is important to find music that you enjoy and that resonates with you. You can also try different types of music to see what works best for you. If you are struggling with mental health problems, it is important to seek professional help. Music can be a helpful complement to therapy, but it is not a substitute for it.

Thinking of setting up your own record label? 

Starting your own record label can be a daunting task, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Here are the basic steps involved in setting up your own record label:

  1. Define your goals. What do you want to achieve with your record label? Do you want to promote local artists? Release a specific genre of music? Help new artists get their start? Once you know your goals, you can start to develop a plan to achieve them.
  2. Research the market. Who are your target audience? What other record labels are out there? What are they doing well, and what could they be doing better? By understanding the market, you can position your label to succeed.
  3. Choose a name and branding. Your name and branding should be unique and memorable. They should also reflect the sound and aesthetic of your label.
  4. Secure funding. Starting a record label can be expensive. You'll need to cover the costs of recording, mastering, distribution, and marketing. There are a number of ways to secure funding, such as personal savings, loans, grants, and crowdfunding.
  5. Find artists. Once you have the funding in place, you can start to find artists to sign to your label. This can be done through networking, attending shows, or searching online.
  6. Sign contracts. Once you've found artists you want to work with, you'll need to sign contracts with them. These contracts will outline the terms of your relationship, such as the rights you'll have to their music and how you'll share profits.
  7. Record and release music. Once you have contracts in place, you can start recording and releasing music. This process can be complex and time-consuming, but it's essential to get it right.
  8. Promote your music. Once you have music released, you need to promote it to your target audience. This can be done through a variety of channels, such as social media, streaming platforms, and live shows.
  9. Manage your finances. It's important to keep track of your finances from the start. This will help you make sure you're not spending more money than you're making.
  10. Be patient and persistent. Starting a record label takes time and effort. Don't expect to become successful overnight. Just keep working hard and eventually you'll achieve your goals.

Here are some additional tips for starting a record label:

  • Get involved in the music community. Attend shows, network with other music professionals, and get to know the local scene.
  • Build a strong team. You'll need a team of people with different skills and expertise to help you run your label.
  • Be creative and innovative. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and come up with new ways to promote your music and connect with your audience.
  • Don't give up. Starting a record label is a challenging but rewarding experience. Don't give up on your dreams, no matter how hard things get.

The pros and cons of releasing music on Spotify 

  • Here are some of the benefits of releasing music on Spotify:
  • Wide reach. Spotify has over 406 million active users in 184 markets, making it one of the most popular music streaming platforms in the world. This means that your music has the potential to be heard by a large audience.
  • Fair royalties. Spotify pays artists royalties based on the number of streams their music receives. The average payout per stream is around $0.003, but this can vary depending on factors such as the popularity of the song and the subscription tier of the listener.
  • Promotional opportunities. Spotify offers a variety of promotional opportunities for artists, such as its editorial playlists and its "Radar" program for new artists. These opportunities can help you to get your music heard by more people.
  • Data insights. Spotify provides artists with data insights about their music, such as how many streams it has received, where it is being played, and who is listening to it. This data can be helpful for understanding your audience and making decisions about your music career.
  • Ease of use. It is relatively easy to release music on Spotify. You can do it yourself through Spotify for Artists, or you can work with a distributor.

Overall, releasing music on Spotify can be a great way to get your music heard by a large audience and to build a career as an artist.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when releasing music on Spotify:

  • Promote your music. Don't just release your music and hope for the best. You need to promote it on social media, your website, and other channels.
  • Get your music on playlists. Getting your music on Spotify playlists is a great way to get it heard by more people. You can submit your music to Spotify's editorial playlists, or you can create your own playlists and promote them.
  • Be patient. It takes time to build a following on Spotify. Don't expect to become an overnight success. Just keep releasing good music and promoting it, and eventually you will start to see results.

Here are some of the disadvantages of releasing music on Spotify:

  • Low payout per stream. As mentioned earlier, the average payout per stream on Spotify is around $0.003. This means that you would need to get a lot of streams in order to make a significant amount of money.
  • Competition. There is a lot of competition on Spotify. There are millions of songs on the platform, and it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd.
  • Royalties are not paid immediately. Spotify pays artists royalties quarterly, which means that you will not receive payment for your streams until 3 months after they have occurred.
  • Spotify can remove your music at any time. Spotify has the right to remove your music from its platform at any time, for any reason. This means that you could lose access to your audience and your earnings if Spotify decides to remove your music.

Overall, the decision of whether or not to release music on Spotify is a personal one. There are both advantages and disadvantages to consider. If you are serious about building a career as an artist, then releasing music on Spotify can be a good way to get your music heard by a large audience. However, you should be aware of the low payout per stream and the high level of competition before you make a decision.

Here are some tips for maximizing your chances of success on Spotify:

  • Release high-quality music. This is the most important factor in getting your music heard on Spotify. Make sure your songs are well-produced and sonically appealing.
  • Promote your music. Don't just release your music and hope for the best. You need to promote it on social media, your website, and other channels.
  • Get your music on playlists. Getting your music on Spotify playlists is a great way to get it heard by more people. You can submit your music to Spotify's editorial playlists, or you can create your own playlists and promote them.
  • Be patient. It takes time to build a following on Spotify. Don't expect to become an overnight success. Just keep releasing good music and promoting it, and eventually you will start to see results.