FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Our rate $45 an hour. We bill for time, in most cases, but packages can be arranged. An invoice will be sent along with every payment request for your records. Payment requests are NON-NEGOTIABLE. If a payment request is sent, the customer MUST pay before any further work will be performed. This is standard operating procedure for professional studios (pro studios require a larger deposit up front), so do not attempt to negotiate your own terms. If we travel more than 25 miles, additional costs will be incurred, based on mileage, on top of the hourly rate. For example, if I were to drive 100 miles, which is 200 miles round trip, that would cost a non-refundable $40 (which is a discounted rate that covers gas cost), on top of the hourly rate. A 50 mile trip (100 miles round trip) would cost a non-refundable $20. The more distance, the more the travel and time expense. Once hired by a client, payment and scheduling are discussed, first. If the client wishes to have music composed for her or his project, a deposit of $38 is required up front, before any music production begins, and a non-exclusive rights contract needs to be signed by the client, before any files being sent to the client. The deposit ($38) before beginning music composition will be reimbursed as the first hour of billable time (2 hours of time = $76 [ - $38 = $38]). *If the client lives further than 25 miles, and wishes to have music composed, then both deposits will be applied. Once all audio recording is finished, we take the files to the mixing lab and begin the mix. Time is recorded and billed appropriately for all editing and mixing. A detailed invoice is then sent to the customer, along with a payment request. If the client has a budget that cannot be exceeded this MUST be discussed before any work has begun. A budget cap means that there is a time limit which must be adhered to on our end. Hours worked cannot be undone.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
First, we contact the customer to find out precisely what the potential client is looking for, and whether or not we are a good fit for each other. We will ask for any samples of audio (like demos) the client may have, to give us a better understanding of what musical direction she or he is looking for, as well as professionalism and commitment to his or her craft. If the client desires to have music composed, a contract will be sent for signature, before any work has begun, to lease the music for a period of time. A down payment must also be received before any work will begin. If the client approves music composition, a deposit request is sent via PayPal before any work begins (which is standard protocol in this industry). This deposit ensures that any work executed prior to meeting the client is somewhat compensated (and shows that the client is dedicated to the project). The pre-composition/production deposit will be reimbursed as the first hour of billable time (see pricing). As soon as the client schedules a time to meet with us and record, approve all pre-production (music composition/music pre-production), sign the non-exclusive rights contract (if leasing a beat or music), we arrive on site at the scheduled time, ready to record. Once the recording begins, Jeff will wear the hat of producer, if desired, putting his long-running experience and love of music to work in getting you the absolute best performance possible. Music production not only includes additional instrumentation or effects added in mixing/post-production, but also means adding ideas during recording, and coaching performers. There is no additional up-front cost for these services, but they do take time, which is why we bill by time, and not based on the project. All we ask is that Jeff, be credited properly in any liner notes or copyright filed. All appropriate contracts will be sent for verification, approval, and signature. No work will be released until all payment and contracts have been received. Once all audio recording is finished, we take the files to Jeff's home mixing lab and begin the mix. Time is recorded and billed appropriately for all editing and mixing. A detailed invoice is then sent to the customer, along with a payment request. If your performance required multiple takes (more than 5 or so) then more time will likely be accrued editing, prior to mixing. If the client has a budget that cannot be exceeded this MUST be discussed before any work has begun. A budget cap means that there is a time limit which must be adhered to on our end. Hours worked cannot be undone. Once the first mix is completed, a 30-second sample of the mix will be sent, along with an invoice of time for that mix and a payment request. If the client approves the mix, we will begin the mastering process. If the client has revision requests, we ask that the client send us notes (as detailed as possible) discussing the requests, e.g., the bass drum needs more punch, the vocal needs less delay or reverb, etc. All time worked will be billed, as with any other professional studio. Payment for the hours worked is mandatory before mix revisions, or mastering, will begin.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Jeff Fox earned an Associate of Arts degree from Hillsborough Community College in Music, in 2013, graduating with honors. Then, Jeff went on to St. Petersburg College to study in the Music Industry/ Recording Arts (MIRA) program, and earned his Associate of Science degree in Music Production, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Jeff has been a musician for over 20 years, playing drums, guitar, and singing, in various local bands, such as Pink Lincolns, Into the Cellar, Palantine, and Therapeutic Chokehold.