A full-production proposal for On Deaf Ears
Written by Luc Chiasson
DON't SETTLE
You've put your heart and soul into your music
Music is a powerful form of expression. It requires an insane amount of time and energy just to create. As an artist, you have to be vulnerable, and allow yourself to be put out there for the world to judge.
This is a reality most people will never understand or experience, and often times musicians and songwriters go under appreciated for the amount of effort they put into their art.
This is why you should never settle. Never allow yourself to compromise on the quality of your music. It should heard the way it was intended to, and anything short of that will only disappoint you in the long run.
This is where I come in. I've been there. I know the experience of developing my skills, playing gigs, and networking to make sure my music was appreciated. I care about artists, and I want to help them achieve the vision that they have for their music.
By the end of this proposal, my goal is to convince you that I am the right person to take you to the finish line. But it requires that you put in 110% of yourself into your work.
If this doesn't sound like something you're ready for, then I encourage you to stop here. But if you resonate with the idea, and are ready to level up your career, then let's get down to business...
Get to know...
LUC CHIASSON
Hi, I'm Luc!
I'm a multi-genre producer and audio engineer from Toronto, Canada. I've been recording and producing music professionally since 2015, and have had a the oppurtunity to work with many local and international artists such as Flowerless, Itus, and Dan James Griffin.
I'm no stranger to this business, and I've been fortunate enough to work for studios such as Revolution Recording and Lynx Music here in Toronto. I was also a guest speaker for a young music producer panel at 2019's Indie Week Canada.
What I do want you to understand is that I genuinely care about making great music. While some people take on artists to pay the bills, I'm more concerned about making cool and unique records.
I want you to feel like your music is in the right hands. Even though I don't own a "big fancy studio", I can guarantee you're getting the premium service your music deserves.
- Luc
So, what do you get?
What does a full production entail?
HIGH QUALITY MUSIC PRODUCTION
Recording, mixing, and mastering, tailored to fit your unique needs as an artist
I will handpick the best recording spaces and studio gear to ensure you get the most out of your budget. There is no skimping out here.
Whether you have a large or small budget, the end goal remains the same: Making sure we get the best possible results for your music.
THE ALL-STAR LINEUP
A team of specialists hired to assist us along the way
What most people get wrong is that they believe a production should be carried by one person. The truth is behind any good production, there is a team of individuals who specialize in every step of the process.
I will always hire the people I believe in, and who I feel are better than me for any given task. Egos are not welcomed here.
From behind the scenes tasks such as vocal tuning and editing, to big jobs like mixing and mastering, I will always be sure to only hire the right people for your music.
FEEDBACK AND ARRANGEMENT
Making sure your music is exactly where it needs to be before we hit record
I will always go through every note, every section, and every lyric of a song to make sure its communicating EXACTLY what was intended. Every song has potential, so we want to make sure we are maximizing every bit of potential.
THIS DOES NOT MEAN I WANT TO CHANGE YOUR SOUND. In fact, I want to help you fully develop it. Together, we'll explore arrangements and lyrics and figure what works, and what doesn't work so that we can make sure you are forever proud of your music.
What's NOT included
What not to expect from this experience
EGO STROKING
I will always tell you exactly how it is
The biggest disservice I would give to you is lying about your music. I will ALWAYS give you my professional opinion, in an open and honest fashion.
My goal is to fulfill your vision, but I can only do that if we have open communication. If you just want to hear how good your music is, ask your family and significant others and leave that attitude out of the studio.
PROCRASTINATION
The studio is a professional environment for progress, not procrastination
Upon the start of a production, I will always communicate work hours with everyone involved. During these work hours it's expected from everyone, including myself, to show up on-time and ready.
I believe in having a fun and creative environment and you'll soon find out how chill I am to be around. I want this to be an enjoyable experience for everyone, but just don't forget that this is a business operation (yes, you are a business) and we need to maintain a professional working attitude when trying to get things done.
If you want to hang out, we can always grab a beer after the session!
The Process and Timescale
Here's my 10-step process for full production projects
STEP 1
PROPOSAL
This is where you are now.
This gives you a full detailed overview of the project, what to expect, and how to proceed.
Please review this with all band members, management, and label executives.
STEP 2
DEPOSIT
Once you've reviewed and approved the proposal, I will send you an invoice for a 50% down-deposit.
Please note, this figure may change based on any rentals and personnel required during the beginning portion of the project.
STEP 3
Schedule
Once the deposit is paid, we will discuss possible start dates.
Keep in mind, there are no guarantees until a deposit is paid. There are no exceptions to this rule.
STEP 4
FILES
Sometime between the deposit and the first scheduled date, I will need you to send me all the necessary files.
For more information on what to send and how to send it, I will include a PDF document that will walk you through the process.
STEP 5
PRE-PRODUCTION
The last stage before the first day of recording. This will either be done in the studio or at a dedicated rehearsal space and is included in the total project cost.
This is an absolutely necessary step. Without proper preparation, you will likely waste time and money in the recording process.
The number of days for pre-production can vary based on the needs.
STEP 6
RECORDING
This will be the bulk of the process and work hours may vary. There are many steps within this process, so I will be in constant communication during this time.
It is my goal to walk you through this process as smoothly as possible.
STEP 7
FINAL PAYMENT
Once the recording process is complete. We will now move into the mixing and mastering phase.
At this stage, I will be doing the work on my own time, and require the remaining amount before continuing work. This is to ensure I'm paid even if you choose to drop off the face of the earth and mirrors my standard mixing and mastering policies.
If we hire an outside mixer, you will also be required to abide by their payment system, so it shouldn't be any different.
Please understand that will not receive any files until this payment is made.
STEP 8
MIXING & MASTERING
Once the recording process is complete. We will now move into the mixing and mastering phase.
If handled by myself, there will be a minimum of one week for turnaround.
If handled by another engineer, scheduling and payment will revolve around their availability.
STEP 9
REVISIONS
This step will occur in between the completion of recording, all the way up the final master.
Once mixes and masters are sent, you will be responsible for delivering revision notes within 1-week of delivery.
Any longer and it will be presumed as approved. At this point you may be susceptible to additional charges for additional revisions.
STEP 10
FINAL MASTERS
Congratulations!
Once all masters are finalized and approved, you will receive a master folder containing all the necessary files for distribution.
From here, I will happily provide resources for content strategy and marketing, and connect you to my network of content creators.
The goal here is success; If you succeed, I succeed. So I'm here to help you get your music heard.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
In plain english (Please read carefully)
01.
Deposit
The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Any changes in pricing will be removed from the remaining balance, NOT the deposit.
If your band breaks up, the deposit will be forefeit.
02.
SCHEDULING
I always try to be as reasonable as possible with scheduling. However, if you are not punctual with your scheduled session, you will not be refunded for lost time.
I understand life happens, so unexpected things will happen. However, I reserve the right to cancel your project and forfeit your deposit if the project is delayed more than 12 months.
03.
FILE OWNERSHIP
Until the invoice is paid in full, I reserve the right to ownership over the files created. This does not mean I own your music, but you may not use any of my work until all fees are settled.
I will hold files for a minimum of 14-days after completion. After those 14-days, I am not responsible for theft or loss of the work.
YOU'RE ALMOST THERE!
Here's how to proceed...
