I also work with songwriters at the studio. Having a long history of song writing myself I can assist in getting your songs from that idea in your head to a full blown production, ready to send out to the world. I do not work with midi backing tracks, if that's what your looking for, this is not the place. I use only high caliber players to achieve a song demo or full CD that will be Nashville, L.A., N.Y. ready.

Availability of great players: Guitar (acoustic, electric, dobro, electric slide guitar, 12 string etc.) keyboards (piano, synth, organ, accordion& squeeze box) bass (4 & 5 string, fretless, upright), drums & percussion, mandolin, fiddle, string arraignments, horns and horn arrangements, banjo, pedal steel.

Help with musical , vocal and lyrical arrangement is available if wanted.

Rates:  Since each song may have far different requirements than the writer has in mind, rates vary. Depending on instrumentation, vocalists, arrangement assistance etc., the cost is based on all those factors. Call or e-mail so we can work up a quote.

Additional details: 

I have been writing songs for over 35 years, with songs on major label release's, radio, commercials, television and movies my experience is an asset for songwriters. In my writing I have used a huge variety of instrumentation and have developed a large database of accomplished musicians to work with. My songs have included orchestra strings, horn sections, large vocal arrangements and everything from jaw harps to washboards. Each song has it's own character and I work with the writer to accomplish their vision. Some want just a simple guitar or piano with a vocal, some want a full blown band kicking it up, whatever the writers choice we will get it done.

I have worked the spectrum, writers who just play, play & sing, to folks who just have the idea in their head and need all players and singers. Folks who want to express their artistic vision or create song demos aimed at selling songs that are arranged in the proper format wanted by publishers. Since songwriting is my first love I work hard with my clients (who usually become friends) to achieve the true essence of their work and vision. Mixing again becomes very important to create a demo that can really get the song across and stand out among the hundreds of others submitted to publishers everyday. I know all the books say the quality doesn't matter but don't believe that. Just put yourself in the position of the publisher. If you have 30 to 40 song submissions to listen to per day the songs that pop out at you are tightly arranged with great playing/singing, and stand out from the rest and grab the attention.

My main job is to make the artist comfortable and relaxed. I work hard at supporting, getting enthused and excietd along with the writer. At Planet49 the creative vibe is very important so I work hard at making the writer feel good about being here, having fun and having soemone who cares about their tunes in their corner That's where we differ from many busy studios that do not cater to songwriters . Being one myself I know we all wear our hearts right out there, so I try to make it easy and comfortable to be yourself.

As with all the work we do at Planet49 we strive for the highest quality recording we can get. Starting with song arrangement, vocal performance, lyric content, into instrumentation, recording and mixing I want the writer to be satisfied and proud. If it takes a few more passes or a few more hours let's do it. Once a song is mixed and duplicated we live with it for a long time, so it's important to do it right.

A song should communicate with feeling and emotion and mostly, tell the story the writer intended. I know the heart, soul and hard work a writer puts into a tune, so I am there with you to make it come alive.

At Planet49 Recording I can either work with you in a producer role or just as a recordist depending on what your preference is. Help with melody, vocal arrangement, song arrangement etc. are available for the artist who wants it. Many times it helps to have another ear to help the process along.

ONE MORE THING, whether you use Planet49 or not. All writers start out at the beginning, not sure of what their doing and discovering a new talent. Some write great out of the box, some take a while to develop their craft but no on ever gets good not doing it and holding back. The worst is not giving your self a chance. Do it, Go for it, You dream it, You spend hours and hours working on it, never let fear, criticism or nervousness hold you back, the world always needs more songs and you just might have the next great in you !!!