Dude I dont know what you are better at. Mixing and recording, or being a humble teacher. You have a gift. Thanks.

I have my first free client tomorrow. The Process begins!

Great tips! A HUGE problem I encountered last year and am still dealing with is that I didn't research enough of what my client wanted. I charged a simple "track and mix" rate. $xxx per song. As time progressed they kept asking to add more and more elements to each song and adding more songs because of my low rate plus all of those extra elements I had to perform and write myself because they didn't know someone else who could deliver the same result. It was extremely stressful and time consuming for me to write the parts because it was way outside of my personal style, sometimes the things I'd write were rejected. I asked to be payed early just so I could buy certain things to use in performing some of these parts (virtual instruments, etc). On top of this I have a day job which restricts my availability. Adding all this took up ALL of my time. I just want to say: charge the right rate! I ended up tracking, mixing, writing, rearranging song format, and performing multiple instruments including some of their parts 'cause it sounded better. That sounds more like a producer's rate doesn't it? I learned my lesson big time.

I have to say, even after being in this for a while as a beatmaker/producer, and making a living of this for the last couple of years, I do come back every 6 months or so to this specific video. I think its something people need to constantly be reminded of. Great video!

I love your videos Graham, especially this one, it feels like you're not hearing a vlogger, a musician or producer, it feels more like a friend, one of us that just tries to help and you spread the word in a really amazing way, and I personally appreciate it, helped a lot

I recently quit my job and moved back in with my mom and told her that I wanted to be a mix engineer...literally in the last 2 weeks. She told me I should focus on getting a "real job".This vid is like a sign from God for me. Thanks so much Graham. You've been my blessing.

Because of you and a few other KZfaqrs, my first EP production sounds really good and the band is already trying to pay me to do another one and mix/master some live tracks. Thanks!

This is great. I've seen several videos covering this topic, and none of them have given as much detailed info as this one. Thank you for taking the time to go through all of that.

Graham is one of the best production teachers you can find on youtube!

saw this pop up in the recommended videos and was gonna pass it up till i saw it was 22 min. i was like "wtf can he be saying about the matter?" glad i watched it...very important info

There are so many great tutorials on youtube that explain the art of recording and mixing. Especially on Your channel. You explain things so clear and precise. Your the best.

Thanks to you, I now run my own local recording studio. I've done the whole "do it for free" thing for a year and a bit. Even now, I find it hard to put my rates up and it's purely a confidence thing. I had my first signed artist in recording two weeks ago. I couldn't have done any of this without your videos. Both for practical knowledge and philosophy. The recording revolution has been a life saver for me. Thanks again. Because of you, I now do the job I've dreamed of since I was 15.

Your videos are so great. You are humble, know what you are doing, know your viewers' struggle as producers and you give very genuine suggestions. Huge thanks!

Great information man, you just answered the questions I've been asking myself lately and you answered them well. I'm so glad I found your page. Subscribed for life.

Just want to say thank you so much for creating this channel and helping us new/inexperienced guys understand the craft. Just with the knowledge I've gleaned from you, I've already gotten better recordings/mixes with my $600 set up (minus cost of my computer) than any $1000 session that I've done with a "pro". I hope that one day I get to meet and thank you in person.

I'm a Musician and also a producer. I produce pictures, film and especially music and I'm doing this for years. And your vlog just helped me to overcome my fear. You just nailed every questions I have in mind. Thanks you very much!

This is probably my 3rd time listening to one of your videos, where I had to abruptly pause the video and say thanks! You are a natural teacher/mentor. I come from a family of teachers and professors, and of course musicians, and you have that inviting quality that makes a student like myself comfortable in learning without feeling like an out of place amateur - if that makes sense. I don't feel like a rookie wasting the time of the seasoned vet. Well done!

fantastic pep talk!!! I've gone through all of the stages you describe, and you are so correct in the statement, "We always think we aren't worth as much as we charge because we recognize our flaws." Thanks for making these videos. I sincerely appreciate it. I've been recording my own bands and my own music for years, and now I'm at a stage where I don't advertise because projects find me. The reason they find me is my body of work. It's a long road. But being passionate is so KEY! :)

The best advice ever giving on this topic. This also helped me in terms of the video side as well when he talked about upgrading to equipment if he was generally speaking.

My musician boyfriend showed me this. I'm a young graphic designer who is really struggling with this part. Really glad I watched because you've said some very simple and obvious truths that make me feel a lot less bad about what I want to charge and a lot more confident about doing it.

Brilliant advice! I have recently decided to start charging for recording, mixing and mastering. After watching this video I feel I have made the right decisions as before I was doing absolutely EVERYTHING for free and, of course, at the start my mixes were extremely sketchy but after working with a ton of artists varying in genre I was able to constantly improve and now all of the artists that I work with achieve local and national radio AND TV play which in my mind tells me that I am doing something right! It feels GREAT even though I still charge quite a minimal rate while still not making enough to live off, I plan to carry on recording because it is my passion and would love to make a career out of it while I attend university to get my teaching degree which is also a huge passion of mine! Again thanks for making such great videos, they have been a great help to me and I'm sure to everyone else who watches! Please don't ever stop what you are doing! Brad

This is one of the Best videos I've seen on charging, pricing and perceived value! Very, very good job !!!!!!!!!!!

one of the best ways to get clients to work with you is to offer them a free demo of a song or two it works for me once they know how you can make them sound great they're not scared to fork out the money for an album because they know you can make them sound good and you do quality work and when they're at your home studio and tracking is done if they want to stick around while you work on mixing don't be scared to mix in front of them let them see the whole process if they need to or if they want to showing them every step process so that way they know what their money is going to it has helped me get repeat customers

Graham, I can't thank you enough for making this video! I've been freelancing for 3 years now mostly recording r&b & hip hop and everything in this video is extreme true! I've gone through all 3 stages and I couldn't agree with you more!

This was awesome, thank you!!! I'm currently attending CRAS left the comforts of the military pay to pursue this and had been doing the "free" thing for so long before school and I guess fell into the "I'm still not good enough to charge" thing. this helped ALOT to motivate me. Thank you

Excellent video it's always a pleasure to listen to Graham speak. Thanks for the inspiration.

Thanks for another great video. You are always very helpful! Much love!

I really needed to hear this... although more people have been telling me this.. I really need to start charging for my work. I know I'm good at the stage I am, I studied this in college... Thanks man!

Thank you alot for making this video, Graham. It speaks directly to my heart. Where i'm at and where i'm heading. And that's beyond music. This breakdown is a lesson for life! /Grayz

this video has inspired me so much man. i really appreciate what you do on youtube, taking your time to help and motivate us. this video speaks to more than just musicians, im using this to help motivate me to improve my graphic design website. THANKS SO MUCH MAN!!!

Definitely a great set of tips. Thank you so much!

Awesome video! Thanks. I work in a different industry, but I learned a lot from this, and getting over the fear of upping the bracket. Respect

Thank you so much for this talk. You made me realize all these fears and uncertainties I've had for so long and I think this applies not only to recording and mixing, but other freelance work too.

Im so glad I found your channel! LOADS of valuable information!!

Dude this was some real advice. I really appreciate your tone and empathy.

Great message, Graham! I am currently studying Audio Engineering and Recording in Georgia through The Recording Connection based in California. I have really enjoyed your videos and have found them helpful as I'm learning in the studio and reading my lessons. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and philosophy. Cheers!

Been watching your videos for a long time now, you give great tips! Have Helped me a ton with my mixes

You are SO correct on so many levels!! Although I don't really do music production, these are still the same processes I went through. Also, it was quantifiable for me to hear you talk about those who don't want to pay your rates as well-that's how I try to look at it too: Those people just aren't in my 'target demographic'. The fear is still there with me though somewhat and probably always will. Thanks for always sharing with the world!

hey graham I just made my first recording gig and I just wanna say THANK YOU so much , your great videos have help me a lot!!!

Wow i have no words man, this ks exactly what i was looking for, thanks for make thid videos and help upcoming great producers to grow up!

Graham i have to say i have been listening and watching you for about almost 2 years now. Thank you. I hope the Lord blesses you with all his power, because you give the same towards others. I would be such an lost engineer, without your help. And even though you charge for somethings, you give so much information that is well needed for free, and that shows that you care, so again thank you.

I respect you. This was an eyeopener for me. Thanx. Respect from holland!

man i did this exact strategy during 2016 here in Brazil where i live and its working! No words to describe how this video helped me to achieve my first goal leaving my day job! I can't thank you enough man! I only see God in all of these that happened to me this year!

Excellent video. Some people have told me already that I should be charging but I feel that I still need a bigger clientele to help get the word out first. That, and MORE SPACE. I have always felt that the day I start charging is the day I move into an actual space and not my back bedroom. But I guess charging something first is the only way to get there.

Great video. Thanks for all the effort you put into helping folks like me learn a thing or two with your videos.

Hi Graham, great videos on your channel thank you. Here are some reflexion of mine after watching your video: - I would add that charging people make them more involved in their own project. (crazy no?) - I Ask half of the bill at the end of the recordind session and second half when I deliver the CD or wave or whatever. - When you can define a number of hour you need for a project, it suits the budget of the band and help you to organise your work, trying to not pass too much or too less time on it. I hope these can help.

You hit all the right points with this video. Awesome job!

Follow ur dream my friend. No one else can stop u but U!. Becoming an Audio Engineer was the best decision ive ever made.

Very good video, you're a genius man! Really respect your work. Thanks for everything.

Graham, I can't thank you enough. This is exactly what I needed to learn right now.

thanks a lot man! Some great points I needed to hear. Love your channel

Excellent video!! Trully inspiring, thank you so much!!

You actually answered all of my questions I had. Great job! :) Thank you

Graham, first of all, thanks for this and the numerous other helpful tidbits you have shared. I listened to this simply because I am currently going through that phase of 'hatemyjobandneedamajorchange' period in my life (I'm 52) and I have been recording since the early 80's with the advent of home recording. A friend from the local pub asked me to record his punk band and asked if I would do it cheap (actually he asked if I'd do it for free but knew better... smart kid) and I decided at first to take the Hells Angels Altamont approach and asked for a case of good beer... then I realized the guy was an electrician... and I need more outlets in my studio and a series of overhead lights... guess what's happening when his CD is finished? BARTER is a GREAT way to get the things done in your studio that you would have to pay others to do usually. I have a guy who's a carpenter coming in in a few weeks and I need a small section of wall built and a door hung. What do you think of my solution to the Kobyashi Maru? PS: I actually got 2 cases of good beer because with both sets of songs (they have 10 altogether) we ran demos and they took home and listened to and wanted to do it again because they thought they could do better (which was refreshing) and they did. Totally worth my time.

That was a great video! It really inspired me! Thanks!!

Thanks Graham! really inspiring video. Right now, I'm on that phase were I'm charging a symbolical amount of money per song recorded and mixed, and we're being hired more and more, and, as you say, I'm investing that money on new gear. So, now that we are offering more services (live drums, quantization, voice tuning, etc...) and after watching this video, I'm more confident about rising fares. Thanks! PS: MOST of my mixing skills I learnt and experimented with after watching your videos.

the only positive audio engineering how to video. thanks dude, you convinced me haha

Amazing video by the way, I hope to see you in a big studio one day like the pros cause for me, you are one of the best!

Really good advices! Thanks so much!

This really helps....ive been recording for a while now and this gives me a few tips to move on.......THANKS MAN!

Thank you so muc, all of your videos so far have been awesome inspiration. Now I'm going to get to work.

I know you won't read this, but thank you man! This is really helpfull and inspiring

Great Job dude, your vids are so helpfull ! We want some bloopers when you film yourself in those kind of self-intreview ! :)

Thank you so much for this inspiring and motivating words!

I've been a paid professional for almost 20 years. The first piece of advice is to get to know the sound of your speaker/room intimately. Your first mixes will sound great to you on YOUR system. Then you'll play them on other systems and start to hear the flaws. You'll go back and start tweaking your mixes until you reach a happy medium. Then A/B your new mixes against your old ones. Be critical, especially about the low end.

This is good education on working in the creative industry. Much appreciated 😀

Great info and advice! Keep up the good work!

this is great advise my friend . dont be afraid to work with other people and keep an open mind.

Thanks man this is gold!!! Peace and keep em coming!

Wow Graham, You always have the most inspirational videos, no matter the subject you are speaking upon. It's like, subconsciously I am aware of some of the points, but you enable me to bring them to my conscious mind and really see what I am at, allowing me to assess my work as a business and really know what it takes to be a success, and how to get there. Thank you for everything you have done for myself and all of us other recording engineers. I feel like even the real pros can learn from you.

great, clear and concise video dude, great job

This is great advice, definitely helped me think about it the way I needed to...thanks again Graham! :)

This video is exactly what I needed. Thank you Graham and God bless

This is great! Thank you happy holidays. I used to record on an analog tascam 4 tracks. I have been into it for yrs. met JoeSatriani when i was a kid while he recorded his stratosphere lp on his living room floor on a tascam 4tracks . but still new to pc music so learning is fun. you will never learn everything & you'd be surprised to learn from the newest newbie. I am doing some recordings for free. I do it cause i love musiic. I dont need money nor want glory or fame. so id mix master ppl for free cause i love ppl & music. they go together

Very informative! I really needed to hear this. Thanks G!

Thanks a lot Graham for this great and very informative video. Blessings...

Very inspiring and helpful! Cheers!

Thanks for sharing, Graham. Love your vids!

Wow! Outstanding video Graham!

Thanks so much Graham, that was awesome!

Thanks for the advice!!! Great video as always

bro everytime i begin to think im crazy i see a video of yours to get less panick attacks. music business is so scary, thanks!!!!

Excellent video!! Thanks so much for share!!!

That was very useful . Thank you for the video .

Excelentes tus videos, eres como un maestro para mi.. (Y)! muchas gracias por todo saludos. desde Monterrey Nuevo leon, Mexico.

Great advice. I would say though that there is a shortage of work out there, especially in the UK and an excess of cheap or free studios/producers, so no matter how tight the business model, its tough to get paid at all. Breaking into the commercial realm, i,e getting regular commercial work form labels requires a particular approach, one as much based on being in with the right people as anything else.

Thanx Gram....great video!

cant believe it has taken me this long to get this. so inspired

A really important producer in Nashville said this to me: "Do charge something for every single work. You could charge 20$ for recording + mixing of 10 songs in an album, but the charge gives your work a value. Otherwise your effort will have no value at all for clients. Even if they are friends. Do not do it for free.". And I agree completely. That said, you are saying very useful things, thanks a lot as usual for sharing the things you know, you're really good! Hope you'll get where you want!

Really appreciate the free knowledge you offer

Best video on KZfaq!! Thanks!!

Really liked this video. Honest & inspiring!

Thanks for the instructions, you've done a good deed mister!!

don't know why people dislike this video! He's giving solid advice

An excellent video. Thank you.

Excellent video. You're so helpful

you're such a smart and great speaker, thanks a lot!

Great share!!!! very good tips

Great Vid Graham. Lets not forget Customer Service. Good customer service = Repeat Business, Bad customer Service = No Business. Most important of all, NEVER give a client a master of your mix until you are PAID in full.

Very very encouraging video !! I plan to start charging too simply because it took my skills and my TIME !! Thank you !!