So This Is the New Year...

Good Morning Everyone,

I hope that you all had a great Holiday and a happy and safe New Year. 

I personally feel that honesty is the best policy so I will be blunt; The studio has been absolutely dead.  I currently have 2 clients that I'm working with and thats it.  This could be a sign of many things.  I think the biggest change is the affordability and quality of DIY studio equipment and the willingness of musicians to undertake the task of recording on their own.  The internet provides such a wealth of knowledge about recording and even the most popular artists of the day are more open about their recording techniques which has made it even easier for musicians to make their own demos and full lengths. 

If you couple this with the horrible economy, it really makes sense when you think about it.  Even for those musicians who aren't necissarily comforotable recording themselves, when you put it into perspective it starts to become quite appealing.  For the cost of 2 days in the studio, you can afford an 8 I/O A/D interface for your computer.  Not only that, but the interface will come with some form of recording software (Protools/Cubase.) But, even if it didn't come with software, why not download garageband for free and you'll be up and running in no time.

Don't get me wrong, I WANT you to bring your business to me at Hear the Ocean Studios, but I understand what I'm up against.  My greatest competition for your business is you, the client, and your level of comfort putting your project in someone elses hands versus taking it on yourself. 

The benifits of choosing me over any DIY approach are the following:

• I've been an active musician since 1996
• I have almost a decade of recording experience
• I've been engineering since 2004 with a Bachelors in Music Industry and Recording Techologies
• I offer all of my equipment, instruments, knowledge, and advice for a very reasonable price
• I let you focus on your performance rather than the quality and functionality of the recording process

• I'm a pretty nice guy...

So, when it comes time for your next big project, I ask that you consider all of your options.  If you are interested in working with, contact me at ken@heartheoceanstudios.com and we'll talk about your project and rates.

Again, Happy New Year to you and yours.

Ken K.

Welcome

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to my Blog for Hear the Ocean Studios. My name is Ken and I am the owner and engineer of the studio. I will be using this Blog to discuss my business, sessions, bands that I've worked with and how they've grown and developed, equipment reviews and investments, and more.

If you are interested in recording with me at Hear the Ocean Studios, you may find this Blog helpful in learning about my work style and personality.

The studio has been quiet during the summer months but I've been working hard, in cooperation with  Hayman Studio and Volo Productions, towards the development of the HTOS website and other promotional materials. I encourage you, if you haven't already, to take a look at the Hear the Ocean Studios website. Additionally, there will be new business cards available as of September 10th, featuring one of HTOS' custom made logos from Hayman Studio in York, PA.

As fall approaches, I will be working with Philadelphia's somber sweetheart Josh Britton's project, Psalmships. This "Country" album has been a treat to work on. It will contain several tunes of varying tempo and subject matter. It is sure to be a roller coaster. Initial tracking took place early this summer with both Josh and Philly singer/songwriter David Janes in the studio. Vocals and guitars were recorded a variety of ways depending on the track. New broadband sound absorbing GOBO's came in very handy in capturing a natural sound with clear separation between instruments. In September, a litany of talent from across the tri-state area will begin to file into the studio to fill out the Psalmships album. To follow this project, please join Psalmships on their blog.

So, welcome friends and clients. Please continue to check in with me and contact me with any questions or to setup a session. ken@heartheoceanstudios.com

Cheers,

Ken Kelemen