Frequently Asked Questions
I'm a singer/songwriter but I don't have a band. Can you take my raw demo and make it sound like a professional CD with a great band behind me?
Yes, absolutely! This is our thing!!
I'm the same girl who asked you the last question. I forgot to mention – I live in Cairns (I know you're in Melbourne). Is this a problem?
Yes and no. I'd love to create the band arrangement for your song here, but it would make more sense if you recorded your vocals somewhere closer to home! Just give me a call and we can discuss it – its easily done!
Do you actually play all the instruments that I can hear on your band backing tracks?
No. I use state-of-the-art virtual instruments for everything except strings (and often percussion). The purist may wince, but in a lot of situations its hard for even a trained ear to tell the difference when the modules are used to their full potential. The modules I currently use are BFD2 (Drums), Real Guitar, Trilian Bass, First Call Horns (brass and saxes), the many sounds and synths of Logic Pro 9 (Mac), and various Non-Royalty samples as required for specific projects.
Can we just bring our band in and record some stuff at your place?
No. We specialize in track by track recording, and synthetic music creation – not recording live bands.
We've already recorded our song at our regular studio, but now we want to add some live string lines. Is it possible at this point?
Sure. There are several ways we can do this – just give us a call to discuss our options.
I've just got a gig where I'm going to be backed by a seven piece big-band. They say they need sheet music, and I can't get it at Billy Hyde's!!! Can you do this for me?
Absolutely. I've written arrangements for everything from piano to full symphony orchestra with choir.
You talk a lot about your String Orchestra thingo. Do you have any credentials as string players?
Yes. Jacqui (cello) has a Bachelor of Music (performance). She was a fulltime member of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra for 11 years, also a casual cellist with the Sydney Symphony, and many other credits. Brenton (violin, viola) has a Licentiate of Music Diploma (the highest accreditation of the Australian Music Examinations Board). He has played professionally with the Adelaide Symphony, WA Symphony, Tasmania Symphony, and many others.
How much do you charge?
All studio services (including arranging) are $50 p/h plus GST. We’ll quote your job and stick to the quote so there’ll be no surprises with the total cost. We are quite happy to work anywhere between "really well" and "really fast" depending on your budget.
Here are some examples of recent job costs. Add solo cello to a track - $150 + GST, add string quartet to a track - $250 + GST, arrange and create backing track from artist's rough recording - $200 + GST.
Will you deal with any copyright issues for me?
No – sorry… You must deal with all legal issues pertaining to any music you record, or commission to be recorded or arranged at String Fever Studio. If you have any questions, please refer them to APRA if you're within Australia, or your local Performing Rights Association.
Please phone or email us now for more information…