Coronavirus precautions have radically altered how everyday business is conducted in America. It seems every area of commerce has been affected, and my operations here at Studio X are no exception. Like everyone else I’m now working at home, alone.
Thankfully, through the wonders of modern technology, I’m able to continue benefitting from the talents of my team of Nashville studio pros. Just about every session player or singer that I know and use has the equipment and the wherewithal to record their parts in the comfort and safety of their own homes. So, for example, I might record a bare-bones version of a song with myself playing rhythm guitar and singing a scratch vocal. Then I can send that online to the bassist, keyboardist, singer, or whomever I’ve deemed appropriate for the given song. I’m sure to provide a chart, tempo markings, and any specifics I want included or avoided—basically everything to ensure that they give me what the song needs. They all record their individual contributions to the arrangement on their home rigs and upload their full-fidelity parts to me.
When all the song’s elements are complete I can do a final mix for my client. I end up with the same high-quality productions, but I have to admit to missing the face-to-face interactions with my ‘team’—the shared cups of coffee, the bad jokes, the road stories…
ALBUM PROJECTS, DEMOS BY MAIL
SONGWRITER DEMOS, VOICEOVER RECORDING
"I've done a lot of work with Tom at Studio X-- you won't find a better product for the price. His demos were responsible for my first three cuts in Nashville." Pete Frega, Nashville, TN
"Recording my album with Tom Manche in his beautiful studio was one of the most professional, relaxed, creative and efficient recording experiences I've ever had. Tom is a true Renaissance man: producer, engineer, songwriter, arranger, musician, creative coach and more importantly--he's hecka fun!" Renee Hayes, Berkeley, CA
Welcome--I'm producer/engineer/songwriter Tom Manche. Studio X is my music production studio that I ran in Los Angeles and Nashville, and now in beautiful Bend, OR (this site is still called Studio X Nashville because I'm still using my team of pro Nashville musicians, thanks to modern technology). Over the years I've produced thousands of recordings--everything from simple songwriter demos to full-length fully-produced albums to spoken-word projects like radio spots and audio books. If you're looking for an inexpensive studio helmed by a friendly, experienced professional, look no further.
If you need some advice on how to proceed with your project you'll find answers on my resources page and in the articles I've written. And please check out my specialized services: Demos by Mail and Bucket List Productions. I also can add additional tracks and/or mix and master your home recorded project. More info on that service is on my Fix & Mix page.
You can hear audio samples of my work on the Demos by Mail page, on my Cool Recent Projects page, and on my artist site TomManche.com. Also check out the Zanna Discs catalog of songs, I produced all of those. If you're a singer looking for material or tracks for your demo or album you'll find a lot of great songs there. And if that's not enough, check out my wife Susan Anders' vocal coaching site and her artist site: I produced all of her artist recordings and instructional methods.
Rates: My normal hourly rate for new clients is $40, but per-project package rates are also negotiable if you don't like to watch the clock. I also give discounts for larger projects. I'm happy to meet with you (or email) to discuss your project and give you a bid at no charge.
Still have questions? Write me.
Thanks for visiting!
Studio Tips: Who Owns What?
I've posted a quick article about the importance of finding out who will ultimately own your music when you work with a studio. It's here on my articles page.
Workshop in La Jolla, CA in August
I'll be giving a workshop called "Preparing for Your Recording Session", plus song evaluations. 6-9 PM 8/21/16.
NSAI members only: contact Tracey & Vance Marino for more information: tvmarino@cox.net
My song "Cirque du So What" is a semi-finalist
My song "Cirque du So What" is a semi-finalist in the 2016 International Songwriting Competition--I recorded it here at Studio X, of course!
"Tom is fast but thorough, he makes excellent suggestions, and he's a lot of fun. He's also a great guitar player who can come up with amazing parts on the spot." Deanna Walker, Zavitson Music Group, Nashville, TN
"I've been around a lot of studios and Tom Manche's is the best...great atmosphere and equipment, but best of all is Tom himself. He is very patient, fair, quick, and knows how to gently get the best out of singers and players. He has access to some of the best in Nashville, and knows what it takes to get the "Nashville sound." He also has the ear for good production and harmony ideas. I usually do most of my own tracks at home in MD and send them to Tom. He adds the singer or pedal steel or whatever I need, and does a great final mix." Jack Bond, Silver Springs, MD
"I've worked at Tom's studio on several projects: He's got a great space, a fast and versatile system, and a sure hand at the controls. Very professional, affordable, and it sounds good in the car when you leave. What more could you ask for?" Mark T. Jordan, Nashville, TN
"Recording at Studio X is always a comfortable, satisfying experience because Tom is able to quickly deliver the exact piano and vocal qualities I ask him for. His is the jewel of Nashville recording studios." Jim Stephens, Nashville, TN