Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey Weaver.
Casey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Been a musician for close to 35 years. Been recording since 1994 so I have always had a basic knowledge. Started getting into semi-pro bands in early 2000’s and recorded several demos with professional Phoenix area producers.
Being able to see the process, I was able to refine my knowledge with what I already knew and I started producing/recording the bands I was in to save time and money. Other bands started hearing what I did with my band and asked me to help them record their music which I enjoyed. I started to take off to the point where I was having bands show up to my home to record and I eventually built a free-standing studio that became SteamPunk.
It’s allowed me to gain alot of great connections and friendships with a large part of the Phoenix music community. Bands know I’m here to help and can deliver a quality product for a reasonable investment
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When COVID hit it really slowed us down but luckily we were able to manage. Some people didn’t agree with the safety measures we had in place and we respected that but chose to recommend them to other studios. Sometimes, we have to successfully manage the expectations of clients that may have some unrealistic goals. For the most part, it’s been a positive experience.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Steampunk is probably known most for its value to investment ratio. Bands that prepare themselves appropriately can bring their project to us and we can expand on its potential exponentially. We’ve also been complimented on our friendly attitude and relaxed environment. We’re here to help, not pick bands apart. We’re trying to achieve the best product possible since our name is on it as well.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
There’s SO much free information available with YouTube or on various forums on the web. Admittedly some of it is crap but there’s so much helpful information readily available at your fingertips. Start out by buying some gear and start recording yourself or other people for free and you can’t help but eventually get good at it.
Give your recordings to people who will give you honest feedback and take that feedback as a chance to learn and improve. Start talking to producers in your community about questions you have or how they learned. Ask if you can sit in on a recording session and try to learn. Use your ears, they are the best tool you have. Sometimes you have to give a mix a rest, walk away from it for a day to let your ears readjust and then come back to it fresh. Do the best with what you have.
Get your recordings right at the source and from the start. Bands/musicians can prepare by having a well defined song structure, knowing the tempo of the song, who’s going to record what part. Have a conversation with your producer about what you expect the end result to sound like (level setting expectations). Also, treat the studio as a place to come and get stuff done. Being relaxed is fine but it should be focused.
Contact Info:
- Email: steampunkaudiolabs@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/steampunkaudiolabs
Image Credits
Jeff West
