How Much Does it Cost to Record a Song in the Studio?

This is a common question we encounter at Kore Studios. While more and more ‘bedroom artists’ are sticking with DIY recording spaces, the guaranteed quality and expert guidance that comes with a professional studio recording cannot be underestimated. Booking a recording studio session is certainly worth the investment, but it’s up to you to make sure that you get your money’s worth. In this article, our team will be offering some insights into the types of costs you can expect when recording in a studio, as well as tips for making the most of your time.

Recording studios offer a flat rate per session

Generally speaking, offering a price per song isn’t the most efficient way of going about things. There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes of each recording that the most cost-effective solution is for artists to book an allocated timeslot in the studio – giving them enough time to get their creative juices flowing and iron out any kinks! At Kore Studios, we invite artists to book recording sessions in either 6 or 12-hour slots. This gives us the time we need to get to know artists, understand exactly what they’re looking for and create an exemplary recording.

What to consider what costing out a recording session

There are a lot of studios out there, all of which offer different levels of service and varying set-ups. Take the time to familiarise yourself with what each one can offer, so you know you’re getting the absolute best deal. Here are just a few things to consider when looking for a recording studio that matches your budget without compromising on quality.

What’s included in the studio’s rate?

Are you still finding your feet as an artist, or do you know the recording process inside out? Most studios will adjust their services to match your expectations – but you’ll still want to check the fine print of exactly what you’ll get when booking studio time. For instance, are you hoping to get some hands-on assistance from an experienced producer? What about sound engineering, mixing or mastering? Doing your homework minimises the possibility of any unexpected costs during the recording process.

How much recording time do you need?

When it comes to recording time, it’s often better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. After all – perfection takes time! You need space to fully realise your creative vision and the last thing you want is to have a lightbulb moment when your time is about to run out. Fortunately, the best studios will be able to estimate how long the process will take – based on what you’re looking for. After all, the final product is not only a testament to your talent but their prowess as recording professionals, so they’ll want to take their time as much as you do.

How experienced and professional is the studio?

A studio’s experience will make a massive difference in your recording experience and the final result. This is often reflected in the cost of a recording session. If a studio is on the higher end of the pricing scale, this should mean that you’re paying for highly-skilled engineers, state-of-the-art equipment and a space where you can feel comfortable and at ease.

What has the studio produced?

An established recording studio will have its more distinguished artists plastered all over its website, as this is often the best way to draw in new clients. It’s often not a good sign if a studio is asking for a higher fee but doesn’t have the clientele to back it up. By taking the time to listen to past recordings of artists a studio has worked with, you’ll better understand the quality of their output. These recordings should be easy enough to find either on the studio’s website or by doing a quick Google search.

Do you need a rough demo or a ready-to-release result?

A rough demo could be as simple as recording a song live and then doing a quick mix on an older piece of equipment. Making a recording that’s ready to release is much more complex: recording the song, tuning the vocals, mixing and mastering are just a glimpse into the entire process. Getting a recording right takes time and money, so if the process is not only faster but also cheaper than you’d anticipated that may not bode well for the quality of the finished product.

How flexible can you be as an artist?

You might be able to reduce costs by being as flexible and accommodating as possible. That’s because when a studio isn’t being used, revenue is being lost. If you chat with the studio and ask them about slow days or whether there’s a shortlist for cancellations, they may be happy to accommodate you at a competitive rate.

Kore Studios is one of the leading recording studios in London. We’ve worked with a slew of notable artists including Amy Winehouse, Florence and the Machine and The Cranberries. Our fully-equipped studio is staffed by a team of talented sound engineers and producers, who are committed to helping you hone your sound.

If you’re looking for a stellar live recording or perhaps want to shoot a music video in our studio, get in touch to talk about our rates and services. You can do so by visiting our contact page, sending an email or calling a member of the Kore Studios team.