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[Gregg Janman]

I have finally found a client who actually lives in the same city as me, and he would like to attend the mastering session next Monday. Of course, I was happy to oblige.

I am just wondering if you guys have any tips or pitfalls to be aware of, to ensure that everything goes smoothly! As well as being the artist, he is also the label owner and talked about putting a lot more work my way in our meeting in Akihabara yesterday. He has been impressed with my work so far.

Fingers crossed all goes well.

[lowland]

In no particular order:

Keep the atmosphere light
Show an interest in the client's music and story
Get their opinion as often as is necessary, but no more so
Provide regular refreshments, including lunch where appropriate
Make the mastering nuts and bolts happen as unobtrusively as possible

Did I mention to keep the atmosphere light?

Enjoy the session, Gregg, I hope good things come of it.

[Gregg Janman]

Thanks Nigel,

Just the kind of tips I was looking for!

I'll make sure I have refreshments in. I think it'll be pretty chilled. I met him and the label's artist/designer yesterday, and they were both very nice.

[Thomas W. Bethel]

lowland wrote on Fri, 26 November 2010 09:07

In no particular order: Keep the atmosphere light Show an interest in the client's music and story Get their opinion as often as is necessary, but no more so Provide regular refreshments, including lunch where appropriate Make the mastering nuts and bolts happen as unobtrusively as possible Did I mention to keep the atmosphere light? Enjoy the session, Gregg, I hope good things come of it.

This is GREAT advice.

The only thing I would add is somewhere at the beginning of the session you should talk a bit about how payment is to be handled at the end of the sessions and restate your rates so there is no surprises later on.

It is a good idea IMHO to take a break every so often and walk around the room or go out for some fresh air to clear your head.

What genre is the mastering???

Best of luck!

[Gregg Janman]

Thanks Tom, that is also excellent advice!

I do need to talk to to them more about payment, as it wasn't totally clear yesterday. It doesn't help that his English is about as poor as my Japanese, but the designer will also come along, and her English is much better, so I'm thinking of writing everything down and hacking that out fairly near the beginning of the session.

The label deals with mainly Techno music artists, although I think on Monday we'll be doing at least one track with rap vocals. I'm very comfortable with most electronic music mastering, as I'm an electronic musician myself, so it's somewhat of a speciality.

Looking forward to it!

[urm eric]

Gregg Janman wrote on Fri, 26 November 2010 08:15

Thanks Nigel, Just the kind of tips I was looking for!

At some point during the session, dial in what you want from the Pullet and then let them switch it out of by-pass. A broad smile transcends all language barriers.

At a later time in your career, get a big friendly dog, or two, or four.

Good luck, you'll enjoy having immediate confirmation of your changes and learn a lot from immediate less enthusiastic responses.

Cheers,


Eric

[cass anawaty]

Run the session, and have confidence in your choices.

[Ed Littman]

defrag/reboot the comp before the session.
I have all my attended clients fill out a brief form for their info & sign that they agree to a small disclaimer about my payment policy.
IMO,it shows confidence & professionalism.
If you did not have to fill out some paper work at your 1st DR. visit wouldn't it look suspect?

Ed

[compasspnt]

Be sure the toilets are clean.

[Waltz Mastering]

Don't second guess your gut instinct... listen low. listen high. A/B before/after equally... good luck.

[bigaudioblowhard]

I'd ask them to bring samples of stuff they like, or listen to etc., so they can get a feel for how things sound in your room

seems they're already familiar with your work,  so probably not necessary, but before starting, have "the little chat" about volume if you feel it is necessary, with any of your own samples ready to demo

bab.

[jdg]

let them sit in the "captains" chair a few times.

[lowland]

jdg wrote on Fri, 26 November 2010 19:56

let them sit in the "captains" chair a few times.

That's a good one, John - never fails!

I've heard it said of Bob Ludwig that on an attended session clients feel they're very important to him and that they have his complete attention. If on finishing the session your customer goes away with the impression that 1. he's been well looked after and 2. the best job that can be done has been done, you can't ask for much more IMO.

[bleen]

jdg wrote on Fri, 26 November 2010 11:56

let them sit in the "captains" chair a few times.

You never let me do that...  

[jdg]

bleen wrote on Fri, 26 November 2010 14:05

jdg wrote on Fri, 26 November 2010 11:56 let them sit in the "captains" chair a few times. You never let me do that...

dont eat beans