Have you got a question about how we work here at Big Cloud Promotions? It may well be covered in our FAQ section.
Bookings
How do I pay?
We have Pay Pal 'Buy it now' buttons on the services page on our site, or if you don't use pay pal, we can give you our bank details for a direct bank transfer. If you're coming to the studio in person, you're also welcome to pay cash.
How do I order a service?
Just get in touch with us via our CONTACT FORM We'll reply to most enquiries within 24 hours and we'll then give you all the relevant payment details. We'll send you confirmation when payment has been received along with an ONLINE FORM to fill in, it will help us customise your song production service. Also, we will sent you a link to our shared Dropbox. If you don't already use Dropbox, you can download it for free HERE As soon as you've done all that, you're now ready to put your demo in the dropbox and we'll let you know as soon as we receive it.
Custom Backing Tracks
How long will it take?
If it's very in-depth and needs a lot of instruments then we'll need between 7-10 days, but if it's very straightforward we can possibly have it done in a couple of days time depending on current workloads.
Can I choose any song I want?
Yes. Whatever you like. We're specialists in rock/pop and soul, but we'll work with other genres too. If in the unlikely event that we can't do that particular song, we'll let you know straight away before any money is exchanged.
Live Recording
Do I have to play to a click track?
No. You can have one if you want, and I strongly recommend it if you want to add other instruments to the track later on, but if you're just accompanying yourself, and you're happy with a simple recording, then feel free to just keep your own time.
How long until I get my finished song?
With a simple live recording ie: just acoustic guitar and vocal, you could walk out with your master on the same day. Even more complicated recordings will only take a day or two to finish.
Do I have to get it right on the first take?
No. We can try as many takes as necessary. It's very relaxed here 🙂
I'm not a guitarist, I play piano/keys, can I still record?
Yes. Just bring your instrument with you. We can either take a direct feed from your keyboard or alternatively we can capture the MIDI data to trigger any sound you like (grand piano, synth, hammond etc)
Can my band come in to record?
It all depends. If you're an acoustic trio with simple percussion, then yes. If you're a full electric band with a drum kit, then unfortunately not. We're a small studio and our live recording service is aimed at singer songwriters or smaller acoustic acts.
What do I need to bring?
Just bring any instruments you want to record and have your song ready. We'll provide all the mics and equipment.
Song Production
Do I need to credit Big Cloud Productions?
If we're only supplied with a vocal and no chords or instruments to work with then, as we would have to write and arrange the music we would then need to be credited ie: "Music written by Big Cloud Productions". If you supply the chord progression / arrangement and a vocal then we wouldn't require any co writing credits or royalty split, only a production and performance credit would be needed.
What If I don't like the mix?
You get up to three revisions of the mix free of charge. So you can ask for changes in the song/mix until you're happy.
How long to complete a song?
Once we start tracking, it's usually takes about 7 days to get to the 1st Draft Mix, obviously the timescale is dependent on the complexity of the particular song. (For example a simple rock song with just drums, bass and guitar won't take as long as a song that requires extensive orchestration). From that point the remixing process is pretty quick, we will usually have it Mixed and Mastered within a further 7 days. So the average song can be completed in roughly 2 weeks depending on current workloads.
Would you add Vocals to my Demo?
Yes, we'd be happy to. Usually we'd add backing vocals to your track backing up your own lead vocal take, but from time to time a client will ask us to sing the lead vocal for them and we're happy to. Just provide us with Lyrics and a guide vocal track and we'll do the rest.
How many mixes do I get?
We'll do up to three Mix revisions for you. Once we've tracked and mixed your song. We'll initially send you a first draft Mix (1st Draft Mix) and then you'll give us feedback regarding any changes to the mix that you would want. (EG: More Drums, less Acoustic Guitar, More Reverb on Backing Vocals)
- We'll then send you a first Mix Revision. (1st Mix Rev) Maybe you'll ask for some more changes.
- We'll then send you a second Mix Revision based on your suggestions (2nd Mix Rev). You're happy, but perhaps you then ask for a final change.
- We'll then send you the third and final Mix Revision (3rd Mix Rev). You're hopefully very happy with the mix!
My original demo?
If you intend for your demo to be included in the final mix then here's some points to remember. There's lots of ways we can do this. You can send us a single mixdown file (like in our song production video) or individual tracks (separate tracks for vocal, guitar etc). If you'd like for us to only use your vocal, then make sure you send us that on a separate track.
- Play to a click track. If it's not in time, it's very difficult to then add multiple instruments and have the whole thing sound great. If you struggle to play to a click, we'd be happy to redo your guitar/piano part for you.
- Ideally have a clean recording with no clipping, clicks or pops.
- If you have individual tracks that need including, send them to us.
- Send us the files in .WAV format if possible
- Let us know what Bpm (Beats per minute) you recorded your demo to.
I'm not sure what i want?
Feel free to just leave the instrumentation to us. We've been writing, producing and mixing original songs for years and we know what works, but be aware that if we get no instruction from you at all, you may end up with a track that wasn't exactly as you imagined. So, you can be as specific as you like or you can just leave it to us. Either way, you'll get a great track.
Do you use real drums?
Yes and no. We trigger real world live drum sounds via a Midi controller. We use BFD 3 within Cubase 8.5 Pro to build up your drumtrack. What you end up with is an Audio track of a real drummer playing a real kit, we just trigger the notes with MIDI. You WILL get real drum sounds on your record, and that's what matters. For Pop or Dance tracks we also have access to a wide library of electronic drum kits, machines and beats.
How do I get my Demo to you?
The best way is to send us your demo via Dropbox Once we have received your order we will send you a link to your own personal Dropbox folder, from which we can share mixes with you.
Technical
What Software do you use?
We mix in the box using full licensed versions of Steinberg Cubase Pro 8.5, Steinberg The Grand 3, FXpansion BFD 3 and Full versions of Steinberg Halion Symphonic Orchestra.
Will you provide Mastering?
Yes, included in the price is 24 bit Mastering. We will limit, compress and eq your track to commercial industry standards.
Vocal Services
Can I have Male or Female vocals?
Yes, we have access to great pro session singers of both genders.
