Need some "studious" advice

[natdrum]

Hey everybody, I never formally introduced myself, but greetings to everyone. I enjoy this forum because of the inside scoops and also I can get advice from experienced people.
I have a potential studio oppurtunity and its a chance to get my foot in the door. I was told the music is straight forward but very structured. I mean my timing is ok, I did my bands whole album with a metronome. I've worked in a studio several times, but how much should I charge? Should I not charge anything since I'm pretty green to studio drumming? Any advice would be great. Thanks guys and keep drumming

p.s. some of my playing to judge for yourselves http://www.noparkingsine.com

[blake1]

I had a nice dinner with Bernard Purdie and we talked about fees. His advise is "What ever makes YOU happy".

So, if it's music you really love, you may want to ask for a little less , (especially if you get to strut your stuff).

It's good to get paid for the whole job if it's going to take a short time, or per hour if you think it's going to take a long time for everyone (including you) to get good takes.

Every situation can be different depending on who is paying. Whether it's a friend, record company or trust fund "artist".

[hanayalator]

Check out what the standard union rates are in your area.

[natdrum]

Thanks for the advice guys. V drummer, the situation is that the guy who owns the studio records his own music (as well as other peoples music). Hes a seems like a small town type of recording guy. I havent met the guy yet, only his freind, but he said he would pay. Either way it will be an experience.
I see what you mean Blake, (by the way thats awesome you had dinner with Purdie!), I'll def. take that advice. If I enjoy it then everyone wins. Maybe I'm to worried about the money, I just think its important to have a good business mindset so people won't take advantage of me. balnce and stuff. thanks guys

[natdrum]

thanks hanayalator, I will check that out. is that in the yellow pages?

[Vdrummer]

What's your time worth? Are they a local unsigned band or do they have a deal? Are you joining them or just playing for hire?

I've done stuff for free for friends or charged depending on whether I could ever use the songs to demo my skills (i.e. it was decent material), and if not, charged more. Sometimes it's worth it to do it just for experience, but I've always found people treat you with more respect when they pay you.

Brad