Droplink Studios

Google Music Decoded: What is it and how does it benefit you?

lmorgan — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 04:06:51 +0000

As most of you may already know, Google Music is a new online and mobile cloud service that allows users to access and share their music library from virtually anywhere and gives account holders the opportunity to sell their music online to other Google Music users. Both listeners and artists can benefit from this new music platform, and although it is targeted for the Android market, don’t get discouraged iPhone users! Recent apps make it easily accessible to you as well. I’ll talk about that a little later, but for now, here’s the low-down on Google Music and how you can start using it:

Basically, you need to begin with a google account. If you don’t have one already, set one up. Go to music.google.com and download the “Music Manager”. This allows you to pull songs from your computer’s folders, iTunes storage, etc, and will upload them to the Google Music platform. Currently, it allows storage of up to 20,000 songs for free, and once they are uploaded, they can be organized, set up in playlists, or shared with your friends. Sharing you say???…although it’s a cool feature, don’t get too overly excited about it. Artists and record companies alike still need to make money, so your friends can listen to a shared song once for free and afterward are given the option to buy the track and add it to their library if they like it. Google Music will also continually recommend music to you based on what you listen to, and even offer free songs, including their “Free Song of the Day”, on a regular basis.

The real benefit I see to this new platform focuses on artists and bands. Google Music offers artists the ability to build a personalized page, including a bio, photos, videos, links, and tunes, AND allows the artist to sell and share their music online. You pick your sell price and manage your account as you see fit. It’s like MySpace on steroids! Fans of your music can find you online, buy and share your tunes with their friends, giving them the opportunity to buy your tracks as well and share with their friends, and so on…and so on…well, you see where I’m going with this. It’s an easy and modern way for an independent artist or band to gain exposure and promote themselves. Google Music is also linked to YouTube, so you can promote and sell your songs right along side of your music videos on your YouTube channel.

Now, the fine print…what’s the bottom line and when/how do you get paid? First off, artists utilizing the Google Music service will be required to pay a one-time fee of $25.00 to set up your personal artist page. No annual fees or surprise charges afterwards. (Take note, if you are signed with a record label or currently have a distributor this service may not be for you. This is really for artists without any outside support in selling their music). Once you have your page, you can upload tracks, create albums, edit your profile, make changes to pricing on tracks/albums, all for free. When music is sold, Google Music allows artists who use their services to keep 70% of the profit, which is paid out on a monthly basis. There are plenty of other sites that allow artists to keep a higher percentage, but you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons there.

Last, but not least, please be aware that if you plan to use this with a mobile device, Google Music is set up for the Android market. It’s very simple to access the features if you have an Android 2.2 or higher via an app that can be downloaded directly to your phone. However, iPhone users, as previously mentioned, do not be discouraged. You can still access Google Music by logging into your account through your Safari browser on your phone. Apple has also recently released a $0.99 app called GoMusic that allows direct access to your Google Music account. They are still tweaking it, so be prepared for a few hiccups here and there, but Apple is working to improve it. I downloaded it on my phone and have been using it the last few days without incident, so up to this point, I’m happy with it.

Google Music is one of a few recent highways built in the technological world to advance the future of music and further music accessibility. For artists, it provides another connection to your audience and is an inexpensive way to get your name and music out into cyberspace.

A walk-through of the site is available at music.google.com. If you are an artist, I’d recommend reading the “Help” section at the bottom of the screen to get an in-depth look at the service and what it can do for you.

As always, your comments are always welcome or share your recent experiences with Google Music! I’d be interested to hear them.

Mix Magazine Features Josh Woodhouse of Droplink Studios

lmorgan — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 03:38:06 +0000

Here it is folks!!

Mix Magazine’s latest entry in “Confessions of a Small Working Studio”, featuring Droplink Studios owner & chief engineer Josh Woodhouse. The article provides 11 lessons to “live and die by” in the recording business and provides input from studio owners reaching from Miami, to Nashville, to the great state of Texas. If you’re thinking about getting into the biz, are persistantly struggling, happily stumbling, or even successfully cruising along, you may find some helpful tips in this article.

And cheers to Josh for sharing his knowledge with the masses!

Mix Magazine’s October 2011 edition of:

“Confessions of a Small Working Studio: Lessons From Studio Owners”

Michael Ramos & Charanga Cakewalk Present Live Score for “El Tren Fantasma”

jwoodhouse — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:07:38 +0000

A key element required of any successful artist is the knowledge of fundamentals and an understanding of the technical aspects and tools used to execute that art. Where mice and men are separated is within the artists ability to hold that fundamental knowledge in the back of their mind, ready for retrieval at any time, but taking care to balance it out so as not to let it interfere with the art itself.

I’ve yet to see a display such as this on a large theatrical stage in Austin by a more humble man. Michael Ramos demonstrated an act of artistic brilliance as he wrote his score to El Tren Fantasma. The canvas was a 1927 silent film, shot in Mexico. It was directed by Gabriel Garcia Moreno and starred Clara Ibanez and Manuel de los Rios. On August 13th , 84 years later, The Paramount Theater gave Michael the opportunity to keep Mr. Moreno’s work alive.

It was a slightly tense, yet unassuming evening at The Paramount for those close to Michael. Although Michael was nervous, as one would be, having put a great deal of artistic energy into such a magnifigant feat, all was at ease as soon as the red curtains rose. From the opening scene, all eyes and ears couldn’t help but be drawn to what this man had laid out before us. The next hour and a half were filled with dynamics. From the curious opening scenes, to the more tongue and cheek moment’s, Charanga Cakewalk never skipped a beat, literally. At moments, I realized the genius behind the score, as I and others caught the appreciation for his native culture’s sense of humor. The audience at times forgot a live band was playing at all and became so absorbed within the movie that the screen and score became one, an achievement that any true composer hopes to accomplish. I, as a producer, recording engineer, and musician, left all of my worries behind, and for one evening was reminded why I moved to this city to begin with. Inspiring, artistically free, and talented people such as Michael Ramos have paved the way and made Austin, Texas a place where not only are we able to express ourselves freely, but its widely encouraged.

Cheers Michael, we at Droplink Studios raise our glass to you.

- Josh Woodhouse

Droplink Studios and Productions
Owner / Producer / Chief Engineer

Droplink Studios Owner, Josh Woodhouse, To Appear In Mix Magazine

jwoodhouse — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:35:14 +0000

Droplink Studios owner and chief engineer, Josh Woodhouse, was interviewed yesterday by Mix Magazine columnist, Lisa Horan. Mix is one of the most widely accepted magazines in the professional recording and sound production technology industry and is recognized by millions around the world. Mix features columns and articles on technical subjects, industry news, equipment reviews, and also profiles producers, engineers, artists, production facilities, and live venues, to name a few. Lisa Horan’s monthly column “Confessions of a Small Working Studio” specifically targets working engineers and studio owners. For almost 2 years now, Lisa has been calling around the country to gather advice, tips, and entertaining stories from the people in the thick of the industry.

In Lisa’s ongoing search, she happened across Droplink Studios online and instantly recognized that it would be a perfect fit for her column. She contacted Josh to schedule a phone interview, which was a pleasant surprise and honor to Josh and the whole Droplink crew. In his phone interview, Lisa presented Josh with questions regarding his experience as a recording engineer, producer, and studio owner, and asked him to offer his seasoned advice to up and coming music professionals.

After Josh’s successful interview, we’re looking forward to its publication in the October edition of Mix Magazine Online. This opportunity has further instilled the belief that hard work and perseverance really does pay off!

Gerardo Larios: Austin’s New Face in Web/Mobile Design & Development

admin — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:40:30 +0000

Longtime friend, musician, and audio engineer, Gerardo Larios, is branching out into a new creative industry: Web and Mobile Design and Development. His portfolio of work ranges from designing and developing mobile applications for clients like Audiotoniq and 3M, to developing web applications and eCommerce sites for small businesses, artists, and large companies.

From Audio Engineer to Web Developer: Originally from Mexico City, Larios moved to Boston where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music from Berklee in Audio Production and Engineering. Shortly after graduation, he made the move to Austin to work as a recording engineer and professional musician, performing at renowned events such as Austin City Limits, SXSW, Pachanga, Fun Fun Fun Festival, The Latin Music Awards hosted by Univision, and many more.

Playing guitar, bass, and piano in several bands with the potential of touring, Gerardo realized that he needed a career path that offered the flexibility to work from mobile locations. He used his artistic talents and engineering background to become fluent in Adobe Creative Suite and programming languages, such as PHP, jQuery, Javascript, HTML5, and CSS. It was a perfect fit!

“Whether it’s technology, music, art, or wood carving, I have a passion for creating and designing. I find that web and mobile development utilizes a similar skill set that I have acquired as a professional musician and engineer and still allows me to be creative and technical at the same time.” – Gerardo Larios

We at Droplink Studios can personally vouch for Gerardo and his abilities. He has stepped beyond his genius as a musician and has sculpted a talent in web & mobile design & development that is truly impressive. Gerardo is our “go-to” guy and we’d recommend him to anyone looking for help in this field.

For more information about Gerardo and to view his current portfolio, please visit his website at www.gerardolarios.com.

Droplink Studios “Rock Yo Body, Not Yo Wallet” rates 9/01-9/05!

jwoodhouse — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:28:48 +0000

Hello All,

So last month I had a band reschedule on short notice and decided to try something fun (and really because I didn’t want to be bored), so I called a bunch of clients that I had either worked with in the past or have wanted to work with and threw them some cheap “on the fly” rates to come in the studio and record. It turned out to be really fun! We had Rob from Critical Assembly’s cousin Mikel Carnes in to record acoustic and vocals on some good Texas country. We had long time client and great singer/songwriter Larry Hilliard in, which was a real pleasure to get back in the studio with him. We also had metal band Lurker in and we ended up recording, mixing, and mastering their next E.P., which turned out awesome! So, I’m looking at this weekend and thinking, why not, let’s do it again. So here ya go!

Droplink Studios weekend “Rock Yo Body, Not Yo Wallet” rates for 09.01 thru 09.05!!

Singer/Songwriters: $225 for 3 to 4 song instrument and vocal E.P. (Recorded, Pro Mixed, Pro Master)

Bands: $425 for 3 song Demo / E.P. (Recorded), or…
$850 for 3 song Demo / E.P. (Recorded, Pro Mixed, Pro Master)

Last time we did this we had 4 acts in the studio over the weekend! I’m proud to say everyone had a good time and left with radio quality work, just ask ‘em! I’m anticipating time will book up quickly, so if you want in on this, act fast! Call or email me for booking.

Josh Woodhouse (Owner/Chief Engineer/Producer)
Ph: 512-970-3353
jwoodhouse@droplinkstudios.com

Droplink Studios Becomes Home To Local Artist’s Works

admin — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 04:32:16 +0000

Droplink Studios is not only Austin’s #1 recording studio, but we are now a showroom for local artist, Wendi Ramirez’s, artwork as well. Wendi’s artistry has been a favorite of ours for years, so we were stoked when she offered us nine of her pieces to display in our studio. Wendi has been involved in the Fine Art and Tattoo industry for over 20 years and currently owns Dovetail Tattoo, which resides conveniently between downtown Austin and the popular University area known as “the drag”. Since opening her studio in 2010, Wendi has received a lot of press, including a spread in Tattoo Magazine highlighting her and her fellow artist’s signature styles. Her works are exceptional and we’re proud to have them on display in our studio. View our prints below or drop by the studio to have a look in person! Catalogs of Wendi’s work can be found at the links below. Some prints may be available for sale so please inquire if interested.

http://dovetailtattoo.com/site/

http://www.wendiramirez.com/

A Month (or Three) in the Life of a Recording Studio in Austin, Texas

jwoodhouse — Thu, 19 May 2011 03:52:08 +0000

Droplink Recording Studios in Austin, Texas has been on the move this last quarter and doesn’t show any sign of slowing down. We figured we’d give our fans, friends, and clients (past, present, and future) some insight into our last few months…

We wrapped up February with one of the freshest projects of the year for Droplink Studios owner, chief engineer, & producer, Josh Woodhouse. The client was Speaker Thieves. Front man, Patrick O’Shaughnessy, approached Josh earlier in the year to master some old and new tracks for the group that had been neglected. Soon after, Patrick returned to the studio. With the help of the band members, some local Austin talent, including Tameca Jones on vocals, Dane Farnsworth (Mingo Fishtrap) on keys, and Josh himself, they went to work. What would become of it all was a new album for the Speaker Thieves. Droplink Studios was able to get a pre-release album completed in time for SXSW 2011, where it received very good reception. We here were all happy to be a part of some refreshing, intelligent hip-hop, with live instrumentation and soul. Cheers to the Speaker Thieves!

During this year’s SXSW festival, we were happy to step out from behind the recording gear, (although we enjoyed recording Muse last year, without a doubt). It was nice to join the Texas Music Office at downtown club, The Ranch, for an event focused on promoting Texas music and artists during SXSW. We met some new friends and were happy to see our associates, Brian Stovall & Colin Kendrick, from Austin Music Foundation. We got a chance to thank them for the support they have shown Droplink Studios this year and for allowing us to return the favor.

We also had some great luncheons and visits to the studio from friends, Terry Hale and Nicole Bogatz, of the Austin Federation of Musicians. We will continue to support these strong and influencial groups of Texas music and look forward to working with all three in the coming year.

We were glad to have some International friends in need of our services during March. From Puerto Rico, we were able to help Reggaeton client, David Diambulante, return with some tracks that ended up getting regular play in Honduras and Puerto Rico. We also welcomed rock group, Sexy Marvin, from Monterrey, Mexico and helped with their album completion. We wish them luck on there crossover to the American charts.

Early April kicked off with us helping Austin country music artist, Shannon Reagan, complete her record. We will continue to help Shannon with her album and wish her the best on the birth of her second child. We are so happy everything went well and expect she will have an exciting year.

Along with Shannon, Droplink Studios saw things picking up rather fast. We welcomed a new recording engineer into our studio. Sam Jordan, alumni from The Recording Conservatory of Austin, joined the Droplink crew and has already been involved in a few sessions of his own (more on those later). Hunter St. Marie (recording engineer, musician, producer), of whom helped start our new facility, continued some great work inside and outside the studio with artists from near and far. Expect a blog from the man himself very soon.

Also in April, Josh Woodhouse started what will be his second biggest album of the year with The Niel Nasset Band. You’ll be hearing a lot about this band from us and the Texas music scene. We are in full production mode and are finishing up tracking as this blog is being written. We are very happy to have an alt/rock/country band in our studio that is fresh and hungry and we have very high hopes and faith in The Niel Nasset Band. Their sound is unique, yet becomes a household name, the second you put it on the speakers. Keep your eyes and your ears open for their new album to be released soon.

In late April, Josh was happy to get to work with some old friends and long time clients again this month. Austin metal band Dead Earth Politics hired Droplink Studios to record their live metal show at Emo’s with some metal / thrash legends. The Blood Royale opened the show and, as always, did an amazing job. San Antonio metal band, HOD, kept true to their guns and rocked the crowd into a death metal sway. After Dead Earth Politics, two long running legends played, including Texas thrash metal pioneers, Rigor Mortis, and the show headliner being New Orleans thrash metal gods, Exhorder. The show was amazing and we were very happy to get some of it on tape.

Droplink Studios also found themselves involved in some great live Texas metal and rock recordings, including Austin rock bands Meganaut, High Watt Crucifixers, and Austin progressive rock / metal band Blackholicus. Expect many more to come from us this summer.

So onto May…we hit head first with projects on the books from beginning to end. Droplink engineer, Sam Jordan, has been working with Austin rock band Hyde Park Showdown on what is sure to be some of their best material yet. Sam also worked with Austin rock/blues band, Burning Avalanche. Following that, Sam recently recorded The Eric Tessmer Band, with Josh Woodhouse acting as assistant engineer. The recording was for the “Samsung Battle of the Bands” to promote the new Samsung 4G. Check out the live video here: http://www.youtube.com/erictessmer#p/a/u/1/ew2-uOKInp4

Bo Smith, owner of South Sound Productions and a Droplink engineer, producer, and writer, was busy this month as well. Bo brought in Louisiana country artist, Chris Canterbury. Chris recorded an EP at Droplink Studios and is looking forward to having Cody Canada from Cross Canadian Ragweed make a cameo on the upcoming album. Chris made good use of time during his short stay in Austin. He opened a show at Saxon Pub in Austin and got some production advice from Texas songwriter/producer Walt Wilkins. Bo will also be hosting a cancer benefit concert in Arcadia, LA, featuring Jason Boland and the Stragglers, on May 27^th. To find out about ticket sales or make a donation to the cause for 14 year old Brittany Clampit, please visit: http://www.yourtexasmusic.com/Benefit_for_Brittany_p/ssp-052811.htm

And off we go into the summer with an already smashing start on some outstanding albums. We will keep you up to date on album releases, concerts, and press from any and all of our great clients. We want to thank everyone listed for believing in us and having faith in our new recording studio, right here in the live music capitol of the world.

Cheers!

Austin Based Singer-Songwriter Melissa Engleman Receives Rave Reviews

jwoodhouse — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 03:09:45 +0000

Droplink Studios client, Melissa Engleman, is receiving some great feedback on her recent release “At the Hotel Cafe”. The album was mastered by Josh Woodhouse, owner & head engineer of Droplink Studios. Check out one of her reviews here by writer Nick DeRiso of Something Else! reviews.

If you’re looking for something to do on a Saturday afternoon, Melissa currently has a regular gig at the Hole In The Wall during happy hour from 5:30-6:30pm. I got a chance to catch one of her live shows recently and I highly recommend you see her! While the ice cubes were melting in my drink, I found myself tethered to her lyrics, struck by how she attacks her vulnerability on stage with each chord progression. For a while there I completely forgot about my beverage in hand. I guarantee if you see her show, you won’t leave disappointed!

Droplink Studios Client, The Mo Nelson Band, Releases Debut Album

lmorgan — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 02:22:48 +0000

Droplink Studios is proud to announce the long-awaited release of The Mo Nelson Band’s debut album, 4 days and 40 years. The album is an impressive representation of the band’s ability to capture your attention with the story lines in their songs. From free-flowing to heart-felt, it’s a debut album that is already gaining appreciation and respect from fans within the music community.

If you happen to be in Pittsburgh, PA on April 15th, head out to Club Cafe to celebrate the album release with the Mo Nelson Band. Their live show is one to see and should be pretty epic. Doors open at 9:45pm and the show starts at 10:15pm. They will have special guest, Ele[mental] joining them to get the party started.

You can purchase your copy of ‘4 days and 40 years’ at www.monelson.com. In addition, The Mo Nelson Band has tons of cool merch to support the album release. Mens and womens T-shirts and koozies are available for purchase on their website, and for a limited time, the band is offering free shipping to fans who purchase their album and/or merch.

We at Droplink Studios couldn’t be happier with the outcome of this album. We wish the boys of the Mo Nelson Band success at their upcoming shows to promote their new CD and we’re looking forward to our next rendezvous in the Droplink Studios live room.