Did you know it's possible in 2024 for almost anyone to release a music recording?

There are a few things to consider before you begin:

1. Do you acquire the skills to do it yourself?

2. Do you hire a professional?

Both approaches have merits and in this post I'll try my best to highlight some pros and cons to keep in mind.

Doing it yourself:

Pros

● It can be an immensely creative and fulfilling process, you have total control over everything

● You have control over the time spent on the project

● You refine your own skills in the process

● Any investment in tools and equipment is yours to own

● It's an effective form of ear training

● Eventually it can be a huge advantage if you reach a point of monetization, and you'll be able to allocate funding for other important things in your release

Cons

● It takes time to refine these skills, and often a lot of research to stay on top of trends

● You might become bogged down in the process and lose your inspirational drive to finish projects

● There is still an initial cost to acquire the bare basics in equipment required (Computer, an audio converter, microphones, cables etc.)

● A professional will have already put in the time to become good at the craft, and may yield better results initially

● Your room or equipment may not be up to par to get a great result

Hiring a professional:

Pros

● They've already put in the time to develop their skills

● They will be able to work much faster

● They often own great pieces of equipment and know how to use it for great results

● You can focus on being creative and let the professional handle the technicalities

● You don't need to invest in any equipment yourself

Cons

● Professionals come with a wide range of costs, and can be anywhere from a couple hundred dollars up to and even exceeding tens of thousands of dollars for a few songs

● They might not be a good fit for your style, and you're at their mercy for what they're capable of achieving

● You will feel rushed, so preparation is a must before entering this environment

● If you encounter problems, you will have to tackle them quickly because time is money

● You may not learn anything new

● If you're not happy with the end result, you're out of luck

These are important considerations to keep in mind when you look at going to record your music. As a co-host of this space, I'll do my best to share as much of my knowledge as I can to empower musicians in our community to make informed decisions.

Feel free to discuss any additional points of this topic below. I hope to continue informative posts like this going forward in this space!