FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Unkewl Sound & Recordings.
GENERAL
Q: Can you describe what Unkewl offers?
A: Yes, Unkewl Sound and Recordings is a music and audio production studio offering pre and post services (not specifically a recording studio).
If you are an artist or on an artist team, Unkewl can assist before the recording, in the assembly of the recording and/or in the final treatment of the recording, as presented to the audience.
Mixing uses different layers, balancing the parts and sections for emotional impact. Complexity of services range from a single vocalist over an instrumental to a full band playing live with multi-mic’d instruments.
Mastering is the total treatment of a finished, mixed recording; in some cases, as part of a larger collection of songs, where the volume and vibe of each can affect the other. Consideration is given to playback in different environments to increase engagement and improve translation in the widest range of playback scenarios.
Q: Why not just go with what I got?
A: Collaboration, in service to the artist’s vision, brings forth the best in your recordings and may help inspire more creative and confident work going forward.
Q: What is the cost of services at Unkewl?
A: Depends on the complexity — and always includes the most we can do. Options are clearly and helpfully presented regarding the upside and downside of additional treatments. As a producer myself, I understand choices must be made to bring a project to conclusion.
Q: Does Unkewl prefer certain genres?
A: No! All genres present unique opportunities, as long as there is a mind to keep it modern and forward-leaning. For example, if you are working on a polka album and you referenced the Frankie Yankovic classics of the 1940s, there would be a natural inclination to find the spirit of how a Frankie record would sound now. Current audiences enjoy when genre rules are bent and twisted, even if subtle.
MIXING
Q: What and how do I submit for mixing?
A: Upload individual tracks or layers for each recording as WAV, if available, clearly labelled to match the song and part (e.g., vocal, bass, snare, etc.) to Dropbox, GoogleDrive, WeTransfer or your preferred file-sharing platform. (We recommend Sound Credit for industry-wide support of all participants on a project.)
You may send a download link and description of your work here.
When exporting, be certain the individual layers of your song align from start to finish; at a glance, each layer should be the same exact file size per song. Sending original Pro Tools sessions is preferred by some, where work on a mix may be continued at Unkewl where left off.
Unkewl Sound & Recordings will visit with you and/or your team on camera, e-mail or phone. Once there is a mutual understanding of expectations, work begins.
Typically, an early mix will be delivered with still-developing ideas for discussion and approval. Back and forth continues until the mix is approved (like “emotional surfing”). You can add time-stamped comments to recordings with private streaming links or schedule a live listening session to make revisions in realtime from anywhere.
For many, the engineering notes pointing out changes and adjustments are enlightening. Artists and teams learn valuable information about customized processes, techniques and options.
Q: What about Dolby Atmos mixes for immersive sound?
A: Unkewl is Dolby Atmos ready. Traditional stereo mixes are still easily preferred by most listeners for their strength and accessibility, but Atmos is a heavy-weight option for streaming services and users who enjoy.
MASTERING
Q: Do you master recordings mixed elsewhere than Unkewl?
A: Yes, developing masters from different mix styles is part of what makes the process so enjoyable.
Q: Do all mixes benefit from a master?
A: Nearly universally, yes. Quality-control helps artists and artist teams sleep well at night knowing their work and original intention is on display with thought and care by others who love their work as much as they do (or more).
Q: What digital assets do I submit for mastering?
A: Upload your approved final mix or mixes as stereo WAV files with the song title in the clearly labeled; if possible, include the sequencing numbers per song for albums and EPs at the start of the file name (e.g, “01_filename.wav”).
You may have a loud reference mix your team has been enjoying and a version without loudness for mastering — the latter may create more options when maximizing, if extreme loudness is important to the project.
Stem-mastering can address more issues than a master from a stereo mix. By breaking out different instrument/vocal groups adding up to the final mix, specific areas can be treated with more intention. Stem mastering is a best option if you are satisfied with the mix, but want more out of it than a traditional master can offer.
Also, Unkewl has developed an optional high-res upsampling technique to add and help restore upper frequencies for 44.1/48 kHz recordings through classic analog practices. Perfect for releasing to Apple Lossless, Tidal Hi-Res, FLAC and the like.
ASSORTED
Q: Why Unkewl Sound & Recordings?
A: Besides developing your unique sound with care and insight like no where else in the world from Memphis, Tennessee, you’ll also earn natural long-term investment in the well-being of you and your artist. It’s hard work putting yourself out there; knowing your recordings are lovingly treated is the best feeling of all.
Q: Who is Unkewl Sound & Recordings?
A: It’s mostly me, Jay, doing the day-t0-day heavy-lifting of studio operations. You can read more about my experience here. There are others quietly helping behind-the-scenes to bring the Unkewl offering forward.
Q: What about different post-production options?
A: Choices present themselves based on need.
For example, if an artist has recorded a song with 16 tracks or layers to be mixed and mastered — the variety, length and intensity of each part of audio depends upon the project. A session could be a raw from the floor or an already thoughtfully curated mix and production.
Budget is the most practical creative limitation, helpful for directing attention and effort to the primary needs of the recording, both technical and creative.
In a lifetime of service to music and sound, I have learned engineering can be as powerful and subtle as an actor or actress in cinema with movement of eyes alone, excepting production is more like the support of the lights, costumes and treatment of the final picture, as the artist controls narrative with performance.
Q: What about detailed estimates, costs and payments?
A: Yes, estimates are available. Simply put, a mix ranges on average from $150 to $275 USD; first turnaround is usually within a few days once work starts. Rush orders are available, too. Traditional stereo masters are $75, but include deluxe treatments that may not be needed. Stem masters vary on complexity. There are no hidden charges.
High-trust partnerships are what Unkewl Sound and Recordings does.
Deposits are not usually required past the screening process, except in certain unique situations. Projects are invoiced after deliverables are approved, but invoices are sent monthly if services are ongoing.
Invoices should be settled within 30 days via the usual e-payments of credit card, debit card, ACH transfer, Apple Pay, PayPal, or Venmo. Special needs and arrangements should communicated up front, prior to work beginning.
Each investment an artist chooses to make in their work with Unkewl Sound & Recordings helps establish an invisible language unique to the artist, applied to a snapshot in time+space with a mind on forever… and we make notes about it.
Unkewl Sound & Recordings does not operate on the principle of exchange, but collaboration. Work is done for-hire with service extending into perpetuity. You keep all your rights and recordings. Royalty agreements are rare and require a long term strategic partnership.
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Unkewl Sound & Recordings looks forward to serving your creative vision.