The process
Music Production | How does it work?
We offer music production at an affordable rate which includes an engineer & producer (typically the same person). Our music production service is perfect for singer-songwriters, rappers and artists looking to create their own original material for releasing commercially. We also offer the same service to those who already have their own compositions but find it challenging to complete the song or project. Sometimes a fresh ear and some additional production are all that’s required to push your song to completion.
The service includes programming, arranging, beat making, music composing, recording vocals, live instruments played if needed as well as all the technical experience to obtain all the sounds and production needed to take a song from its initial idea to finish.
Have an existing song that needs some additional production?
If you have an existing song idea and can’t seem to take it that step closer step further, then one of our highly skilled engineer/producers will be more than happy to help you co/produce your song with you and under your guidance.
Producers fees
A somewhat grey area for many but something that we like to be totally transparent about. The music production hourly rate does not include a “producers fee” as such and is typically taken out of an artist’s advance if signed to a label, management or publishing company.
However, we recognise budgets for unsigned/independent artists are tight and will work on a studio time/production rate to cover the producers time as long as the producer is credited, points are allocated and a split on publishing can be negotiated if the producer has brought something substantial to the song.
If the producer is involved in the creative writing process ie; composing additional chords or adding substantial changes to the overall sound of the song, then typically he/she becomes a writer of the song and is usually entitled to a percentage of the publishing of the song. Of course, the percentage split will be open to negotiation once the song(s) is completed.
What about Copyright,
Writers and Performance Royalties?
Another grey area for many artists is ‘what is copyright’. So first of all, copyright is the ownership of a song or body of work, which includes the audio files and the masters. Although there is no official way to copyright your sound recording, it is standard practice for the person who pays for the studio time to own the majority of the recordings’ copyright.
It is also standard practice to allocate a percentage of the ‘Sound Recording’ AKA ‘Master’ to the producer. This can be anything from 15-25% of the master depending on the producer’s involvement, creative input and what fee was paid to the producer for their services.
Those creatively involved (including producers, featured artists and musicians) must sign a consent form or musician’s release form to allow their involvement in the song to be distributed and released commercially. More info including the consent forms can be obtained from the Musicians Union
As an artist (or record label), you must register the writers of a song (this could be the artist/co-writers and the producer) with PRS and decide on splits once the song is complete.
You must also register the recorded work with PPL and list all the musicians and performers of a song – this can be highly beneficial to musicians registered with PPL to obtain performance royalties. More info at PPL.
GOOGLE REVIEWS
Check out what our happy clients have to say about us...
Ed Piolet15/11/2021Brilliant experience at the Studios, was there for my 11 yo bday with friends of hers to record a couple of songs and they had a blast. The team there was excellent, both from a technical standpoint and an EQ perspective: Kwadjo is a gem of an engineer and he put his musical/technical/teaching skills in motion to expertly lead this very active and creative group for 3 hours. There were snacks, etc. for each break to keep them going, really well organised, thank you Drew and team. I'd highly recommend it to anyone.
JiGH aka JiGGy JiGH12/09/2021I'm not usually one to leave reviews, unless the level of service is THAT outstanding to warrant me doing so. My experience at the Lab Studios has been nothing less than exceptional, CONSISTENTLY! Customer satisfaction is LITERALLY guaranteed, especially when it comes to the efficiency in customer service, communication, reliability, execution, promptness, delivering and consistency. However what I personally love, is the range of quality equipment within the facility, which of course enhances the quality of the works done...but more importantly, how relatable and down to earth Drew Horley is, who I hired as a producer. As an artist, you're generally very sensitive about your art and can sometimes feel very vulnerable sharing it. In order to be able to execute well, you need to be very comfortable in the space in which its shared and those within it. Drew has the ability of not only making you feel at ease and very comfortable, but LITERALLY brings out the BEST in you. I admittedly, am not the most easiest person to work with, as I'm very particular and quite finicky. However, Drew not only embraces this, but explores and exhausts every possible option to ensure I'm content and fully happy. What I truly find remarkable about Drew is his great ear. I also absolutely LOVE and admire his attention to detail, his patience, wisdom, understanding and knowledge. He is extremely thorough, and not one to cut corners, which I find VERY refreshing to say the least. More importantly, the multiple skills in which Drew hones, his diverse knowledge in music, along with his ability to play and understand various instruments, ultimately puts him at a high advantage. This makes Drew so flexible and adaptable with his ability to effectively execute any task given to him, irrespective of genre. This is just a few reasons as to why he is MY go-to AND personal favourite for 6 years and counting. There's nothing better than working with someone you love to work with, and I absolutely RELISH Drew Horley and the LAB studios.
strave madlene19/05/2021positive experience
BUSHROD28/09/2020Had a great experience at the LAB studios, was my first time working with Drew and it was an absolute pleasure. Super knowledgeable within all aspects from the recording right through to the mixing/mastering. Can highly recommend, will definitely be booking in another session!
Aidan Doyle28/09/2020Very positive experience with Lab Studios London. Drew was most helpful throughout the process. Our voice over artist was at Lab studios whereas I was in Dublin. Zoom link from Dublin worked a treat .Thanks Drew for your professionalism and courtesy. Will definitely use Lab Studios again. Aidan -Unicorn Films
Nathalie Vanpoperinghe13/02/2020I needed a song for an event. I had a brillant session with Drew. He is gifted and my song is just so beautiful! Thank you so much. I highly recommend Drew and his studio.
Jed Crouch13/12/2019I've been coming here for over a year now. Drew & Byron have always been a pleasure to work with, and I can't recommend it enough!
Ebele Bright09/11/2019Great service and communication. Brought out all sounds beautifully and went the extra mile to make sure mix was even better before mastering. Thanks Drew
Deborah C05/11/2019I needed to do a promo recording for getting more function work. I found Drew to be professional yet friendly, and accommodating. Really good production on my demo recording and video. Big thank you to Drew for liaising with making the booking happen, and Byron on the actual day. Highly recommend.