Studio Ethics

[BiggChev]

Firstly, this thread may be more appropriate for another section, if so (admin) feel free to move it.

So today I'd like to discuss studio ethics with you nice folks. In my time as a producer/song writer I've had the privilege, and chagrin, to work in studios other than my own with other musicians/artists/producers. While stumbling through the untrodden I developed a personal code of conduct, or set of "Studio Ethics" to abide by while working in another persons studio. The, non-verbal binding agreement between Home & visitor is a common thing in sports and I'll try to apply it aptly to this particular situation...

WORK FLOW:

Guest:
as a guest in someone else's studio it is important to maintain the current work-flow established by the "home team". Do not immediately try to implicate your style or pace of work. Everybody is different, and in the world of "art" even more so. Imagine you and the "home" team as wavelengths. To create music wavelengths need to be complimentary as to not cause dissonance.

Home:
Ask, explain, listen. Don't go flying through your DAW with hot-keys and templates completely disregarding your creative partner. If you have a particular stock FX chain you think is PERFECT for that particular kick sample, slow down, and try to accommodate your "guest". If for some reason your adamant about that fx-chain, explain it to your guest. On the flip side, listen, maybe there's something to be learned, that is after all one of the perks of working with a partner.

ETIQUETTE/UP-KEEP:

Guest:
take a Thorough glance around the new studio upon arriving. Empty beer bottles? weeks old pizza boxes? Ash tray? Empty chip bags? If the answer to any of those question is no, then DO NOT create and obviously do not leave any. The tidiness and relative up keep of someones studio is particular to them, and is kept in a certain fashion for a reason...that's how the owner likes it! Note, if you are a smoker, like myself, be mindful of the workflow, don't be sneaking out every 45 minutes for a smoke, it disrupts the workflow and can be viewed as disrespectful.

Home:
Does your collaborative partner smoke? Yes? Put out an ash-tray. No smoking inside? Then let them know, and give them opportunities to go out. Take logical breaks, just spent an hour laying down a guitar track? Reward yourselves with a break, be it bathroom/smoke etc. If you're willing to break your "no fluids in the studio" rule, just be firm and friendly of explaining it. (i.e.) "I don't usually drink in here, but if you'd like, go ahead, just stay clear of the hardware."

RECEPTIVENESS:

This applies to both parties...Be open to suggestions, similar to the ask, explain, suggest technique. As stated above, collaborating with others is to expand and explore creatively. Also, it's to learn. Never, I repeat NEVER, tun down an opportunity to learn something. If you're not willing to be open and receptive with your partner, then work alone.

Lastly, and though it may seem trivial, it is partly in jest...

COMMAND CHAIR:
Most likely the most comfortable chair in the studio, and it's usually strategically placed as to allow access to the more integral and frequently used studio apparatus.

Home:
We understand, that's your spot, that's where you get your work done. However, it's isolating and can potentially alienate the people you are working with. Now, by no means are implying you should give it up to simply please your guests. Some solutions may be; when the "guest" is doing something particular, let them take the seat. On a break? Let them use the seat in your absence. It's your, ship and you're the captain. But even Captain pilots pass control over to the F/O during the course of the flight.

Guest:
Never, ever, as long as you live, attempt to assume the "Command Chair" of someone else's studio. This is quite possibly the single most disrespectful thing you can do in someone else's studio. If I could, and was physically capable of defending myself, I would Macho-Man Randy Savage elbow drop, every asshole who's attempted to commandeer my helm. DON'T DO IT unless offered!

well that's my advice, keep them in mind whenever your out working in someone else's studio/workspace.

[botstein]

This is really nice - however, there are many that I would let in the 'command chair' at my place.

I'd like to add a LOT to the Home section (I've seen some shit):

Transparency
If your place is not-as-described, I am out of there.
If you advertised having a SSL Matrix and you've got an Avid Artist Mix, that isn't cool. Both are sweet, but are totally different things.
If your studio is also your bedroom / foyer / basement / garage / shed / dog house / haunted house / emptied out swimming pool / armory / fast food franchise / distillery / casino / jai alai court / dog race track / walk-in-fridge, that's awesome, but please let guests know first.


Never Never Never Never
These are all things I have actually, factually seen, but should never have seen, in a (so-called?) studio:
Laundry (clean or dirty)
Shower Curtains
Magic the Gathering cards, hundreds of them. I'm sure they are awesome but there should not have been even one.
Children
Illegal drugs, if that wasn't agreed upon in advance (especially if there are also children)
Weapons (legal weapons are fine, I suppose, but I am entitled to pose some questions, especially if there are also children)
Extremely creepy dolls (I wouldn't have minded some Barbie dolls or something, thought that would have also been a bit, but these were just beyond...)
Propaganda

[BiggChev]

hey botstein! Great addition with your reply.

With regards to the "command Chair" I understand what you're saying. When I started producing I was in a trio...and fortunately we were and are all still best friends. Those guys, sure anytime, they can take the command chair. And of course I've worked with producers/writers that are just brilliant and trust almost completely and are actual pleasures to watch work.

[Orthminius]

Though I haven't worked in a studio, I work in a film production lab, and these are all very great guidelines.

[Tarekith]

+1

No one gets my command chair though, mwhuahaha!

[IznremiX]

"Guest:
Never, ever, as long as you live, attempt to assume the "Command Chair" of someone else's studio. This is quite possibly the single most disrespectful thing you can do in someone else's studio. If I could, and was physically capable of defending myself, I would Macho-Man Randy Savage elbow drop, every asshole who's attempted to commandeer my helm. DON'T DO IT unless offered!"

HAHAHA, I laughed so hard at this. Great read!