The MaddHouse home-based recording studio is in constant development. In addition, my schedule is constantly changing as my focus is shifted between numerous projects/prospects and various aspects of my personal life. It seems kind of silly, but as a result of a multi-personnel review, a new set of rules has been developed for security and personal safety purposes. I understand if many of you might not be so keen on some of these new rules; however, they are vital in the fluidity of studio operations. If you disagree with these rules, that’s fine; there are plenty of other studios throughout the Chicago-area. I’m sure they will accommodate you in ways we can’t. We reserve the right to excommunicate all in violation of any of the rules listed below. The rules are as follows:
1.) 1.) Respect the owners and occupants of the home/studio AT ALL TIMES. This is a home-based recording studio, so it is imperative that respect is given to all who occupy it. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” We are allowing you into our home, so it is extremely important that you treat us with respect due unto us and follow the rules set in place. We respect all customers and strive to accommodate your every musical need. However, we reserve the right to excommunicate anyone who lacks any respect thereof.
2.)2.) The studio will now only be available from 9 AM – 9 PM CST Monday thru Friday. I have many different projects as well as a personal life to attend to. In addition, it is difficult to find time to mix down tracks if the studio is constantly active in recording. As a result, times of studio availability have been amended to provide more structure. There will be certain dates and times when the studio will not be available, such as holidays, weekends, special events/occasions, etc. A facebook page will soon be created noting specific times of availability. Always call ahead to verify availability. If you are late/absent for your appointment, we’ll see if we can work something out. Remember, the studio now closes at 9 PM. All paying customers can work out special times with me if needed.
.) 3.) No walk-ins are allowed. I can’t stress this enough. Always call ahead and setup an appointment. There are many customers who would like to work in the studio. I can only cater to one person/group at a time. In addition, the studio may not always be available and I may not always be present @ the time you arrive unannounced. Setting up an appointment is best for all parties involved.
4. 4.) Paying customers ALWAYS have the right of way. Paying customers are at the forefront of this service. As a result, non-paying customers will have to take a backseat. If you are a non-paying customer and you would like to record @ a time that a paying customer wants to record, you will need to choose another time (and date if necessary). If you are a non-paying customer and have set up a time to record, and a paying customer wants that same time to record, we might have to reschedule your appointment. Hey, what can I say? Money talks….
5.)5.) No drinking/smoking is allowed in the studio/house. This is for practical and safety purposes for all who are present. Second-hand smoke is dangerous to all, especially to those who don’t smoke. As a smoker, I empathize with many of you smokers in your distaste for the inability to smoke in the comforts of the studio. However, the owner of the house condemns indoor smoking, so what the owner says goes. This is not to be debated!!!
In addition, alcohol affects many people differently; some people become more relaxed while others become belligerent. I am unwilling to take this risk. While I understand that we are all adults and that drinking can be fun, some people are simply irresponsible in terms of their alcohol consumption. This not only poses a risk to the health and safety of parties involved, but it also poses a risk to the intactness of the equipment. Also, evidence has clearly shown that musicians are at their artistic best in a state of sobriety. I understand that this is the MaddHouse, but this is not a place to party. If you help the MaddHouse grow and obtain an independent shelter, maybe this rule can be amended. However, as it currently stands, it is vital that this rule is respected!
In addition, alcohol affects many people differently; some people become more relaxed while others become belligerent. I am unwilling to take this risk. While I understand that we are all adults and that drinking can be fun, some people are simply irresponsible in terms of their alcohol consumption. This not only poses a risk to the health and safety of parties involved, but it also poses a risk to the intactness of the equipment. Also, evidence has clearly shown that musicians are at their artistic best in a state of sobriety. I understand that this is the MaddHouse, but this is not a place to party. If you help the MaddHouse grow and obtain an independent shelter, maybe this rule can be amended. However, as it currently stands, it is vital that this rule is respected!
6.)6.) No illegal/illegally obtained substances are allowed in the studio. For security & safety purposes, no illegal substances are allowed. You might indulge in your poisons elsewhere, but here it is unacceptable. We would not like to run the risk of any overdoses, erratic behaviors, violent outbursts, etc. Failure to comply will result in excommunication from the studio.
7.)7.) No weapons are allowed PERIOD. I understand that the studio is located in a dangerous part of the city. I also understand the desire to enact your second amendment rights as an American citizen. However, for safety and security purposes, it is best that weapons are not allowed in the studio. The MaddHouse is a liberal family environment, so it is imperative that this rule is respected. Failure to comply will result in excommunication from the studio and potential notification of law-enforcement if needed.
8.)8.) No fighting/violence are allowed in the studio. Again, the MaddHouse is a family environment. We are all about love and unity, so any disagreements MUST be handled in a civil manner. Failure to comply will result in excommunication from the studio and potential notification of law-enforcement if needed.
9.)9.) Quiet on the set! If you are in the studio and you are not recording, be respectful of those who are! The microphone is a very sensitive microphone; in other words, it can pick up a lot of background noise. Until we acquire enough funds to obtain a recording booth, it is imperative that everyone present remains very quiet so as not to ruin the sound. This includes temporarily silencing your phones and other electronic devices. If you don’t like making crisp, clear, great sounding music, disregard this rule, but don’t complain to me if you don’t like what you hear.
1010.) Please be careful with the equipment! I understand that sometimes you might be clumsy and mistakes might happen. Please try not to be careless with the equipment. NEVER touch/swing/play with the microphone, especially in the process of recording. It ruins the recording with impact noise and can cause potential damage to the microphone, and what’s a studio without a microphone? Think about it this way. When you’re listening to your favorite artists, you will rarely hear microphone feedback or background noise. Everything sounds crisp and clean. Wouldn’t you want your music to sound just as crisp? I’ll admit, my equipment is far from the best, but it definitely doesn’t help if there is any damage to the equipment.
