Interview With Brandy Dominelli of Dominelli Studios.
I remember the first EP I recorded. I went to one of the more expensive studios in my area.
I thought I was prepared and assumed it would be a breeze.
After all I knew my material pretty well and was stoked to get a taste of a true studio experience.
Well lets just say I realized the true meaning of “time is money” and when the pressure is on, creativity tends to get stifled.
Long story short, that album turned out “ok” but would not come close to my standards today for a number of reasons. While there are many challenges that artists face, one of the biggest ones surrounds recording your music and the costs associated to do so.
I had the chance to interview Brandy Dominelli of Dominelli Studios, who alongside her husband Sandro, are working hard to help artists with the this exact challenge.
Brandy and Sandro are the owners of both “Dominelli School of Music” and “Dominelli Studios” located in both St. Albert and Edmonton (Alberta, Canada).
Both of these companies are continually helping artists to not only hone their skills, but are also providing opportunities to help artists overcome some of the challenges that the music industry poses.
The Dominelli’s are committed to providing a high level recording experience, at a rate that all artists can afford.
They believe that ALL musicians, engineers, and producers should have the opportunity to access a professional recording studio, rehearsal facility, and performance venue, so that they can inspire a more creative and cultural community.
Below is the interview that you’re sure to enjoy.
Contents
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background in music?
Sandro’s career in music started over 30 years ago as a drummer, and he has continued a professional career as a recording artist, studio engineer/producer, and educator at MacEwan University and Dominelli Studios. His accolades include a Juno Nomination, Western Canadian Music Award, and more.
Brandy has been an active arts administrator for over 10 years, and after working as the Artist Liaison for the Edmonton International Jazz Festival she went on to open Dominelli School of Music and most recently Dominelli Studios Recording Arts Centre.
How did Dominelli Studios come about?
In our music school, Dominelli School of Music, so many of the teachers are also incredibly talented musicians.
We kept hearing from them that the financial expense of recording and releasing their music was too great, and that was the limitation to them expressing their music.
We created Dominelli Studios as a non-profit recording arts centre, open to all trained engineers & producers, where artists can create a high quality recording at a price they can afford.
With 10 hours at $199 or 20 hours at $299, including the use of our Yamaha C3 Grand Piano, we are able to support independent artistry and the creation of local recording projects for a sustainable price.
What was your mission at the outset?
To inspire and cultivate a thriving community of independent artistry in St. Albert and Edmonton, and to create a non-profit model that supports the current state of the industry and the need of artists to record and release high quality music in Alberta.
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What do you feel is the biggest challenge artists are currently faced with?
Finances. It is very expensive to record in a professional studio, however, many artists value the sound quality that comes from a larger professional space. Also the pressure that comes from the short amount of time that artists can afford in a studio, and the desire to perform to a high level during those hours, is challenging and often impacts the performance of the musicians involved.
How is your company working to help artists combat these challenges?
Within our space, artists often rehearse and do their pre-production in our studio, so they are very comfortable before they begin the actual recording process and bring in their engineer.
This eliminates the stress, which improves the recording quality and experience of everyone involved. The creation of art should be an inspired and enjoyable experience. We aim to bring that feeling back to the recording process.
Who are some rising artists that your company has worked with?
Amanda Penner, Fiashor, Innerlife, and over 80 other artists currently enrolled in our artist development program, Project Vibe, which supports and provides opportunities to emerging artists.
Key Takeaways From The Interview
When you look at the backgrounds of both Brandy and Sandro Dominelli, it is no surprise that they are now pillars in the Canadian music community.
Their innovative approach to providing a professional but affordable studio experience for artists is very admirable. There’s a lot that artists can learn from the whole process of recording at a studio if we read between the lines of this interview.
Here are some key takeaways that you may have missed:
- Studio time is very valuable and the more you can prepare for it the better. Set goals for each session and have a plan. The worst thing you can do is show up for a session unprepared.
- It is highly recommended that you rehearse for a studio session almost as if you would for a show. If you do this, you’ll allow creativity to flow a lot more freely and naturally. Nothing kills a session more than not knowing your material.
- Having a plan for how you will fund your project is very important and I highly suggest seeking grants and sponsorships if possible. At the end of the day always plan ahead and budget for your expenses. Don’t skimp but do your homework and find the best bang for your buck, negotiate prices if you can, or trade services if possible. Every dollar saved counts.
- Another way you can keep costs down is through collaboration. If you are working on a project with someone else, you can split costs and resources which can be very helpful for everyone involved.
- Whoever you do decide to work with from a studio perspective always make sure that the environment is one that you are comfortable in and ignites creativity. Working with talented people is important but having trust and a solid relationship with the people you are working with will help your project 10-fold.
Wrapping It Up
Finding the right studio can be a challenge when it comes to cost but keep in mind that there are many ways around this issue. The Dominelli’s are living proof that affordability can go hand in hand with your next studio session.
If you happen to be in the Alberta area, you should certainly consider giving the Dominelli’s a try!
We want to turn it over to you now, let us know in the comments what challenges you face when it comes to finding the right studio?
Kevin is the founder of Music With Flavor, which joined Whipped Cream Sounds in 2023. He is a seasoned musician turned industry expert. His passion for music goes beyond melodies; he delves deep into the intricate world of music marketing, striving to unearth the most effective strategies for indie musicians. However, Music With Flavor isn’t just about Kevin’s knowledge; it’s a network of industry experts handpicked to provide the most trusted advice. Kevin’s role is to pose the right questions, not just answer them, as he and his team tirelessly research trends, connect with artists, and gather valuable insights.
