FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q - WHAT IS MIDI?
A - Midi is an anacronym which stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. Musical midi sound is very simply computerized musical data. Midi sounds can either be digitally sampled sounds of live instruments or electronically produced sounds. Advanced MIDI software is capable of allowing a musician / composer to perform nearly limitless tracks of these sounds to create a multitude of different types of musical compositions. It also allows the composer to hook up one midi instrument with another and allow the two instruments (or more) to communicate with each other. Perhaps the most popular type of midi sound is the sound produced by a drum machine. Sound created by keyboard Instruments available inexpensively at department stores is also a good example of midi sounds. Most midi instrument sounds for the professional are extremely realistic and when used with discretion can sound very credible and real.
On a side note has been the inception of VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTS.
This format of "sounds" looks and behaves like midi. The biggest difference, however, is that virtual instruments are "in the box". The user purchases virtual instruments in software packages that are installed for use in their recording software. Many of the sounds are EXTRAORDINARY.
Q - WHAT IS A MECHANICAL LICENSE?
A - A mechanical license represents what is paid to record and/or sell another's musical composition. You typically do NOT need a mechanical license to record your own material. The process of obtaining a mechanical license should begin at the Harry Fox Agency. http://www.harryfox.com/index.jsp The Harry Fox Agency monitors MECHANICAL ROYALTIES due songwriters who have written songs in which mechanical licenses have been obtained.
Q - WHAT IS THE OVERALL BEST RESOURCE ABOUT THE MUSIC BUSINESS?
A - Ask this question of anyone in the music biz and almost all of them will say, "All You Need To Know About the Music Business by Donald Passman." Whatever you need to know is in this book.
Q - WHAT IS A COPYRIGHT?
A - As it pertains to musical composition, a copyright is basically the registering of your composition(s) with the LIBRARY OF CONGRESS in Washington, DC in order to establish ownership along with a date for that ownership. It is highly recommended to apply for copyright registration on compositions prior to releasing / publishing them as recordings. Songs can be registered individually or combined with other songs as song books. Forms for copyright registration are available online (CLICK HERE).
Use Form PA for Published or Unpublished Musical Works and Form SR for Published or Unpublished Sound Recordings. Feel free to contact us with questions about this process.
Q - HOW CAN I BECOME A BETTER SONG LYRIC WRITER?
A - Putting the musical elements of a song composition aside, the composition of lyrics remains an art form in and of itself. We highly recommend Sheila Davis, successful author of several books on the art of lyric writing....she is among the best writing about this art form.
Q - WHY SHOULD I RECORD AT NIKO'S IN CLARKSVILLE INSTEAD OF LOOKING IN NASHVILLE FIRST?
A - Because NOW you don't have to travel to Nashville. Niko's is HERE!! And you will save lots of your hard earned money. Our rates are designed with Clarksville, TN in mind. At Niko's you get the quality for less.
Q - HOW IS NIKO RECORDS STUDIO DIFFERENT?
A - There are many recording studios offering "basic" recording and replication services. Some of these studios offer "beat production" for rap, hip-hop, or reggae recording needs.
Often, though, if an artist or writer who does not possess skills to play an instrument or lacks the experience or know-how to facilitate their Country, Gospel, R & B, or Blues project, an ordinary recording studio may be limited in their abilities to contribute musically to a client's project.
At Niko Records Studio, a songwriter or artist is NOT limited by what they cannot contribute themselves; Niko Studio is among the few that will do WHATEVER it takes to produce your song(s). We won't say, "Well, if you can't do THAT, we can't help you." And we will produce your song(s) in any style or genre at prices that are VERY COMPETITIVE. Niko's is also a teaching studio.
This diversity is not only why Niko's is here to stay but also why it is "MORE THAN JUST A RECORDING STUDIO"!
STUDIO PHOTOS
