About New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana, is a vibrant city with a rich and unique culture. It is known for its annual Mardi Gras celebration, French-Creole architecture, world-famous jazz music, and southern hospitality. It's located in the southeastern part of Louisiana along the Mississippi River delta, offering numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking.
The city has been influential in the music industry since the early 20th century due to its abundance of recording studios. This includes historic studios like Sea-Saint Recording Studios, home to The Meters and many other notable groups from the 70s onward. Additionally, there are more modern facilities such as Ultrasonic Recording Studio, which has recorded artists like Maroon 5, Janelle Monae, Lil Wayne, and more.
As a fun fact about New Orleans: it's often referred to as "The Big Easy" due to its laidback lifestyle and musical culture. It's also been nicknamed "The City That Care Forgot," referencing its carefree attitude and wild nightlife!
Recording Studio Options in New Orleans
- Audio Equipment
New Orleans has several quality recording studios. They offer professional audio equipment, ranging from digital consoles, microphones, and preamps to ProTools and Ableton Live software.
- Lighting
For your lighting needs, local lightning providers boast high-end theatrical lighting systems designed to produce the perfect ambiance in any environment. Whether you’re looking for a subtle effect or something more dramatic, these systems provide the highest quality results needed for any New Orleans event.
- Furniture
Many local suppliers offer an array of furniture pieces specially crafted to suit any gathering. From comfortable seating arrangements to elegant hosting elements, the right furniture can help make your event truly stand out.
- Catering
Various caterers are available to provide delicious food and beverages for all occasions to ensure that your guests are well taken care of during their stay in New Orleans. These catering services can be tailored to suit any budget and can help make your event truly unforgettable.
Recording Studio Vendors in New Orleans
- Bernard Productions
Bernard Productions has been a reliable industry leader for 37 years. They specialize in musical instruments and audio systems, including renowned brands Steinway & Yamaha Grand Pianos, keyboards, amplifiers, drums, DJ Gear, and more. Their expansive selection of conventional lighting features hundreds of feet of truss and motors, modern moving lights, vibrant LED Lighting fixtures, and remarkable special effects. Additional services include stage building and video lighting — all managed by experienced professionals.
- Armstrong's Supply Company
Armstrong's Supply has been a trusted source of top-quality electrical and lighting products and services for nearly 100 years. As a family-run business, customer satisfaction is their top priority, and they take pride in their exceptional service and expertise passed down through multiple generations. With locations in New Orleans and Jefferson, Louisiana, Armstrong's offers a wide range of electrical and lighting products at competitive prices.
- Jam's PO-Boys & Catering
Jam's PO-Boys & Catering provides diverse homestyle meals to satisfy your cravings. Their daily specials include tantalizing dishes like roast beef with gravy, New Orleans-style po'boys, and fried catfish that will leave you wanting more. For those seeking healthier options, they offer delectable salad wraps. In addition, they offer a range of platters, including Red Beans and Mac n Cheese. With various mouthwatering options, Jam's PO-Boys & Catering is perfect for anyone seeking delicious homestyle cooking.
Pros and Cons of Recording Studio Spaces in New Orleans
New Orleans offers various studio spaces to suit any budget, from cozy home studios to professional production houses. It’s important to look at the pros and cons of recording studio spaces in New Orleans to help you decide if this is the right place for you.
Advantages
- Accessibility: With many recording studios throughout the city, it’s easy to find one that meets your needs and budget. Plus, many are within walking distance or just a short drive away.
- Variety: Recording studios in New Orleans offer different services and equipment depending on what type of sound you’re looking for. From mastering suites to state-of-the-art mixing boards, there’s something available for everyone.
- Professionalism: Most recording studios in New Orleans have experienced staff who understand how to make the best recordings possible.
- Cost efficiency: Many studios provide discounts on long-term bookings or all-inclusive packages that make working with them cost-efficient compared to other cities nationwide.
Disadvantages
- Limited availability: With so many people vying for space in local studios, it can be difficult to secure a spot unless you book far in advance or are flexible with timing.
- Noise issues: If you’re looking for a quiet environment, some parts of New Orleans may not be ideal due to traffic noise and other ambient sounds.
- Pricey hardware upgrades: Some studios may require hardware upgrades or additional services, which can be expensive if you haven’t considered this when budgeting.
Tips on How to Organize Recording Studio Spaces in New Orleans
New Orleans has long been known as a hub for music, from the iconic jazz of Louis Armstrong to the blues and rap. However, creating an effective and efficient recording studio space for your production can take time and effort. Here are some tips on how to organize a successful production in a recording studio space in New Orleans:
- Plan ahead: Before booking a recording studio, create a detailed plan that includes timelines, budgets, and any special requirements for the recording. This will help you stay on track and ensure the recording process runs smoothly.
- Choose the right studio: Consider the size and layout of the recording studio space and the equipment available. Ensure the studio has the equipment for your project, such as microphones, mixing boards, and monitors.
- Communicate with the studio team: Build a good relationship with them to ensure they understand your needs and expectations. This will help them to provide you with the best service possible and make the recording process more efficient.
- Prepare the artist and equipment: Ensure that the artist is well-prepared for the recording session and has rehearsed the material beforehand. Also, ensure all equipment is in good working order and ready to use.
- Manage time effectively: Time management is crucial in recording sessions. Schedule sufficient recording, mixing, and mastering time, and allow for breaks to prevent burnout. Stick to the schedule to ensure that the recording process stays on track.
Famous Locations in New Orleans
- Backstreet Cultural Museum
The Backstreet Cultural Museum is a must-visit location in New Orleans for all those interested in African American culture and its unique history. Offering a 500-event film archive and artifacts from the black community's continued and lost traditions, the museum carefully showcases social aid and masking practices, jazz funerals, pleasure clubs, Baby Dolls, Skull and Bone gangs, and more. Each item tells an intriguing story about the Louisiana city's cultural history, and visitors can interact with objects provided in special "try it" stations. All this makes Backstreet Cultural Museum a hidden gem and a highly recommended place to learn more about African American culture.
- Fort Macomb Ruins
For the traveler who seeks an intriguing destination off the beaten path, a must-see location in New Orleans is the 19th-century brick face of the Fort Macomb Ruins. The fort was once part of an ambitious plan to protect Louisiana's coast with 42 forts during the Third System defense in 1822. Not only did this fort serve a purpose in the War of 1812, but it also became a key area during the Civil War. Tragedy struck when a fire destroyed much of the fort in 1867; decades later, it was further ruined by Hurricane Katrina. Though it would not be safe to enter, daring travelers find its ruins oddly captivating, making it a popular spot for sightseeing and an important gem among American history buffs.
- Magazine Street
Magazine Street in New Orleans is a special place, whether strolling along the six-mile stretch, taking a streetcar or bus, or simply admiring the cottages and twisting oaks that provide refreshing shade. But what makes it special is the vast number of boutiques, costume shops, galleries, and eateries that line the charming and hip street. Here you can find everything from clothes to art to delicious food. The origin of its name is lost in time, and no one knows exactly why it was called “Magazine Street” — though it may refer to magazines of ammunition — but it certainly never fails to be an alluring place for a leisurely stroll or fabulous afternoon spent window shopping!