Who we are, and Why
Your Ypsi hometown music studio run by regular joes trying to grow the musical community and help independent artists.
Located in Ypsilanti, MI (formerly based in Detroit), we are a passion project grown from a childhood love of music, curiosity in the creative process, and a lifelong attention to detail.
At Alchemy Soundworks, we believe in the transformative power of music.
We are artists; music is and has been essential to our lives.
As artists, we know how much talent and passion is out there, undiscovered.
We know how hard, prohibitively expensive, and time-consuming it is to produce a finished, professional product and have it released.
The world would be a miserable place without music-- with our your music.
Let us be your creative partner in bringing your musical vision to life.
Our principles
Excellence in every aspect of production.
Attention to detail.
How the finished product sounds is what matters:
Polished, shiny, clear, huge, hi-fi.
...Or the grungiest, grittiest, hardest, most aggressive noise.
Either way, we will turn lead to gold.
Innovation and Adaptability
Collaboration and Communication
Dedicated to the Sound
We believe in the power of impassioned collaboration and direct, honest communication.
We work with you to achieve your vision. We'll provide alternative perspectives, new ideas, and creative solutions.
Music is a team sport.
Always learning, and growing.
Exploring new sounds and techniques.
Experimenting to find the art in the science, and the science in the art.
Taking your sound, caring for it, destroying it, re-creating it.
Alchemy.
Meet the alchemist
Alexander
Head Engineer, Founder
Meet the founder of Alchemy Soundworks.
His job is to ensure every project starts and ends with a passionate artist excited about making music.
A long-time guitarist and fan of Motown, British-invasion rock, jazz, metal, drum & bass, and more,
Alexander's enthusiasm is rivaled only by his eye (and ear) for detail.
How we work
Every project starts with a consultation
We will use this 40-60min time to define your goals, determine what services you need, and their scope.
We want to understand your preferences, needs, and your project.
We'll create a project timeline with deadlines, negotiate terms for the project and its needs, and talk next steps for starting the work.
Recording & Production
If the idea is not yet ready for production, we will meet initially to start songwriting at the date agreed upon in the consultation.
If your material is ready for the production stage, you'll send us any and all materials we need to begin preparing for production. We will have a meeting to review the material and decide on a starting point and any aesthetic considerations desired or required.
For bands and singer/songwriters, when you need to perform on the production, we will schedule studio time (or you can send us your takes if engaging with us remotely). Otherwise, we will get to work producing the tracks as discussed (or arranging it as needed).
At regular scheduled touchpoints, or as needed, we will touch base on the progress of production, review work, and make revisions (as necessary).
After tracking is complete, we can talk next steps and file distribution.
Mixing
We will provide you with instructions for preparing your tracks for mixing (reference tracks, dry and wet tracks, exporting, file type, sample rate, naming convention, file organization, etc.).
After you've sent the tracks to be mixed in good order, we will begin work, and have a first draft completed by the agreed deadline.
If you've recorded/produced with us, no need to worry about any of that! We can get started right away.
We can do revisions as necessary to achieve satisfaction. Once you sign off on the mix, you're ready for mastering. We will send you the session unprocessed, with processing, and instrumental version, an a cappella version, and in several file formats to suit any need you may have.
Mastering
Send us your mixed, two-track and any specific considerations about individual tracks, track order, intended platforms for distribution, and if you intend to release on CD, Tape, or Vinyl as well as digital streaming. Additional information about playback systems may be useful in the case of music intended for film or commercial use.
Most of this will have been discussed in the initial consultation, but include any details you feel might be helpful.
Expect to receive a first draft within a week. We can do up to two revisions, as necessary.
When you've signed off on the final draft, we will send you the master track in all versions requested and a few common file formats.
