How to make a CD

SECOND STRING MUSIC has a big display case of locally-made CDs, or music made by artists with local ties. They sell fairly well. The musicians around here realize they aren't making a living off of their recordings, but there are some still brave enough to put new music out, and a lot of it is really good.

From left: Paul, Zeke and Logan jamming away!

There are various ways to go about it. Logan Kammerer and George Cate have home recording studios, and they mix and master their own recordings, even burn their own CDs. Zeke Cernea recently recorded a CD with Paul Wood at Nice Guy Studios in town - you can tell because the production is amazing. Tim (Egan) Kayser has started Gem City Records in town.

Copper Mine (Alan Lawless) is still in business. We even had a recording studio on the second floor of our Fifth and Maine building for a while.

I have an old Boss digital recording system. I did a Christmas CD a few years ago, just goofing around. It wasn't great but it was fun and it turned out okay.

Our friend Will Leffert is recording songs at his home studio and has started a page to fund the project. Buying the equipment and doing it right isn't easy, though it's a lot cheaper today than it was years ago. I remember doing demos with Lana Hawkins at Copper Mine back in 1999 and 2000, and The Funions made three CDs with Alan in the early to mid-2000s.

The recording industry has changed so much because it's possible to do demos at home, if you have the right equipment and the time. And nobody wants to pay for music anymore - we'd rather watch a soap opera disguised as a talent show, judged by people who like hearing their own voice.

As for the local talent, well, you can be the judge. It's here at Second String Music. Most of the CDs range from $5 to $10, well worth it to support hometown musicians.