AVATAR STUDIOS
New York, NY
http://avatarstudios.net
Tino Passante, VP of Operations
Avatar Studios (formerly known as The Power Station) is a recording studio in Manhattan, New York City. It has won several studio industry awards over the years, including a “Les Paul Award for Special Lifetime Achievement.” The complex was renamed Avatar Studios in 1996. Its client list is so impressive, it reads like a Who’s Who in music. Recently a memorable session occurred at the studio––rehearsals for the live event “Another Day, Another Time,” which was a concert in New York City’s Town Hall featuring music from the film Inside Llewyn Davis.
How Do You Ensure A Great Studio Experience?
I have very detailed conversations with them prior to booking time. In fact, it could take several conversations so that I could get as much detail about their project as possible. The reason I do that is because I want them to have the best experience they could possibly have. I not only want to meet their needs, I like to exceed them.
How Can Clients Get the Best Rates?
If a client is willing to come in on short notice, they’ll get a break. Sometimes there are last minute cancelations and studios open up. If a client can fill that spot, I’ll give them a great rate.
Do Artists Need to Work With a Producer?
I’ve noticed that the acts who do work with producers tend to be more efficient. We get both label [major and indie] and DIY acts here. And some of the DIY acts that work solo could really use a producer. Sometimes they waste a lot of time going over and over something because they don’t know how to get what they want. It’s like they’re rehearsing in the studio, which you don’t want to do.
Does Your Studio Specialize in a Specific Type of Recording?
We do a lot of film and TV scores here. We record a lot of big bands and orchestras. Because we have rooms that accommodate large ensembles, composers like to use this studio to record their scores. Of course, like other studios, we also have pop and rock artists who come through our doors as well. And being in New York, we see more rock acts than pop.
