Music producer with a rented studio space

Bands, solo artists, producers who need a room, voice-over and podcast clients, and local businesses needing jingles or audio.

Hourly or day rates for studio time, flat fees per song or album, and extra income from mixing, mastering, rehearsal rentals or voice-over recording.

• Tracking live bands and recording instruments
• Mixing, mastering and studio setup
• Running a small business and managing bookings

• Check the lease terms, zoning and noise rules with your landlord and municipality
• Commercial general liability and equipment insurance are worth checking before clients visit
• Rent is a fixed cost, so bookings can be quiet at times and winter or holiday periods may vary
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold
• If you hire engineers or assistants, check WCB/WSIB rules in your province

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on the space, how you fit out the live and control rooms, and the gear you buy. Rent is a fixed cost, so budget for quieter months.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on bookings, session length and the clients you attract. Bookings can be quiet at times, and winter or holiday periods may vary.

Check your lease terms, zoning and noise rules with your landlord and municipality, and look at commercial general liability and equipment insurance. Also check GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and WCB/WSIB rules if you hire.