Ray Morant – Play & Record Music Until I Die…

When you need a recording studio, you want one with a competent engineer and fair prices.  With Ray Morant and Monster Lab, you get what you need!

“Combining a deep network of talented musicians, recording professionals, a broad pallet of vintage and modern instruments and recording gear: Monster Lab Studios has become the canvas where exceptional musical art comes together.”

“Come Visit, Come Create”

- Ramon Morant

You grew up in a musical household – your Mom’s a professional classical pianist.  Was that the thing that drove you to music?

My early exposure to classical music is what kind of jump-started my ears, I believe I learned to love melody, listening to her practice and teach.

She also had me playing violin as a toddler then piano.  I took up trumpet in junior high school band.  Around 15 or 16 I heard all these great guitar bands and I was hooked on 6 strings.

What was the main thing that got you into music?

The record deal I had with Columbia Records.  I got 12 for a $1 then I only had to buy one a month for a year. I was hooked on vinyl after that.

What is music to you?  What purpose does it serve in your life?

Music is supposed to be fun.  Great music is also joyous and emotional. I remember crying the first time I saw B.B. King live, I must have been 17 or 18 years old.   Fortunately I’ve been blessed to be able to make a little money doing it as well.

You play multiple instruments and are very versatile in that you can play music for any genre.  Some musicians are looking to make it in the big time.  Was that something that you sought at some point in your career?

I’m mostly a string player – guitar, bass, lap steel, etc. I regret not pursuing more piano because I love the instrument.  I always hoped to make a living at music, but mainly I liked playing any type of gig so that’s what led me to appreciate multiple genres.

What is your goal as an artist and a musician?

To play and record music often, until I die.

Recording music is so easily done nowadays with software.  First of all, what made you decide to open up a studio and why a large one versus having something small?

Well, it is “easy” to buy software just as it is easy to buy a guitar; but how you use the tools is much more important than the tools themselves.  Clearly you need the right tools to do the job but really studying your craft is much more important.

I kind of fell into this location and really got hooked on having the space.  It lends itself to so many more sonic possibilities.

Has the slow economy impacted your business, or do the musicians keep coming to record?

Not really, people are strapped for cash but the product and experience they get at The Monster Lab competes with facilities that are more than double the cost, so it kind of has helped me pluck some clients who in the past would have had the resources to go to Sonalysts but now need to conserve.
A lot of people are stricken with the “American Idol sickness” and their skill level when it comes to recording is marginal.  Are you dealing with some of those kinds of people in your studio or is your clientele more bands and other musicians?

I don’t mind sicknesses related to the pursuit of performing and recording music.  I do see people more interested in the fanfare of it than the music but if they are signing my check I do the best I can to produce a prime product.

Where do see yourself in five years?

Good question that I think myself and many musicians don’t ask themselves.  I guess I’d like to kick everything up a notch and be writing and recording more of my own music and develop online and local vehicles to sell it.

Where do you see your studio in five years?

Loaded with more high end gear and able to pick and choose my projects.

Monster Lab Recording Studios is well worth the visit.  Ray is a dynamite engineer and artist.  Need some bass or some guitar added for your session?  Don’t worry, he’s there for that and can do it well.

www.monsterlabrecording.com

monstermusic@comcast.net

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