Here's an interview is with Dino Maddalone, a recording engineer, producer and owner of Dino MIII Recording Facility in Los Angeles.

Can you tell me a little about your production facility and some of the projects that you have worked on in the past?

My newest studio is a 2000sq' ft. facility equipped with 24/48 track capabilities. It is in the most part an analog 2" inch multitrack studio. We do have digital machines but usually transfer to 2" to mix. The console is a new MTA Series 980 with Uptown moving fader automation. It is great console that sounds like a Neve but has other vintage sonic qualities. The main room has a 20' foot ceiling for great drum sounds. (and guitars, horns and strings). The control room is large and is as comfortable as your living room.

I have Produced/Recorded/Mixed thousands of projects over the years, all of which can be seen in my Discography at my website DinoM3.com . I have Produced all styles of music, but my main love is ANY style of human being playing ROCK. Hard, soft, Alternative, Funk, Pop, AAA, Ska, Roots, Blues, anyway way you want to call it. I LOVE MY WORK!!!

I am very excited about a new act I just finished called "Conspiracy of Thought". They've been offered a record deal, a management contract and a booking agency contract by the first three companies that heard the product. The music is very hard but with very meaningful lyrics. Plus they are great guys....

How did you get started producing/ engineering?

I was a musician since I was eight years old. I made a living (yes actually) for about 20 years performing and as a session player. I was always intrigued by the "studio" and the creative part of making a great recording. When I got tired of the "GIG" I started producing my friends recordings. It was a natural transition for me, so I built my first studio in 1987. I was actually producing long before I started engineering and mixing.

What is your approach to recording?

To answer that question could take hours, but I will say that a great recording has no rules. One day it could be just a spontaneous jam that turns into a great piece, and the next day it could be the days and days of pre-production that made the piece what it is. The absolute talent lies in recognizing the magic. It sounds trite, but in my experience it is the truth.

How can you help the unsigned artist that is looking for a record deal?

Hire me for one. There was a TV commercial once that said "We don't make the product.... We just make it better". I like to think that is what I do.........

How important is pre-production when entering into a recording studio?

Pre-Production is very important. A certain cohesiveness develops with a band playing together while they are really listening to each other. A player that knows his part before entering the studio will play that part much better. BUT, most of the pure magic with come if you perform as if your playing that part for the first time. "Vibe" is everything....

Can you give me some pre-production tips?

Always record everything at rehearsal. Play in sections also i.e. drummer and bass player practice together, guitar and bass player together, keys and guitar, lead and back vocals and so on. Then bring the entire group together and practice the piece. Practice to a click track to ensure better timing. You might just record to a click in the studio... Do your pre-production homework away from rehearsal. Take the tape and constantly listen to it to get better ideas about arrangement and such. Leave you mind open for suggestion....

Can you give me some tips for artists and bands that plan on recording in the near future?

Play your material in front of live audiences. Look and see how they react to your songs. See what works and what doesn’t. People WILL let you know what they think of your songs just by their body movement. Watch them react to your music. Watch them watching you....they just might answer your questions on which songs you should record.

What are your thoughts on the digital vs analog recording media?

Hate Digital....Love Analog. ANYTHING played or sung by a real human being should be recorded on Analog tape. (Mastering to the Hard Disc is acceptable). (sorry digital people).

Do you think an unsigned band should hire a producer to help them with their CD projects?

What do they say about a doctor who operates on himself? or a lawyer that defends himself? Answer: BAD IDEA!!!!! It is absolutely IMPERATIVE to hire a producer to help you with your project. MAKE SURE YOU HIRE A REAL PRODUCER... BEWARE!!! There are allot of "so-called" producers that could also ruin you project and possibly your "Music" life. Pick a producer like you pick a very cool suit that fits YOU!!! It is a must for a producer to want what YOU want and not visa versa.... You have to trust him completely or don't work with him. He must have the talent and patients to get the absolute best for you.

What are some things to consider when a band is comparing studios to record their project in?

Budget. Be realistic on your budget and what you can do with it. Make sure the studio is a caring facility. There are allot of studios that I call the 7/11 studio syndrome. They get you in and get you out (like a convenience store) to make room for the next project. Go to the studio and visit the room. MAKE the owner/manager play you something that was done (entirely) at that facility. (check credits on the CD to verify). Good equipment is very important. Make sure everything works and is CLEAN. (If a studio stinks then guess what else will)....... Most importantly, make sure you are COMFORTABLE and can get the SOUND you want..........

What does the future hold for you?

I've just been signed to endorse the MTA Recording Console Company. MTA (Malcolm Toft) in London and Kevin Ferrall in New York have just informed me that I am the first Record Producer/Studio Owner on the west coast chosen to endorse the new console line. MTA will be doing features in MIX, Audio Media and Pro Audio Review (with yours truly and my studio)...... I've also got some great projects I'm Producing at the moment. But, I'm ALWAYS looking for new projects, (signed or unsigned).. Please see all credits, discography, production awards, record reviews, client endorsements and such at my website DinoM3.com