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Just got back from Key West for some fishing and relaxing. The boat we stayed on was docked just down from Shrimpboat Sound so I made a couple of ventures over. The first time the door was closed, but unlocked we knocked and a guy (maybe a soundtech) opened. We asked if it was ok if we took a look inside. He said I'm working and shut the door. The next night the whole harbour was gearing up for the Christmas boat parade and we walked by the studio again. The door was wide open. You could see the gold records on the wall. That same soundtech was there along with about 4 other people having drinks and hanging out. I stuck my head in and nicely asked, "Any chance at getting a look inside?" He rudely said "Not tonight". To try and be nice I said, "Is the album coming together pretty well?" He then said, "Yea, whatever man".

I realize that they don't want to make a tourist attraction out of it and there is a sign that says Authorized Personel Only, but we were quite nice each time. It was disappointing that that guy couldn't just be a little nice and say that he isn't allowed to have people in, but thanks. Oh, well. Maybe Buffett will read this and give him an earfull.

gulfdiver wrote: Maybe Buffett will read this and give him an earfull.

Why would he? I'm sure the "Authorized Personnel Only" sign was put there at Jimmy's reqeust. If it wasn't, it definitely has his blessing, or it wouldn't be there.

True, but it was just this guys attitude that was the problem. I was fine with not seeing inside.

gulfdiver wrote:True, but it was just this guys attitude that was the problem. I was fine with not seeing inside.

Too bad a potentially great experience went sour.
Maybe the guy has just had enough of ParrotHeads,
or maybe he's just a jerk.

or maybe the album isn't coming togther well.

or maybe the album isn't coming togther well.

I've heard from some people that the locals in Cayo Hueso are getting sick of the Parrotheads, so you probably just had the misfortune of one local taking his indifference out on you. It's a shame because it ruins the picture most of us have drawn of the great island.

gulfdiver wrote:The first time the door was closed, but unlocked we knocked and a guy (maybe a soundtech) opened.

Um, I'm gonna guess that when you checked to see if the door was unlocked and then knocked in the middle of a recording session that it probably guaranteed they weren't gonna be nice....

Sound studios love "drop in" guests, and I understand all sound techs must be certified in diplomacy and rabid JB fans...unless of course it's just a job.

Pretty gutsy-Had Jimmy been there he probably would have been a little disturbed with a fan who would knock on the door, or try to get in, disturbing his recording session. At least Jimmy didn't answer the door and tell you to get the hell out of here. I'm sure if you had been walking by and saw Jimmy sitting outside having a drink he probably would have been cordial. But I highly doubt he would give you a tour of the place. Of course I am just hypothesizing-Hell, for all I know Jimmy might've asked you if you could help with the backup vocals-But I doubt it.

Whether it's just a job or not, he didn't have to be rude. Especially the second time.

We have a sign on our office building that says "No Soliciting". Yet we always have people coming to the door with something. We're not rude to them; they're just trying to make a living. A simple "No, not interested" is sufficient. In Gulfdiver's case, he asked a friendly, polite question about how the album was going. He wasn't asking if the guy could get him Jimmy's autograph or something. He wasn't a rabid fan, just a fan. That soundtech guy sounds like he was too impressed with his own power in the situation. Big shot, small bullets.

I'd imagine the reaction the second time was a result of the actions the first time... it strikes me as incredibly rude to knock on the door of the studio and interrupt a session.

Recording is an intensely private affair - it's more like walking up to someone's house, knocking on the door and asking to look around than it is like walking up to an office building and making a sales pitch.

Shrimpboat isn't a tourist attraction and musicians and engineers aren't there for the benefit of the fans - they're there doing a job. If you don't want them to be rude to you, don't bug them when they're not at a show.

I think if they were interested in "drop-ins" they would put a sign out front letting everyone know what it was.

Desdamona wrote:

gulfdiver wrote:True, but it was just this guys attitude that was the problem. I was fine with not seeing inside.

Too bad a potentially great experience went sour.
Maybe the guy has just had enough of ParrotHeads,
or maybe he's just a jerk.

Or maybe his mother didn't love him, or potty train him early enough.

I spent my post high school days working part time at a Sound Studio that did work for radio, tv, movies and music videos. We did alot of recording and post production work and the door was always locked and you needed a badge to get in or you had to be buzzed in. Be thankful that you got that far to atleast look in. You also have to remember that alot of "sound guys" are frustrated musicians who are looking to get in the music biz with connections they meet. While others are very serious about the job. Plus the studio is a "sacred" place to alot of musicians and sound techs. I am sure that they atleast get 1 or 2 knocks on the door everyday from people who just want to take a look.

Knocking on the door of a sound studio is the equivalent of knocking on the neighbors door and saying, "Excuse me, can I watch you do your wife"

And I knocked on the old Coral Reefer Music office in 1985 so I should know

Take my word for it , the guy that answered the door was just doing his job. The sign authorized personal isn't up there for decoration. And contrary to some posts, there are very few knocks on the door there.

jollymon345 wrote:You also have to remember that alot of "sound guys" are frustrated musicians who are looking to get in the music biz with connections they meet.

I know a lot of sound engineers who would disagree with you on that one.

Besides, I thought the DRUMMERS were the frustrated musicians?

You people need to lighten up on Gulfdiver. By the way, how do you know there was a recording session going on? Because some guy said he's working? He could have been working on mopping the floor or fixing the toilet. We're heading down tomorrow and if I walk by and the door is open I will politely ask to take a look out of curiosity to see one of the workplaces of a musician I admire. If I'm told no, so be it. If I'm rudely told no I will not hesitate to suggest numerous sexual acts that the perpetrator can perform on himself. This guy is what's the problem in the world today - lack of respect for your fellow man. If that dude wants to be an a**hole he should join the government or something. An industry designed to entertain and is dependent on public ingratiation is not the place for him. I'm with you on this one Gulfdiver.

Cajunph wrote:By the way, how do you know there was a recording session going on?

A number of ways... the least of which is when he KNOCKED ON THE CLOSED STUDIO DOOR the first time the guy at Shrimp Boat told him they were working.