Ware House Productions celebrates its 10th anniversary
A look at one of the Midwest’s premier recording studios
By Rae Licari

Deep in the heart of Omaha, Neb., sits a recording studio called Ware House Productions. The studio, owned and operated by the dynamic husband and wife duo—Tom and Terri Ware—was custom designed by audio legend Bill Putnam and built in the early 1960s and has existed in its present incarnation for a decade.

Tom and Terri Ware recently took some time out of the studio’s busy schedule to answer a few quick questions about Ware House Productions and the nature of the recording business.

Music Phone Book: What exactly is Ware House Productions?

Terri: Ware House Productions, Inc., is a full service, three studio, audio recording and production facility. We incorporate state-of-the-art equipment, acoustics and design with a 40,000 cubic ft. tracking room, a broadcast production studio and a 5.1 surround sound mixing suite.

MPB: How long has studio been operating?

Terri: The facility itself has been around for a long time [and has operated] as Ware House Productions since January of 1994.

MPB: How and why was Ware House Productions begun?

Tom: Every aspiring musician needs a day gig, and I was no different. While studying music and electronics in college and performing in bands on the weekends, I got a part-time job at a studio, basically sweeping floors. I’d record my own music in the middle of the night and taught myself how everything worked. I began doing sessions and worked my way up to chief engineer. After many, many projects, I went to work fulltime for another studio which eventually moved into the space that is now Ware House Productions. It seemed like a natural move when the opportunity to purchase the studio was presented to us.

MPB: What makes Ware House Productions different from other studios, in Omaha, in Nebraska and elsewhere? In other words, why should musicians choose Ware House Productions?

Terri: Well, for one, you name it-we can do it! Analog to digital, from tracking through the mastering process. Of course, anybody can buy equipment, it’s the people running it and the acoustics that really sets one studio apart from another. Musically, we have recorded everything from rock, country [and] rap [to] big bands, church choirs [and] musical soundtracks, with artists ranging from new bands just getting started to those on major labels. We also provide post-production services for film and video. That’s always fun! We are involved with many nationally syndicated radio and TV shows. I think people might find it interesting to know that the voices on a few of their kid’s cartoons were recorded right here in Omaha with Omaha actors!

Tom: I do want to emphasize our acoustic space. Our main tracking room is a huge 40,000 cubic foot design by the legendary Bill Putnam, founder of Universal Audio and recipient of a technical Grammy award. Putnam’s acoustic and technical designs are famous around the world. I love the reaction of audio engineers in the know when I say “we have a Putnam room”. The response never lets me down and reminds me that we are fortunate to have such a very special space.

MPB: What can clients expect at Ware House Productions?

Terri: Clients can expect quality production with an experienced engineer in a very casual yet professional environment. Kip from the band Haven 21 said, “Its better than sitting at home!” Terri Ware said laughing.

Tom: Seriously, it’s important to us to create an atmosphere that’s conducive to creativity so everyone is relaxed and having fun. We care about our clients and their satisfaction with each of their projects. We really take pride in every product that comes out of our studio and are honored when we see or hear our name as contributors to a project’s completion and success.

MPB: How can musicians be sure to get the most out of their time at a studio?

Terri: Musicians can get the most for their money by being prepared. But there are a few things we usually suggest to help the process go smoothly.

Tom: Meet with your engineer to discuss your project and objective. It’s the engineer’s job to make a technical reality out of the producer’s vision. If you don’t have a producer, make sure the band agrees on what that vision is! Have examples of similar bands you like the sound of, and your own board mixes or demos showing what you are going to be working on. Make sure that your gear is in good shape, i.e., strings, drum heads, tubes, anything that would take away from precious studio time. Let you engineer know ahead of time what studio gear you will need. You don’t want to show up for a session and announce for the first time that “we just thought we’d use your drums and amps’.

Terri: Something else that’s important to do is prepare your budget so you know how much time you can spend on each phase of the process. You don’t want to spend all your time working on one song when you have eight others to record.

Tom: Bands that practice more tend to have a smoother recording experience.

MPB: What do you find rewarding and enjoyable about your job?

Terri: We put a lot of pride and hard work into our services and feel fortunate that the people we work with seem to really appreciate our efforts. Over the years, we have had the pleasure of working with many incredibly talented people and we enjoy that very much.

MPB: What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?

Tom: Our advice: There is no gold button, no equipment or engineering trick that can make up for lack of hard work and true talent. Practice, practice, practice. Work hard and be aggressive in promoting yourself.

MPB: What does the future hold for Ware House Productions?

Tom: Our plan for the future is to keep up with technology, always striving to provide the best means of recording and production for our customers.

MPB: Is there anything else you’d like to add that would be of interest to our readers?

Terri: We really enjoy working in the entertainment industry. We have a wonderful staff working with us; we've made lots of friends and intend to keep doing what we love to do!

SIDEBAR:

Ware House Productions, Inc.
Owners: Tom and Terri Ware
Address: 206 So. 44 th St., Omaha, Neb. 68131
Phone: 402.553.8523
E-mail: whp@qwest.net

Open seven days a week by appointment.

Virtual studio tours, equipment lists and more information can be accessed online at the studio’s Web site, www.warehouseproductions.net.