The sky's the limit for Cloud customers

By: SHANNON WINGARD - For the North County Times | Friday, April 20, 2007 8:13 PM PDT ∞

OCEANSIDE -- With $750,000 in recording equipment and three isolation booths, Cloud 9 Recording Studio is set up for professional musicians.

While pros do use the studio, owner Jeff Cloud said he also enjoys working with novices who want to perform from the heart.

"I am really a coach," he said. "I will find very positive ways to constructively raise someone's level, hopefully beyond where they thought they could go."

Cloud opened the Oceanside studio nearly two years ago after moving the business from Sorrento Valley, where it had been for 14 years. He is a guitarist who has been recorded numerous times, including with rock players such as George Lynch and Randy Hansen for a Frank Marino tribute album.

Although he continues to pursue his own musical dreams, Cloud said he is passionate about what a recording studio can offer people who have similar ambitions.

In addition to recording, the business provides a variety of other services, including satellite radio spots for such stations as Air America Radio, voice-over, audio transfers, books on tape and personal messages to those serving in such places as Iraq.

He said that the diversity of his business allows him to work with pros and beginners alike.

"If you have someone who knows what they are doing and can walk you through it, there really is no limit to what you can do," he said.

While Cloud has worked with a variety of accomplished musicians such as Mike Reilly, a guitarist for the Greg Allman Band, and Gregg Gerson, a drummer who plays with Billy Idol, he also has done radio recordings for author Don Miguel Ruiz, who wrote "The Four Agreements," as well as a live comedy album for Nick DiPaolo, who has performed on "The Tonight Show" and HBO.

In addition, Cloud said, at least 20 percent of his business stems from recording yoga and meditation CDs, including the internationally renowned yoga teacher Rama Berch.

Cloud said his prices vary depending on the type of project and how much time it will take to accomplish, with most costing several hundred dollars. He said his work schedule ranges from one large project per week to 15 to 20 smaller ones.

While he has worked with many notable people, he said he really enjoys working with people who are attempting for the first time to record a "gift from the heart," including karaoke CDs for loved ones.

"The person may never have done vocals before, but to have that desire to give from the heart," he said. "I just feel that it is a privilege."

-- Contact freelance writer Shannon Wingard at scwing711@gmail.com

STANDOUT FACTS

Name: Cloud 9 Recording Studio

Owner: Jeff Cloud

Phone: (858) 699-7441

Established: 1978

Web site: http://www.cloud9studio.com/

Employees: One plus contract workers

Estimated gross sales for 2007: $85,000 to $150,000

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