A comprehensive budget template for recording, mixing, mastering, and releasing an album or EP in India. All figures in Indian Rupees (INR).
Project Overview
Section 1: Pre-production
Section 2: Recording
- Home studio / small indie studio: ₹3,000-8,000 / day
- Mid-range professional studio (Mumbai/Delhi/Bengaluru): ₹10,000-30,000 / day
- Premium studio (e.g., Yash Raj Studios, Sound Garden): ₹40,000-1,00,000 / day
- Session musician (established): ₹3,000-15,000 / session
Section 3: Mixing
Mixing Rate Benchmarks
- Entry-level mixer (India): ₹2,000-5,000 per song
- Mid-level (established Indian mixer): ₹5,000-15,000 per song
- Senior / internationally experienced: ₹15,000-50,000+ per song
- International mixer (e.g., LA/London): USD 500-3,000 per song
Section 4: Mastering
Mastering Benchmarks
- Indian mastering engineer: ₹1,500-8,000 per track
- International (e.g., Sterling Sound, Abbey Road online): USD 100-300 per track
Section 5: Artwork & Visual Production
Section 6: Distribution & Registration
Section 7: Marketing & Promotion
SECTION 8: PHYSICAL PRODUCT (if applicable)
Section 9: Miscellaneous
Budget Summary
Tax Notes
GST: Services received from Indian studios, engineers, producers, and designers attract 18% GST on the invoice amount if the vendor is GST-registered. Budget for this on top of quoted fees. TDS: If you pay an individual session musician, engineer, or producer more than INR 30,000 per engagement, TDS at 1% must be deducted (individuals) under Section 194C. Exports (international services like mixing/mastering): No GST applies on services received from outside India (import of services), but you may need to declare under Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) depending on your GST registration status. Consult your CA.
Free to use · Part of the Indie Music India toolkit · Updated September 2026