Michael Peterson is a multi-talented individual: engineer, producer, musician etc. Working with him is an absolute joy and his work is nothing short of extraordinary. Harvest Moon Studios is a place of real magic! 5 Stars ⭐️
He was very professional, had great feedback and suggestions, was precise and executed his production excellently and efficiently while hearing everything I had told him I wanted my music to sound like.
I can not say that I’ve had the pleasure of having the same experience as everyone else. I’m sharing my personal experience so maybe it will help someone else or just to enlighten you. Know that before you agree to sign with someone’s label You are able to work with them. Period!! My mistake was not getting to
know Michael or working with him first before I agreed to be on the label. The vibe and everything seemed cool at first!! until He snapped on me one day for making a statement about MY music and then that’s when I started to see the unprofessionalism come out on several occasions. He stated that he did not want to work with me anymore by leaving me a voicemail which I thought was even more unprofessional and I’m still confused as to what was going on with Him to make him want to do that but He failed to communicate. Michael doesn’t take criticism very well and in this industry you must be able to bend, be flexible. Dare you tell him how you want things done on your own song. I’ve never been more embarrassed by putting myself out there and taking a chance on someone who can’t communicate when there is an issue. I talked to other clients of his that also confirmed what I was experiencing. I believe that Michael is safe in working with a much younger artist so He can be the one to control everything because in this business you have to be open to criticism and there is absolutely nothing wrong with an extra ear, so I found it very disturbing when I received a lot of resistance from Michael on the simple things I asked of him. The up side is that Michael is a good engineer. As for recording any music though it took him longer than the average engineer. It took 2 months to record 1 song! Which I spent well over $1300 bucks to do. I don’t know anyone who would spend that much money on a song. Mind you I didn’t even feel that the song was complete, but I couldn’t express that in fear that he wouldn’t take my criticism well. This was my very first experience with a label and it has taught me a very big lesson. It’s the lessons in life that we learn from. Help us to grow into that better version of ourselves. I will take from this experience just that and not to give up on myself when others do. Another stepping stone to where I need to be. Where one door closes another one opens! I may “sound” bitter but honestly I’m just disappointed with this whole process. I was promised to do a house concert 1 month after I signed so that I could make that money to recoup studio costs but like I said the song took 2 months, I started believing that maybe he was stringing me along for the Money. Anyhow there are some red flags here!! If you have not already experienced what I’ve expressed at some point and time you may!! When a person shows you who they are the 1st time, please believe them, because I did not.
2. Collectors Cult Records
Address: 511 Main St, Martinez, CA 94553 , Martinez , California , United States
This place is awesome and the owner is amazing. If they don’t have what you need, they will order it. I will definitely be supporting this amazing local business.
Johnny is welcoming and has a great collection of records – both new and old! Highly recommend a visit 🙂
Extremely helpful and knowledgeable staff, definitely worth the visit! Will be definitely coming by again!
Fantastic Hawaiian Music. Liked it so much, bought 2 CD’s and listen to them regularly on my car CD player. Terre
This group was AMAZING! Smooth coordination regarding billing/invoicing, set up and flow, and their delivery was top notch. I watched their YouTube videos and thought they were amazing, and their live performance even exceeded my hopes and expectations for the event. The staff and residents alike LOVED the experience. The live steel guitar component was a dream come true! Peter and the team are so talented, phenomenal, and kind, and I look forward to collaborating with them in the future. Aloha!
We hired Haopinaka for a Friendsgiving luau this weekend and can’t say enough good things! Really great musicians, professional, friendly and pleasant to work with. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for Hawaiian entertainment
4. GuitarFinds – We Buy Guitars!
Address: 938 Tyler St suite 105, Benicia, CA 94510 , Martinez , California , United States
Wow, this is a music store AND toy store! They’ve got something for every age for babies to adults. Definitely worth checking out!
A small store that offers more than just a small variety of hands on toys. This shop goes above and beyond and offers music lessons for little ones and beyond…. and lots of toys, and more. I will be going back with my two year old, she loves it.
Great music lessons program
Great little place, former music store, now music and more.
Alot of items and very well organized ma&pa type store. Friendly workers make it have great feeling. Four out five stars cause prices are little high on some stuff but to be expected Benicia store.
Many interesting and educational toys
Unfortunate that it is a toy store and not a music store as they claim. Also unfortunate they sell items that other local stores are already sell instead of coming up with their own ideas. Disappointing that it is not as helpful and creative as it was a decade ago.
Update: I lowered my rating to two stars because of the annoying teenage staff bad mouthing parents while I was shopping in the store. I decided to not buy anything. Teach your staff manners, respect, and customer service.
Great place for music lessons and educational toys and gifts.
6. Contra Costa Research & Recording
Address: 535 Main St, Martinez, CA 94553 , Martinez , California , United States
Inventory was a little scarce but staff was friendly and very helpful today. Overall very good shopping experience considering the circumstances
Great prices
It’s walmart! Nothing exciting!
Beautiful leisure styles and great sweaters. Would give a 5 but some items it’s hard to find smaller sizes and not a good selection of slacks, just jeans.
I keep forgetting they do not accept Google pay
They should stock up their items before the weekend as on the weekends most of their items are not available.
N/a
8. Steve Deutsch Woodwinds
Address: 560 1st St d100, Benicia, CA 94510 , Martinez , California , United States
I have 50 years of experience playing woodwinds and I trust Steve Deutsch with all my instruments.
I drove all the way from Alameda to have Steve repair a Selmer Reference 54 tenor sax. I had bought this horn at an auction so the G# key was not working reliably, the neck was loose and various other issues. Steve was able to clean the horn and get everything working again at a reasonable price. He also loosened up the action on the palm and side keys which were originally too stiff. He’s friendly and offers excellent customer service. The best in the business!
Excellent technician!! Highly recommended! Price are fair…
9. Antiques On the Main
Address: 814 Main St, Martinez, CA 94553 , Martinez , California , United States
Very unique store to walk around and look at some of the items but you never know you might find something you like
I had such a blast! Their was a large variety of stuff from military paraphenilia and pretty artwork. They had very kind and knowledgebal staff. Definitley a must-visit!
This is a good antique shop
Good deals
Lots of nooks and crannies to explore.
Lots of interesting stuff. My son especially liked the World War II memorabilia.
I’m very disappointed about this place. I like the selection of merchandise but the customer service is very poor. The lady in charge is very rude and doesn’t like to bothered with questions. She also told me I wasn’t allowed to look at certain sections of the store. Skip this store, there are plenty of nicer places to go to!
10. Olde Towne Antiques & Mercantile
Address: 516 Ferry St, Martinez, CA 94553 , Martinez , California , United States
Give yourself time to shop through both floors of merchandise. Special new vendors coming in September!
Shhh… stop telling everyone about this place. It’s a gem.
One of my favorite places. Really enjoy browsing here.
Good ppl
Lots of crafts . Over priced antiques
Wonderful store with a ton of interesting antiques. New owners with lots of positive energy. And YES, the cat named “moon” still lives in the store. We explored and my wife found a very old Nipon Cup and Saucer set which she is absolutely thrilled with. The store gladly stayed open late and let us browse.
11. Rockin’ Robbie’s – Concord
Address: 1835 Colfax St, Concord, CA 94520 , Martinez , California , United States
This place is great! The owner is amazingly knowledgeable and offers great advice for both children and adults!
I liked
My appreciation for the excellent customer service which I had received from the store on my last visit . The staff was warm and accommodating, and they were so helpful to me. There are lots of New and used instruments. I highly recommend this store.
Expensive store some of the staff are very nice and friendly some are grumpy 🙂 but the owner will do her best to accommodate your wishes!
Friendly Customer Service !
Instrument Rentals and Sales
I like how knowledgeable employees are, but they are disorganized and that has cost me many trips to this store.
12. Bad Girls Antiques
Address: 810 Main St, Martinez, CA 94553 , Martinez , California , United States
One of the Oldest family owned and well established Antique Collectable Stores here in Historic Martinez Downtown Area..
You really will be almost “Overwhelmed” looking at the Inventory here…and just ASK them what you might me looking for and you will most likely buy something here…as I do !
Plenty of things to see here in the City of Martinez, just 2 blocks from AMTRAK, Buses, Shops, Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Live Music, Bar Scenes..
Literally only reviewing to counter the other sad reviews claiming prejudice and/or racism
I love this place. Their jewelry is exquisite.
Cool stuff informative staff
Yikes. Is this place called bad girls antiques or is it just bad antiques? The merchandise seems poorly maintained and the worker seems overworked and unhappy in life. Attic child is so much better! And they’re nice to everyone.
The little old lady there asked to check my sisters ID when she handed over her credit card to pay. After hanging out in the store for a little bit afterwards it was very obvious that she only checked her ID and another minority woman’s ID. In the three or four caucasian people who went up and paid with a card did not have their id’s checked. Disgusting in this day and age. Absolutely disgusting and pathetic.
I wish I could leave 0 stars. I was in downtown Martinez signing up for a library card and decided to walk around with the time left on the meter. My friend and I decided to go into this antique store where we were not greeted but he looked us right in the eye. My friend found some stones and was going to purchase but when I saw that this person had moved from his position to watch us on his security screen when he was not doing so for ANY other customer, I told her we would not be purchasing there and would be going to a much friendlier and inviting shop. I have lived in Tennessee for 25 years and my first dealing with prejudice, ironically, is in California I will NEVER be back there and they should probably watch pretty woman bc you shouldn’t just a book by it’s cover.
13. Innovox Audio
Address: 817 Arnold Dr # 40, Martinez, CA 94553 , Martinez , California , United States
Cool vibe. Great music, sweet atmosphere, and the staff is always friendly.
Love it. Love downtown of Martinez. Best coffee shop. And try Barrel Aged bar for tequila and whiskey.
Love this coffee shop. Barista’s are great
Was not impressed with their coffee or iced mocha.
No menu prices anywhere, which is really annoying. Lattes were pricey – about $7.50. Guess they’re trying to hide that by not posting prices? So instead you just get to be shocked when it comes time to pay? Interesting flavor options though, and decent drink overall. Service is pretty slow.
Cozy place, excellent sandwiches. The only complaint I might have is just the inconvenience of downtown Martinez parking.
It’s reminiscent of pre-starbucks coffee places, though definitely more of a modern youth vibe.
The sandwich to salty
Your response is dismissive of the actual problem with your establishment. Other reviewers mention this same issue dating back at least one year.
First of all it is your employees responsibility to ask a customer if they are dining in, or taking items to go. Even so this does not excuse the the utilization of single use plastics when so many alternatives exist.
Second it was completely clear that waste is just your default mode of operation. There were only single use plastic cups available near your water dispenser. Additionally, every other customer in your establishment had the same plastic containers with their food.
Most of your food items could easily be wrapped in compostable paper, reusable cups should be available for coffee, and water.
After your response I will not be back. Do better
I used to love coming here for a panini and coffee.
However, on my last visit everything was served in single use plastic, despite eating in. Plastic cup for cold coffee, plastic lid on hot coffee, plastic cup for water. Panini served in plastic container with a lid.
They used to use plates, and mugs when eating in. The sheer amount of waste is unexpected, and inexcusable.
I ordered a hot chai tea latte to go. It was my first time in on this Saturday, May 29t, 2023 at 1:15. The girl behind the counter served me a warm cup of frothy milk with NO chai for $6. She was slow because she was chatting with another employee the whole time. When she slid me my drink she made no eye contact at all , just kept going with her conversation. That will be my first and last time in. No prices are posted ANYWHERE for the menu items-that feels shady.
18. RAPAX RECORDS
Address: 737 1st St, Benicia, CA 94510 , Martinez , California , United States
