Music demo production tips

Why produce a demo?

In order to get your song noticed by producers, publishers and record companies, music demo production is the ticket. Unless they have the opportunity to hear your choir in person, that may be the only way to get recorded.

How much money should I spend for music demo?

A music demo shouldn't cost a fortune. After all, what they say is that producers and record companies get so much stuff that they normally only listen to 25-30 seconds and it's trashed if it's not something they feel is worthwhile. You can actually do an 8-track or 16-track digital recording yourself using today's technology. Because you're reading this, you probably can access to software/hardware to set up your own in-home studio. Otherwise be prepared to pay the high cost of going into the studio. This time averages $75 per hour! Sometimes a good song will be presented with a weak production and get thrown out before it has a chance.

How long should it take?

Take your time! Don't rush it. You want to make a quality impression. The problem with renting music recording studio time is that you rush through it in order to keep costs down. If you don't do it, I'm sure there may be someone in your city/town that can.

What kind of equipment should I use?

If you are a do-it-yourselfer or if you're using a friend, make sure you invest in some good equipment. "Use quality equipment" says Kevin Bond, an in-demand producer (Tri-City Singers, God's Property, Kirk Franklin & The Family) in Gospel Music Industry Round-Up 1997."There's not a lot of difference in the sound of digital recording and a studio product provided that you invest in (1) a good microphone: (brand names include Audio Technics or AKG); and (2) a decent pre-amp: "the preamp warms your sound and gives you a greater level for better saturation on the tape". (Brand names include ART or Pro MPA). Both are found in your better music stores and run on the average in the area of $500."

What will help get mine noticed?

Your demo needs to be done professionally and sent with a typed lyric sheet. Don't come off like an amateur singing in front of a home cassette recorder.

• Fully produced demos attract the attention of the listener. Now sometimes an established songwriter or publisher with a track record of hits will pitch a song as a Keyboard/Vocals and get in, but if they don't get a cut, they will almost always re-cut it fully produced.
• If you are an unestablished songwriter, you increase your chances of getting a cut if your demo is good.
• Kevin Bond (a well known producer) says that you need to have a great song! "That means a strong melody, a catchy hook (not just the BEAT), and most importantly, sound lyrics that makes some sense

How do I submit my demo?

First of all, you should be prepared to send out not just the demo tape, but a carefully and professionally prepared package. This package should include the following:

1. Demo cassette or CD
2. Lyric sheet(s)
3. Bio
4. Current picture (if available)
5. Press releases and/or reviews
6. Contact information (name, address, phone, e-mail, web site (if applicable)
7. All material should be copywritten

IMPORTANT: You must make contact with the company first unless you are sure they will accept unsolicited materials. Many record companies and producers will not accept them unless solicited. Otherwise, your stuff may end up in a black hole shaped like a trash can!

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