FAQ - How do I put together a demo?
When it comes to demos, the simpler: the better. Nothing ruins a great song like a bad presentation, so keep it to three songs maximum with guitar and vocals, or piano and vocals only. Always leave room for the imagination of the listener.
Member Comments
Don’t industry people want to hear fully produced songs now? Songs that they can just profit off of if they decide to invest in you as an artist? Isn’t it true that they don’t want to waste time or money getting you back into the studio to make your song radio ready?
What’re your thoughts cause Im a singer/songwriter and this has been my view but I want to know if im wrong.
Thanks!
I’ve heard that country singer Kenny Chesney can’t “hear” a song unless it is fully produced. Others are said to ‘have ears’ to hear a simple delivery of a song and recognize it as a potential hit. You never know who ‘has ears’ and who hasn’t got them. Your judgment as to how much is enough is all you have to go on.
I’ve also heard that people in the biz hear lots of bad songs with great production, and no amount of production can make a bad song good. I’ve heard lots of those myself.
First, do you have market research proving you’ve got a good song? Have people heard it and responded in a very positive manner, applauding sincerely (not just politely), asking who it’s by, who wrote it, saying they like it, asking to buy a copy?
If so, it may be worth investing in.
What can you afford? If you can afford a more complexly produced demo, with a full band, and can find a band that does more than turn it into an imitation of an imitation of an imitation, and a producer who doesn’t want you to sign over 100% of the Publishing Royalties, and more, go for it.
This is all super interesting thank you so much for this valuable information! Yeah Ive got to see what works in my situation.. tricky stuff
