how much does a DEMO cost?

**PTInc** · July 17th, 2002, 07:15 AM

Originally posted by glo

really? someone told me to put something original in place of a cover! I haven't decided between Heart Shaped Box and Climbing up the Walls (radiohead!!) yet. both are slowed down and dark!!

glo

You dummy. When avil said a cover would make your demo look more professional... I think she meant cover art. LOL

**PTInc** · July 17th, 2002, 07:16 AM

Originally posted by Bornslippy
Glo, ofcourse, you got it..

For example, if there is 50 ppl after your show and everybody is trying to jump on you cause they adore you.

I can be your security guard so I can say things like

1. "watch out, please be 5 feet away"
2. "no photos shoots please"
3. "no autographs right now paparatzis"
4. "no interviews right now"
5. "hey guy, please put your pants on, this is not Santa Monica"

You forgot:

6. "I'm sorry Phil, but I just can't allow you to bring in a bushel of tomatoes."

**Avil** · July 17th, 2002, 12:42 PM

Originally posted by PTInc

You dummy. When avil said a cover would make your demo look more professional... I think she meant cover art. LOL

LMAO
So glo misunderstood me!! Hahahahahaa!
Of course I meant cover art!

Covers...don�t recommend them at all, save those until you are roch and famous...or at least have come a bit on the way.
Show the people that you can write some stuff yourself.

**glo** · July 17th, 2002, 12:57 PM

Originally posted by 7red7
I know theres some local studios here in So. Cal...Even close to you glo...Check in Pasadena, Pomona, Whittier,etc...Theres lot's of local acts doing it local...So if you're looking for a studio just check the yellow pages or local music zines like Mean Street, and L.A. Weekly

Also, I'd personally leave the cover off of the demo...Save it for the album

hahaha, save it for the album?!! that's even CHEESIER!!!! i cannot STAND it when covers are on albums (with the exception of Jeff Buckley's GRACE, which had 3 covers on it, which he made HIS own!)

**7red7** · July 17th, 2002, 08:17 PM

When I get my act together and get away from this computer long enough to start working on my music, I'm going to have a cover on my album...

It's more of an homage thing though in our case...That, and we really love the song

Okay, so in your situation glo, maybe you should do a cover on the demo as the 5th song

**synthpop2002_1** · July 17th, 2002, 10:30 PM

I think its funny how most of the people responding to this thread are not industry types, nor are they artists. I would not take any of their advice seriously, afterall, like myself. I am just a fellow enthususiast giving an opinion. Now, if I ACTUALLY owned a label, or if I was a musician who's been through the process, then I would tell you really what to do, or what the demo should consist of. LOL

**glo** · July 17th, 2002, 10:56 PM

Originally posted by synthpop2002_1
I think its funny how most of the people responding to this thread are not industry types, nor are they artists. I would not take any of their advice seriously, afterall, like myself. I am just a fellow enthususiast giving an opinion. Now, if I ACTUALLY owned a label, or if I was a musician who's been through the process, then I would tell you really what to do, or what the demo should consist of. LOL

um, this WHOLE BOARD is full of musicians. WHO are professionals AND who are on labels. So, yes, their opinions matter.

so BITE ME dude

glo

**7red7** · July 17th, 2002, 11:25 PM

On the contrary, I've been through the process before, just not in electronic music...

And glo's right...This forum is full of musicians and people who are close with musicians...The point is, it's all friendly advice...

**Avil** · July 17th, 2002, 11:31 PM

Heh...
Friendly advices yes. But many of the people around know what they are talking about, a lot of musicians or closely related!
These opinions can be worth gold in the end.
And best of all...they are free.

**interface2x** · July 17th, 2002, 11:55 PM

For the record, I'm a nobody and my opinion really DOESN'T matter.

**glo** · July 18th, 2002, 12:07 AM

Originally posted by interface2x
For the record, I'm a nobody and my opinion really DOESN'T matter.

haha, you said it, NOT I...

jk. i really respect your opinion...but you have to understand that i'm NOT gonna be the next BRITNEY...i simply AXED (yes i said AXED) how to make a simple demo...i appreciate your opinion, but i'm not giving my demo to Capitol Records

glo, your hero

**Bornslippy** · July 18th, 2002, 12:17 AM

So GLo, no chance in us seeing you in American Idol huh...

**glo** · July 18th, 2002, 12:30 AM

Originally posted by Bornslippy
So GLo, no chance in us seeing you in American Idol huh...

haha, i LOVE that show, cause of assface simon!!! I'm rooting for my girl Ryan Starr or that one dude (the cute one) with the hair that looks like Sideshow Bob from the Simpsons. he's soo hot!

like, oh my god!

haha.

**cliffwalk** · July 18th, 2002, 02:37 AM

Just some advice. I've done this. Twice. Once with New Age and once with Alternative (Wanted to be the next Material Issue when I was in college). I haven't talked seriously to any labels about my Electronic stuff yet because I haven't figured out what I want that music to be when it grows up yet.

Anyways.... I did this in 1991 and then again in 1994. Both times I used rather rough 4-track recordings. The best I could afford, to be honest.

I was able to get reception from smaller labels but at the time distribution channels had a higher barrier for entry so the smaller label deals required quite a bit of money from me that I didn't have.... hence, nothing ever came of it. Either way....for what it's worth, and good luck...

(a) Treat your demo like it's a full-blown release as far as quality goes. Convey the respect you would in a job interview. This is a first impression.
(b) Have a press-kit assembled to go with your demo. Include a bio, any live performances, pictures, etc.
(c) Have non-flakey ways to reach you included. Voice mail, etc.
(d) Don't waste money sending it to Major labels unless you can GET IT solicited. I was solicited by EMI by entering a national songwriting contest which was judged by talent scouts. Unfortunately that didn't end up working out. It was nice to get that kind of notice, however.
(e) Have the DEMO and Press Kit ready. Make a very small run of them to keep your budget down. YOU HAVE THIS LUXURY NOW: I DIDN'T AND DUBBING TAPES SUCKED. YOU CAN DO PRODUCTION ON DEMAND! Hand them out only when you know you'll get something in return (a listen or two by a DJ, possibly a spin, ideally a live gig). BE DELIBERATE in the way you handle giving them out. Have a reason and respect that the people getting it may get 20-200 of them a week.

And that's some stuff I know.... good luck,

Dave