Demo CD is a demonstration CD, which is used to give a preview of your songs to a potential music producer. If you want, you could also have it run around with your friends. Here's how it's done.
Steps
Step 1. Write songs
The demo must include at least 2 songs. You can add more if you want, but don't overdo it - no one will ever listen to a 20-song demo. You can insert covers (songs of other musicians re-sung by you), but at least 2 pieces must be original.
Step 2. Choose your best songs
Choose the ones that are played well and sung correctly, the ones with a more catchy chorus and the best structure. They should all have a similar style. Don't ask your fans for advice, they probably don't understand much about musical arrangements and compositions, and anyway they would tell you that they are all fantastic. Rather, ask some experienced musician or other people in the industry for advice.
Step 3. Decide where to record the CD
If you're low on cash, you can record the Demo in your home studio. If you can spend more, you should go to a professional firm. If you register at home, read step 4, otherwise go to 5th.
Step 4. You can record in your home studio
- Download a software to record from the internet. Audacity for example is free and you can download it from here. If you can afford it, buy programs like Pro Tools or Cubase, or use the software that comes with your dedicated sound card.
- Make sure you have all the tools you need. Microphones, amplifiers, a dedicated sound card, a mixer (if you can afford it) and lots of cables!
- Simplify as much as possible. You can record guitar, vocals and bass directly from the microphone. The battery instead requires several microphones connected to a mixer, in turn connected to the sound card.
- Learn to record files in.mp3 or.wav format
- Register the battery first. The rest will be simpler and more precise.
Step 5.
Or record in a professional studio.
Try to find a cheap one. Smaller studios could do the whole job for around € 100 per song.
Do not publish more than 2-3 tracks on your Demo CD. Nobody would like to have to listen to a long collection of songs.
Advice
- Don't waste your time. Get serious.
- If things are going well, let the manufacturer know too.
- Tell the engineer about your plans, so he can prepare an ad hoc study.
- Keep track of the hours and days of registration.
- Be specific about your plan. Do you just have to register? Or mix? Or both?
- Find someone to manage your appointments.
- Conduct business by putting everything in black and white.
- Decide who should hold the masters until the deal is closed.
- Be satisfied with your home studio. No registration can be perfect. Even professional firms are not.
- If you choose to record in the studio, be sure to get plenty of practice before entering the recording room. Time in the studio is precious and we must avoid making mistakes.
- At first it will be difficult to set up your home studio. Be patient and seek solutions.
- Book multiple consecutive days to record in the studio.
- It may be a good idea to invite the engineer to lunch or dinner.
- If you are in a band, choose the songs together with the other musicians.
- Invite the engineer to come to your rehearsals.
Warnings
- Take a good look at the studio before booking it.
- Get a copy of the tapes from the studio.
- Make sure the studio owner doesn't release your masters to someone else.
- Are the studio tools good for recording?
- Find out if you will have to pay the engineer separately.
