Most important for a cover band demo...

[mstreck]

We are definitely weekend warriors - we're never going to be "the next big thing", but we have some strong points and a lot of people don't think that we suck, so we're looking for bigger and better gigs - but that means that we need to be schlepping around demo cds. And I'm going to be doing something I'd like for it to be the best that I can come up with.

I've been told that the VOCALS on a demo CD are more important than anything else. I've even been told that the band could sound like wet farts if the vocals are good enough - this was relayed to me by a friend whose band works with an agency. I'm not kidding.

But I don't think that vocals alone are going to get us gigs. So... assuming that you're all set in the vocal department, what ranks next? Instrumentation? Song selection? Something else?

[ckcondon]

I have to agree that vox are key for cover bands. No one will really notice if the bass is root-noting all night or if the guitarist can really shred. The band just needs to be tight and the singer needs to be able to hit the notes and have good range to cover the different material. Strong harmony vocals are huge, because most bands don't have them and don't work on them. It will set you apart.
I usually mix my demos with the vocals strong but not overpowering and plenty of kick drum and bottom end (which is what gets the asses shaking live).

[burdizzos]

From what I can gather, if you are going to put cover songs on a demo, then it is a good idea to lump together a bunch of songs in 15 or 20 second clips so the potential client can give the disc a quick listen and hear what the band is about.

No one is going to listen to an entire demo and if you're selling cover songs, then they've already heard the songs, they just need to get an idea of how your band does them.

I'd really like for my band to do something like this, but short of live recordings, that probably isn't going to happen.

[mstreck]

I'd really like for my band to do something like this, but short of live recordings, that probably isn't going to happen.

We're recording show in order to do something similar (the Zoom H2 has been very good to us). However, a bad live mix can render the recording pretty much useless.

[rorylawford]

I agree that the vocals have got to be on the money - that is what 90% of the non-musicians latch on to. After that, just make sure everything is at least copping the vibe and sounding competent and you should be gold

just my opinion

[fastplant]

If your vocals are good, then I think the next issue is making sure the drums sound tight. After vocals, I think people tend to notice a rough drummer next.

[jeff42]

I agree with everything said. vocals are the first thing noticed. and harmonies.

Maybe even think about going our route. We had a 3 1/2 minute Promo DVD produced with a bunch of video we had. The audio taken from pro-shot video with video from multiple sources placed over it. Check out the online version on our page, it's opened a few doors for us.

direct link: http://www.tbarocks.com/promo.htm

(and if you would like one like this, and have all the video I can help out)

[mstreck]

I agree with everything said. vocals are the first thing noticed. and harmonies.

Maybe even think about going our route. We had a 3 1/2 minute Promo DVD produced with a bunch of video we had. The audio taken from pro-shot video with video from multiple sources placed over it. Check out the online version on our page, it's opened a few doors for us.

direct link: http://www.tbarocks.com/promo.htm

(and if you would like one like this, and have all the video I can help out)

Cool! I can't see the video here at work (since it's on MySpace) but I'll check it out when I get home.

Thanks!

[THX1138]

I agree with everything said. vocals are the first thing noticed. and harmonies.

Maybe even think about going our route. We had a 3 1/2 minute Promo DVD produced with a bunch of video we had. The audio taken from pro-shot video with video from multiple sources placed over it. Check out the online version on our page, it's opened a few doors for us.

direct link: http://www.tbarocks.com/promo.htm

(and if you would like one like this, and have all the video I can help out)

Definately go this route. If you're a coverband (and you don't blow ass), all that matters is asses through the door. You want the better gigs, SHOW your potential employer what he gets when he hires your band.

[GCDEF]

Vocals
Song choice
Tighness
Mix

[tim_7string]

If your vocals are good, then I think the next issue is making sure the drums sound tight. After vocals, I think people tend to notice a rough drummer next.

Abso-frickin'-lutely! :thu:

I have always maintained the idea that what makes a band (besides a great visual look) is a great singer and a great drummer. The other guys can kind of coast a bit. As long as the vocals are darn good and the drummer can maintain a good beat mixed with a good sound (tune those drums!), you've got something.

The most-hyped band in town is notable for this very thing: an engaging frontman with a pretty good voice and an amazing "holy-shit-did-you-see-that?" drummer driving the band. As far as I'm concerned, the two guitarists and bass player could be replaced by anybody and they'd still be very popular. Musically, anyway (one of the guitarists is the leader of the band so his being replaced ain't gonna happen anytime soon).

[jeff42]

here's the youtube version. lesser quality but maybe you can see it from work.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CBzY3GabinQ&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CBzY3GabinQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[mstreck]

here's the youtube version. lesser quality but maybe you can see it from work.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CBzY3GabinQ&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CBzY3GabinQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Nah. I teach at a high school. They block just about everything that might be entertaining. :facepalm:

But I checked it out at home. Nice!

[Dega500]

I agree with everything said. vocals are the first thing noticed. and harmonies.

We're screwed!

[js1]

On our web site, we have two sets of demos. One set consists of studio versions of three complete songs showing a range of material.

The other is a mix of 7 songs excerpts from a live gig. Most important on that - the sound of the crowd singing along, screaming and generally whooping it up.

People booking hearing the crowd having a good time - that helps.

js

[mstreck]

On our web site, we have two sets of demos. One set consists of studio versions of three complete songs showing a range of material.

The other is a mix of 7 songs excerpts from a live gig. Most important on that - the sound of the crowd singing along, screaming and generally whooping it up.

People booking hearing the crowd having a good time - that helps.

js

Link?

[MDLMUSIC]

I've been told that the VOCALS on a demo CD are more important than anything else. I've even been told that the band could sound like wet farts if the vocals are good enough - this was relayed to me by a friend whose band works with an agency. I'm not kidding.


I'm pretty much in agreement with the other posters that vocals, especially harmonies, are the big selling point on a demo.

And I also think that "Wet Farts" is a great band name!:thu:

[js1]

Link?

www.shortleash.ca. Go to the media page.

Live stuff is from a Zoom H4.

js

[LightingPimp]

And we try to keep live stuff as much as possible on the myspace page because anyone can sound awesome in studio , but live is what the people wanna know how your going to sound for them ...

heres some of our latest gig stuff ( i know the sound is horrid due to the speaker on the camera couldnt handle the bottom end of the PA)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGpoe9PfjN8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k_2Gd_HcDY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW05TIIwW_Q

this was a opening set for a another local radio dj,s band opener and closer for the first set with a good rocker in the middle

[mstreck]

www.shortleash.ca. Go to the media page.

Live stuff is from a Zoom H4.

js

Thanks! :thu:

[WynnD]

I like the concept that a DEMO shows that the band can start a song together, play together, has good vocals and harmonies, decent solos and can end together. I usually string portions of six songs together into a 5 minute sample of the music we do. Most club owners aren't going to listen to entire songs anyway.

[jeff42]

And we try to keep live stuff as much as possible on the myspace page because anyone can sound awesome in studio , but live is what the people wanna know how your going to sound for them ...

heres some of our latest gig stuff ( i know the sound is horrid due to the speaker on the camera couldnt handle the bottom end of the PA)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGpoe9PfjN8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k_2Gd_HcDY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW05TIIwW_Q

this was a opening set for a another local radio dj,s band opener and closer for the first set with a good rocker in the middle

although it's distorted I can get past that and say... it sounds good! You guys had a GREAT crowd there!

[LightingPimp]

we have been real fortunate the last year , starting our lil band last Dec , we have played over 70 shows last year ( even played for Slick Willy Clinton when they were on the campaign trail here ) We have been lucky that our sound and shows are stepped up due to lighting over other bands around here , they just simply go in places and say .. we are here to party , but a dark stage aint alot of fun for people watching you do your thing . We also are lucky our lead singer is a graphiv artisit so we get awesome flyers for EVERY show we do lol and we burn myspace up on the promoting our thing we do via it.. it works

www.myspace.com/throwdownjones

we also make sure we capture the crowds at EVERY show with on average of 200+ pictures per show ( thats what people want to see ) when hiring you , what can you do for THEM ! and pictures make a difference in seeing what kind of crowd you will bring with you. That is the bottom line .. bodies in the door and money in the register.